Cutting carbon
The University has set an ambitious target for 2015 to reduce carbon emissions by 20 per cent (from a 2009/10 baseline). Alongside the energy-aware behaviours that staff and students are encouraged to adopt, the Estate Office runs a programme of carbon reduction projects. Here are some current examples that are improving energy efficiency while also enhancing living and working environments.
Hallward Library will benefit from new more efficient chillers. The demolition of the Archaeology and Classics Building presented an opportunity to relocate and upgrade the chiller that has provided cool air to Hallward Library for the last 13 years. It’s estimated that the new equipment will provide savings of around 107 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year.
More effective heating systems
Elsewhere on University Park, over one hundred additional space temperature sensors are being installed across ten halls of residence. The sensors will enable more efficient and effective control of the heating system in each hall, reducing imbalances in temperature within the building and ensuring it is not overheated.
With an annual gas heating bill of around £340,000 for the ten halls of residence, the estimated 4 per cent reduction in annual gas consumption – cutting CO2 emissions by around 94 tonnes – comes on top of previous savings from roof and cavity wall insulation fitted last year.
Improved insulation
Roof and cavity wall insulation has also been installed in University houses, both at Sutton Bonington and on University Park, generating savings of around 15 tonnes of CO2 per year.
In Sir Clive Granger Building and South Lab, old single glazed windows have been replaced by double glazing. The improvements will save an estimated 53 tonnes of CO2 per year due to reduced heat loss from the buildings – and they’re quieter too.
What you can do
Given that the University’s target requires annual reductions of 2,800 tonnes of CO2, we still need your help to achieve the target! To find out how your everyday actions can reduce energy wastage, have a look at our energy saving guidance for offices and labs.