Energy

Carbon Trust Standard

The University has been officially awarded the Carbon Trust Standard which shows we have taken real action on climate change by reducing our carbon emissions. The detailed assessment process included a site audit by an Independent Carbon Trust assessor and an examination of the University's energy carbon emissions over the past three years which has shown a 2.2% absolute reduction and a 10.8% relative reduction which takes 'growth' into account.

The Carbon Trust Standard is a mark of excellence that has been awarded to the University in recognition of measuring, managing and reducing our carbon emissions. This is something we can really celebrate.  It is great recognition for our achievements in carbon reduction and demonstrates our commitment to reducing carbon emissions year on year.

The Carbon Trust Standard shows people which organisations you can trust to have genuinely acted on climate change and committed to ongoing emission reductions.

It shows that we are taking action ourselves by reducing the carbon emissions that we are directly responsible for rather than just paying others to offset our emissions. The University's Carbon Management Plan is designed to build on this success and achieve further carbon reductions going forward.

Some of the many projects that have enabled us to get the Carbon Trust Standard include rationalising Colleges heating system operation, the installation of voltage optimisers, high efficient boiler plant, energy efficient lighting schemes, automatic controls, 'free cooling' systems, insulation and building fabric improvements, etc.

The Carbon Trust Standard requires us to keep reducing our carbon emissions and to recertify every two years.  It means we have to continue the great work and all keep reducing our impact on the environment.

The University is committed to saving energy both by encouraging and supporting behavioural change and by carrying out physical modifications to University buildings and their systems.

We would encourage everyone throughout the University to either act to reduce energy usage, or where appropriate, notify Estates and Buildings of any excessive or unnecessary use of energy to enable E&B to act on your behalf. It is increasingly apparent that most people within the University community are concerned about energy usage and would like to minimise this as much as possible.

In order to assist with this a dedicated email account has been established; so that any energy concerns that you may have, or suggestions in ways to reduce energy use can be considered by Paul Riddlesden and Mick Corner, the University Energy team. The dedicated email address can be used for any energy saving ideas that you may have no matter how small.

In the meantime, if you are aware of any unnecessary energy usage, which you feel needs urgent attention, please contact E&B Helpdesk on extension 46000, and your suggestion will be given immediate attention.