Energy

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:

• monitoring and measuring energy use across the University;
• scoping, managing and delivering energy conservation projects;
• investigating and developing opportunities for on-site low to zero carbon energy generation; and
• directing new build / refurbishment design teams to meet the University's standards for energy efficient buildings.

During the last year the University has reduced its CO₂ emissions by 14%. That's 1,802 tonnes, the equivalent annual emissions of 300 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.

• Download our Energy Policy (PDF) and Water Policy (PDF).

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.

Low to zero carbon generation

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.

Ground source heat pump

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 power

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.

Building standards

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.

• In the summer, the building is heated by a ground source heat pump system using geothermal energy from deep wells. In the winter the same water is used to cool the building.
• A large-scale rainwater harvesting system that avoids the use of freshwater.
• Sedum roof providing natural insulation and alleviating surface run-off.