Barratt Donation Gives Boost to Salford University Students

Barratt Developments has given a boost to five students at the University of Salford, who faced financial hardship.

The leading housebuilder has donated £30,000 to cover tuition fees for the students for a second year under the Barratt Developments Sustainable Housing Scholarship.

The University of Salford and Barratt are collaborating to develop and test zero carbon homes through the Zed House and Energy House 2.0 projects. Barratt’s funding will also support a PhD student to continue this vital climate change research.

Barratt has donated a further £20,000 towards community projects through the University of Salford’s Friends of Energy social impact fund. The initiative directs donations from businesses into a fund to raise awareness of climate change, tackle fuel poverty, and educate the next generation on sustainability. It also aims to improve the talent pipeline into the net zero workforce.

Professor Penny Cook, Interim PVC Research & Enterprise at the University of Salford said: “Barratt’s sustained support and generosity towards our students means that we can support some of the students most in need, providing them with the opportunity they need to remain in education. It also means we can continue our research into tackling climate change and fuel poverty.”

Tristan Green, a Building Surveying student who received a scholarship, added: “My university experience so far has not only contributed to my academic growth but has also improved my personal development. I have greatly improved my confidence, independence, and have a greater sense of purpose. Barratt’s donation to my education has not only helped me to pursue my passions, but it has also inspired me to make a positive impact and I am deeply grateful for their continued support.”

In 2023, Barratt become the headline partner of The University of Salford’s Friends of Energy House 2.0 charitable programme with a donation of £105,000.

Through Barratt’s donation, the Impact Fund provided support to four community initiatives in Salford, where more than half of young people are growing up in poverty, with a crippling cost of living and fuel poverty crisis.

David Thomas, Chief Executive of Barratt Developments, said: “Climate change is the greatest challenge facing all of us. As the country’s leading sustainable national housebuilder, we have a big role to play in reducing carbon emissions and our impact on the environment. Our partnership with the University of Salford is fundamental to the research needed to help Barratt, and the wider construction sector, to achieve net zero carbon.

“It’s also very important to us that we take a leading role in improving the lives of people in local communities here in Salford and across the country. The Friends of Energy House impact fund and Barratt’s Scholarship will direct much-needed support to people who are suffering the effects of the cost of living crisis.”

To find out more about the Friend of Energy House social impact fund, please visit: https://energyhouselabs.salford.ac.uk/friends-of-energy-house-2-0/