The latest update to our Carbon Management Plan shows our investment in energy efficiency improvements over the last 3 years has now exceeded £1.6 million. These projects have already saved over £3.2 million cumulatively, when compared to projected business as usual costs. This has reduced our cumulative carbon emissions by nearly 17,000 tCO2; equivalent to almost half a year’s carbon emissions for the entire University.
This once again demonstrates the importance the University places on environmental stewardship and our carbon reduction efforts were recognised in our recent shortlisting for a Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Award.
Since the 2012 Carbon Management Plan update, £667,309 has been invested into a wide variety of projects. One major recent project is the lighting improvements made to the corridors, stairwells and classrooms in the URS building.
The improvements include new, more efficient light fittings, including presence and daylight sensors in appropriate locations. For example, the corridor lighting now dims down to 10% power after 5 minutes, lighting up again immediately as soon as presence is detected. This scheme is saving approximately £23,500 annually, and 80 tCO2 and light levels in the building are also much improved. Lessons from this project are now being taken forward to roll out similar initiatives in other buildings.
2013/14 will be another big year for carbon reduction initiatives, and the recent award of £500,000 from HEFCE’s Revolving Green Fund is a major boost to these efforts. As well as further lighting works, major projects next year include cavity wall insulation on suitable Whiteknights campus buildings, expanding our building energy metering and a range of behavioural change initiatives. The full 2013 Carbon Management Update is available here.
