Carbon and energy management

The aim is to reduce the amount of energy consumed by the University and therefore lower its carbon footprint. In the academic year from 1st August 2007 to 31st July 2008 our total utilities bill was £4,333,588. The largest portion of carbon emissions comes from the electricity used in non-residential buildings; it will be the least efficient of these that will provide the immediate focus of energy work. Once automated meters have been installed in the Residences, work to reduce carbon emissions in this area can begin.

Our objectives and targets are to:
• Reduce our overall carbon footprint in line with the following milestones. (all percentages relate to the University’s 2004/5 carbon baseline):
– 10% by 2010/11 (part of the “10:10” campaign aspiration)
– 20% by 2012/13 (a target from the existing Carbon Management Strategy)
– 30% by 2014/15
– 40% by 2016/17
– 50% by 2018/19
– 60% by 2020
• Carry out an extensive energy audit of the University focusing upon building fabric as well as service issues (commencement due in July 2010);
• Write energy strategy in line with Display Energy Certificate (DEC) production – the first energy strategy is due to be produced in 2010/11;
• Commission Combined Heat and Power (CHP) installation aiming for first use of new plant in the winter of 2010/11; CHP feasibility will be considered in every strategic energy reviewing period and for all major development projects;
• Invest £1.3 million Salix Revolving Green Funds in 2009/10 in energy-efficiency schemes with all savings being invested on a rolling basis thereafter;
• Produce virtual DECs for all University buildings by 2010/11;
• Install automated metering in the residential buildings in 2010.