Estates

This is great recognition for our achievements in improving our carbon efficiency. It is something that we can be proud to tell our colleagues and students as it adds credibility to our environmental claims.  We are part of a growing number of progressive organisations who have achieved the Carbon Trust Standard. The recertification is equally robust and demands an even greater focus on carbon reduction since companies typically have targeted ‘low hanging’ fruit during their first certification.   This award proves we have taken genuine action to reduce our environmental impact and this external recognition for the work that we have done will help enhance UWE’s reputation.

The assessment process had two main aspects:

1. Demonstrating we have improved our carbon efficiency* over the last three years
2. An onsite audit of our processes and procedures for managing UWE’s carbon emissions

UWE successfully passed both aspects of the assessment.
*Tonnes CO2e/£ Turnover

Energy used across all the University’s buildings was the main area under assessment. Many things have led to a reduction in this, including individuals being more responsible about their personal energy use and numerous energy reduction projects.

The following projects are a sample of the ongoing efforts at the University to reduce carbon dioxide emissions:

• LED street lighting
• Improved insulation and heating controls
• Motion sensitive lighting and lighting improvements
• Air handling unit optimisation
• Metering improvements across the estate
• Student Switch Off campaign and many more.

UWE’s Sustainability Strategy sets out the key targets for carbon reduction from our buildings; against this metric, the University has achieved a 30% relative reduction in emissions since the baseline year of 2001/2.  Last year alone we saved 488 tonnes of CO2 by reducing energy use; this is the equivalent of driving round the earth 58 times!

Recertifying to the Carbon Trust Standard requires us to continue to reduce our carbon emissions over the next two years. To achieve recertification, the Carbon Trust assesses organisations every two years for the carbon emissions produced by their operations and activities. This means we have to continue the great work and all keep reducing our impact on the environment.

A key area that we should focus on is individual actions, as these have a large contribution to UWE’s CO2 emissions. Making staff and students responsible for the buildings they work in and helping them to understand where energy can be saved is crucial. This is something that we will be increasingly focusing on in the future with our new engagement tool, soon to be launched.

What can you do to help?
Individual actions can have a large impact in reducing energy use. Please remember to switch off all equipment around you every evening, weekend or even if you are away from the desk for a few hours. Encourage your colleagues to do so too. Things to remember include:

• Computers/monitors
• TV screens
• Projectors
• Printers/photocopiers/fax machines
• Hot water boilers
• Lights
• Heaters

• PC screens use a lot of energy and screen savers do not save energy. Get into the habit of switching off when you have a meeting, go to make tea or even if you are reading for a few minutes, it all helps!
• Turn radiators down before opening windows.
• Make individuals responsible for communal equipment in large offices – would a last out of the office poster help in your area?
• Carry out a Green Office checklist in your area – email sustainability@uwe.ac.uk for a checklist and further advice.

Share your ideas.....
If you have any ideas on what UWE could do differently to save energy and resources, we want to hear from you. Email sustainability@uwe.ac.uk and if you want to find out more about UWE’s sustainability and carbon reduction work go to:
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/aboutus/visionandmission/sustainability.aspx
http://www.uwe.ac.uk/facilities/estates/energy/energyindex.shtml