Kingston University is committed to reducing its CO2 emissions by 35% (against a 2005/16 baseline year) by 2020.
The Energy Management team undertake a range of activities to support the University in meeting this target.
These activities include:
During the last year the University has reduced its CO2 emissions by 21%. That's 2,676 tonnes, the equivalent annual emissions of 445 UK homes.
The University holds an Energy and Water Policy signed by both the Vice Chancellor and Pro-Vice Chancellor. The policy commits the University to a number of objectives in support of its targets.
The University has a carbon management programme aimed at reducing CO2 emissions across all campuses. This programme funds the upgrading of systems and installation of energy efficient technologies.
Since 2012 the University has replaced 8,000 inefficient fluorescent lights with high efficiency, long-life LEDs. Controls have been redesigned to detect absence and switch off whilst also maximising the use of daylight.
Motors and pumps can account for a large percentage of building energy use. The University has installed variable speed inverter drives which match energy use to demand and prevent motors and pumps from running flat out. More than one hundred of these have been installed in the last five years.
To effectively cut carbon, the University needs to identify areas of waste. A comprehensive system of energy metering allows us to pinpoint inefficiency. The University works closely with its maintenance company to address any inefficiency in building heating and cooling systems.
Kingston University recognises that the micro-generation of renewable energy is an important part of its future energy mix. Renewable technologies are incorporated into new builds and refurbishments and there are wider plans for campus-wide district heating / cooling systems.
In the long term it is our priority it is to lay the foundations for low carbon heating and cooling networks across all University campuses and halls of residence. Centralised energy centres will supply low to zero carbon energy to our buildings with a further ambition to become a net exporter of energy.
Energy from ground water can be used to heat and cool buildings throughout the year. At Kingston Business School, water from a system of 28, 200m deep boreholes is used to heat the building in the winter. The same water is used in the summer to cool the building. This is only possible because of the excellent thermal performance of the building. The result is greatly reduced fossil fuel use.
Solar energy is captured by photovoltaic panels and converted from DC to AC for use in our buildings. The University has two solar PV arrays, one at Knights Park, the other at its Tolworth Court sports facility. At Knights Park, solar energy is also harvested as heat via an array of 10 panels contributing to a supply of renewable hot water for the building.
The Energy Management team work closely with designers to ensure new builds and refurbishments meet the University's low-carbon ambitions. This ensures that we remain on track to meet our 2020 target whilst continuing to improve our facilities. The University aims to achieve a minimum rating of BREEAM 'Excellent' on all new projects and is consulting on going beyond this.
The Kingston Business School was the first university building to receive a BREEAM rating, achieving 'Excellent' in 2012.
Estates
We are committed to keeping you informed and listening to your views.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8417 3142
Email us
Estates
We are committed to keeping you informed and listening to your views.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8417 3142
Email us