Innovative Energy Consultancy Ltd
Innovative Energy Consultancy Ltd

Glyndwr University embraces IEC’s ‘go green’ challenge

Students and staff embrace the ‘go green’ challenge at Glyndŵr University

Glyndŵr University in Wrexham is going green by encouraging staff and students to help in its efforts to reduce energy consumption for the long-term.  

It’s all part of a wider initiative to reduce the amount of gas, electricity and water consumed by the university.

The university’s energy team is working with IEC and the programme is funded by both the university and the Carbon Trust.

In the last financial year Glyndŵr University has reduced its carbon footprint by six per cent. In the same period, gas consumption was reduced by 16 per cent, electricity by one per cent and water by 32 per cent.

The energy team, made up of Paul Wright and Fiona Williams, recently published the university’s annual carbon consumption figures which showed a 252-tonne reducation in CO² emissions.

Paul said: “To ensure consistent results, we are implementing energy conservation practices and measures to reduce carbon and conserve environmental resources in conjunction with our carbon management plan. Our teamwork enables us to monitor all energy consumption in the university’s buildings and we are dedicated to understanding how our operations contribute to our carbon footprint.

“Low-cost actions have included the refurbishment of water efficiency equipment, improved controls for electrical equipment and the gas boiler as well as upgrades to lighting.  The university is also considering a programme of investment in new equipment which will deliver long-term savings. Continually investigating potential projects and schemes will ensure the university achieves its carbon reduction objectives.”

Fiona added: “One scheme we have already implemented is our Green Champion scheme. The scheme inspires employees and students to be more sustainable in their workplace and promotes environmental awareness and education on reducing energy costs and carbon emissions. Special regular events we hold throughout the year such as our recent “Go Green” Week have given the programme a great boost.

Behind the scenes, IEC’s Managing Director Mike Jones and his team have undertaken detailed monitoring and analysis of energy use across the university’s various sites.  This has shown where and how the university consumes energy and has led to the creation of a long-term carbon management plan.

Paul Whiting, Executive Director of Finance at Estates at the university, said: “IEC has helped us put the issue of energy consumption higher up the agenda for both staff and students who have been really supportive.  Simple things like turning off computers and lights as well as being more careful about water usage are making a big difference.  Over the next few months we’ll be developing our plans to reduce our energy consumption for the long-term, but this has certainly been a very promising start.”

Lee Evans, Account Manager for Carbon Trust Wales, said: “In a short space of time,  Glyndŵr University has made excellent progress in reducing energy and water wastage in buildings. The next phase of work includes further improving energy awareness and implementing long-term ‘invest to save’ measures. The Carbon Trust looks forward to working with the university to deliver these effective energy efficiency projects.”

IEC’s Mike Jones said: “This is a great example of the difference that individuals can make in reducing their impact on the environment. Already the benefits are being realised in terms of cost savings – the money the university isn’t spending unnecessarily on energy can be ploughed back into improved services for students.”

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