University carbon reduction projects underway

By naomiwadsworthApr 30, 20210 Comments
In November, the University was awarded over £3.4 million in funding to deliver a range of carbon reduction projects across its UK campuses.  The funding comes from 3 different grant awards from Salix Finance, financed by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS): £3.3 million from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme £120,000 from the Low Carbon Skills Fund to cover additional resource to support delivery the main grant funded projects £45,000 from the Low Carbon Skills Fund to cover low carbon heating feasibility studies for 6 buildings These projects are anticipated to reduce our annual carbon emissions by…
Energy and Water
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In defence of ‘Net Zero’ Carbon

By danfernbankSep 30, 20200 Comments
“Net zero carbon" seems to be the new catch phrase in discussions on climate change action, but what does it mean, and is it just green wash? It's fair to say there are different interpretations of what 'net zero' means, and some frankly dubious claims being made about appropriate pathways to net zero. That said, there are good guidelines available which set boundaries and standards for robust net Zero plans, such as PAS 2060 and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The University sees Net Zero Carbon as meaning: Cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as little as possible and then…
Energy and Water, Policy, , ,
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University Energy Manager recognised in national awards

By danfernbankDec 12, 20190 Comments
The University’s Energy & Sustainability Manager, Dan Fernbank, has been awarded Public Sector Energy Manager of the Year at the 2019 Energy Management Awards. Run by the Energy Managers Association (EMA), the awards recognise and celebrate outstanding work in the energy management and sustainability industry. Dan has led the University of Reading’s Sustainability Services team since 2011. Some of the team’s main achievements during this time include: Ensuring the University met its 35% carbon reduction target in 2016 (compared to its baseline 2008/09 emissions) Achieving a 40% carbon reduction earlier this year – keeping the University on track to deliver…
Awards and Achievements, Energy and Water, ,
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Progressing Towards a Sustainable Future

By lukecantellowOct 11, 20190 Comments
This year has been one of achievement for sustainability at the University. Concerns around environmental issues locally, nationally and internationally have continued to grow in prominence, and this in turn has seen a distinct increase in the appetite and expectation for sustainability action within the University. This has also been evident in the appetite for sustainability to feature within the University’s new core Strategy. The 2019/20 academic year promises to be an exciting one for sustainability, and one in which we can set new expectations for our ongoing environmental leadership. Cutting Carbon  Having now exceeded 40% carbon reductions since our…
Awards and Achievements, Energy and Water
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Exploring low carbon heating in Henley-on-Thames

By danfernbankSep 26, 20190 Comments
Using the River Thames for heat Since 2017, the University has been investigating the potential to provide low carbon heating to its Henley Business School, Greenlands campus. The site has a prime location on the banks of the River Thames on the outskirts of Henley-on-Thames. Heating at the site is currently from oil-fired boilers in each building and investigations have identify a water source heat pump to be a viable low carbon alternative. The large heat body of the River Thames nearby makes this a potentially ideal resource for low-grade heat to be extracted from. In simple terms, a heat…
Awards and Achievements, Energy and Water, , , , ,
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Sustainable university living

By danfernbankSep 19, 20190 Comments
I’ve escaped from my desk to come and sit in Park Eat café/bar to write this article. Immediately I arrive, I’m confronted with an environmental dilemma. I’ve brought my Sustain It mug (of course!) for a cup of tea, but realise I can’t get any milk out of the machine because my cup isn’t chipped. The catering staff offer to put some milk in a paper cup. I insist I don’t want a paper cup and they insist it’s no bother. How should I respond? Back down politely and take the cup, or stick to my green guns and insist…
Behaviour Change, Energy and Water, Travel and Transport, Waste and Recycling, , ,
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Tennis Dome

Use the dashboards below to explore this building's electricity and gas consumption. Any questions? Email us.
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Going green in 2019

By danfernbankJan 02, 20190 Comments
As 2019 begins, we take a look at our plans for delivering environmental sustainability at the University this coming year. Where we are 2018 was our most successful year yet sustainability-wise, with major reductions in waste production and water consumption and increases in sustainable travel levels. For an interactive look back, view our Annual Sustainability Report. Where we’re going Continuous improvement is a key part of strong environmental management, and 2019 promises to be no exception. Energy hack We are developing plans for our first ever ‘Energy Hack’, building on the success of previous Blackout events to reduce energy consumption in…
Energy and Water, Policy, Travel and Transport, Waste and Recycling
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Setting up a telephone conference using Skype for Business

By danfernbankJun 25, 20180 Comments
All staff can download and install Skype for Business, but did you know, you can also use Skype to set up a telephone conference, even if your contacts aren't on Skype? Here's how: In your Outlook Calendar, select "New Skype Meeting" from the Home tab (if you can't see this button, this article may help, or contact the IT Helpdesk).   This automatically creates a Conference ID that is unique to your conference call, detailed in the meeting invite:                 It's as simple as that! For more tips on how to use Skype…
Energy and Water
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Overnight consumption

On average academic buildings on campus use half as much energy in the middle of the night as they do during the day.Help us reduce wasted energy by turning off lights, water boilers and other equipment when you leave for the day. Check your local toilets and cupboard lights are off too.The buildings with savings highlighted in green on this page have beaten their targets for electricity use between midnight and 4am. Congratulations to everyone in these buildings for helping to make our university more sustainable!Those in amber are very close - think about what else could be switched off…
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