Thanks to a number of energy efficiency projects, during 2010-11 Central Campus has seen electricity consumption savings of 1.9% and gas consumption savings of 6.6% when compared with the previous year. The gas savings were even more significant as they were made despite winter 2010/11 being the second coldest winter since 1985/86 (according to the Met Office).

The Environment Team is continually working to identify and implement energy efficiency projects which are fundamental to help the University to meet our 60% carbon target by 2020.

During the 2010-11 academic year 19 energy efficiency projects were implemented, including an IT upgrade, insulation (pipe, valve, cavity wall) improvements, lighting upgrades, voltage optimisation, boiler upgrades, Building Management System improvements, refrigeration and mechanical ventilation controls. All these projects across the Central Campus were funded from the HEFCE-Salix Revolving Green Fund.

This work is part of the wider Carbon Management Plan that also includes the District Heating Scheme that is currently being installed on Campus and in parts of the city, which could save a further 10% in carbon emissions. Another important part of the plan is the contribution of staff and students turning lights, monitors etc. off when not in use, which could save a further 20-30% from our energy bills.

For further information or if you have an idea for an energy saving project in your department see www.le.ac.uk/environment/energy or email carbon@le.ac.uk