University receives £500,000 HEFCE energy efficiency funding
Monday, 09 February 2015
'This funding is another important step in our carbon reduction journey, and recognises the leading role the University is taking in achieving sustained carbon reductions'
The University's carbon reduction programme has been boosted by a successful bid for £500,000 in energy efficiency funding from HEFCE's Revolving Green Fund 4. Professor Robert Van de Noort, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Planning & Resource said "this funding is another important step in our carbon reduction journey, and recognises the leading role the University is taking in achieving sustained carbon reductions".
To date, the University has cut its emissions by 23%, achieving £7.4 million savings in the process, and remains on track to reach its ambitious 35% carbon reduction target by July 2016.
The funding is earmarked for investment in a rolling estate-wide programme of energy efficiency upgrades to science lab fume cupboards. The University plans to invest a further £500,000 itself in the programme, and is targeting £260,000 savings and a 750 tonne reduction in carbon emissions annually from this work. This builds on the award-winning pilot project in 2014, which has saved £90,000 in its first year alone.
HEFCE's Revolving Green Fund provides funding for energy efficiency investment on an interest-free basis, with funds repayable in subsequent years from the energy savings achieved. HEFCE have stated their confidence in the projected savings being achievable, providing feedback that "...the stated saving is likely to have come close to the actual figure realized..."
The University's Energy & Water Policy provides more information on the University's commitment to continually reduce its energy and water consumption and carbon emissions.