University of Reading signs up to 35% reduction in its carbon footprint
Release Date 03 March 2011
The University of Reading has, this week, committed to reduce its carbon emissions by 35% by 2015/16.
The University has published its Carbon Management Plan, which identifies around 50 projects covering areas such as investment in more energy efficient equipment, improved insulation and IT and heating projects. Key to the success of the project will be the involvement of University staff and students and therefore energy awareness campaigns will play a significant role in the Plan.
Professor Gordon Marshall, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: "As leaders in climate science research and mitigation and with responsibilities to show educational leadership, we want to be seen to be acting responsibly to mitigate our own environmental impact. The benefits of this programme will be felt not just in terms of global CO2e impact but on reduced energy costs - a direct and significant benefit to the University."
In challenging financial times, the University currently spends nearly £5million on its energy bill, money that could be better spent on education-related projects. The Plan targets emissions reductions generated directly by sources controlled by the University. This includes academic and residential buildings, farms, fleet vehicles, aspects of academic and business travel, waste disposal, water and IT delivery and usage.
The University will be investing £3.6million in these projects to reduce its carbon footprint over the lifetime of the five-year plan which, it is anticipated, will achieve direct energy savings of £6.2million.
The University's Carbon Management Programme is supported by the Carbon Trust. Richard Rugg, Head of Public Sector at the Carbon Trust, said: "There are those that can and those that do. Universities can contribute significantly to reducing CO2 emissions. The Carbon Trust is very proud to support the University of Reading in their ongoing implementation of carbon management."
More details of the Carbon Management Plan and the University's many green initiatives can be found on the University's Clean and Green website at www.reading.ac.uk/cleanandgreen.
ENDS
Further information from University of Reading press office 0118 378 7115/7388
Notes to editors:
An image of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gordon Marshall, signing an environmental pledge as part of the University's reduction target for carbon emissions of 35% is available on 0118 378 7388/7115.
Green Facts. The University of Reading:-
...recycles over 40% of its waste
...has over 200 staff and student Environmental Champions
...is one of the leading climate science universities in the country
...achieved our Eco Campus Bronze Award in 2010
...has installed over 2600 bike racks on campus
...Student Switch Off campaign reduced electricity usage in halls by 7.4% last year
...Whiteknights campus comprises 123 hectares of grounds and are managed to encourage sustainability and biodioversity
...recycled over 98% of the old Whiteknights Hall when it replaced with our brand new Mackinder Hall of Residence
...hold a Green Week every year on campus
...has Fairtrade status
...is one of the first universities to measure exactly how much waste we create so that we can work towards reducing our impact
...car club and car share schemes have reduced car travel to the campus by over 130,000 miles a year.