The centres will house ultra-modern ‘tri-generation’ units. These will not only create electricity and permit heat from the generators to be recovered, but will also allow chilled water to be produced through a heat conversion system.

This means that environmental benefits will be available all year round, whether the demand is for warmth or for cooling.

One of the energy centres is set to be developed during 2009 behind the Faculty of Arts buildings on Woodland Road; the other during 2012 between St Michael’s Hill and the University’s Medical School. Both centres are subject to planning permission from Bristol City Council.

Professor Selby Knox, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “We are keen to operate in a way that is environmentally responsible and that also makes economic sense. These centres should keep Bristol at the forefront of carbon reduction within the higher education sector.”

Last year the University won the Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Development award in the national Times Higher awards. Since it adopted its environmental policy in 2003, the University has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 24 per cent, water use by 35 per cent and waste-to-landfill by over half.