The opportunity to be part of the Higher Education Carbon Management programme, to talk to other people implementing similar projects, and to have fixed targets and deadlines has been invaluable.
Professor William Stephens, Change Programme Director, Cranfield University
The business case
Spurred into action by rising energy prices, and given its history of helping industry reduce energy use through research and development, Cranfield joined the programme in February, 2009. The university plans to invest £3.3 million in energy saving projects – including £250,000 from a Salix loan – and expects a return on that investment in just three years. By the end of 2010, it expects to have completed 65% of projects, saved £695,000 and reduced CO2 emissions by 4,500 tonnes.
The approach
The largest project will be the introduction of a combined heat and power system, which should save almost £250,000 and 1,500 tonnes of CO2 a year. Installing T5 fluorescent tubes will save a further £17,000 and 142 tonnes of CO2 a year.
The University has consolidated two campuses into one – considerably reducing energy consumption – and built new student accommodation, which uses solar power to provide hot water for laundry. And it has appointed a full-time Energy Manager and Green Champions for each school, department and building.
Based in Bedfordshire, Cranfield has 3,300 students and specialises in science, technology and management.
Find out more about support and services available for higher education institutions to reduce energy costs and cut emissions.