University Goes Green Following International Energy Accreditation
1 December 2017
The University of Lincoln, UK, has been recognised for its commitment to increasing its energy efficiency and reducing energy waste with an international energy accreditation. Following a programme of energy saving initiatives over the last year that has included improvements to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, as well as the creation of a […]
The University of Lincoln, UK, has been recognised for its commitment to increasing its energy efficiency and reducing energy waste with an international energy accreditation.
Following a programme of energy saving initiatives over the last year that has included improvements to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, as well as the creation of a new Energy and Carbon Management Policy, the University was granted ISO 50001 accreditation.
To achieve ISO 50001 accreditation, institutions must establish, implement and maintain their energy systems to improve performance, efficiency and consumption to minimise energy wastage, reduce overall energy consumption and as a result, reduce their carbon footprint.
The University will join a select group of higher education institutions that have also achieved the certification.
Alison Wilmshurst, Energy Manager at the University of Lincoln, said: “We are thrilled that the University has achieved the ISO 50001 certification as it recognises the University’s commitment to minimising the energy wastage of all of its activities.
“The certification shows that we are an institute moving in the right direction to effectively manage our energy usage, lower our energy related costs and reduce our carbon impact. This will be further enhanced by the University’s recent move to a 100% renewable energy provider.”
As well as energy efficiency improvements that have already been made, the University has put plans in place to cut carbon emissions by 43% by 2020 (compared to 2005) which will be achieved in part by switching to renewable energy provider Smartest Energy. This will mean that all electricity used across the main Brayford Pool campus will come solely from renewable sources such as wind, water and solar power.
Not only will the switch to entirely renewable energy provide cost savings for the University as a whole, but will significantly reduce its carbon footprint with all energy used across public spaces, teaching spaces and University owned accommodation coming from renewable sources.