64 | CASE STUDY |
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www.universitybusiness.co.uk | T: @UB_UK
“Before you can eff ectively manage consumption you need to be able to measure it, which is why universities across the UK are now adopting a pro-active approach”
A PROACTIVE APPROACH
Escalating energy costs combined with fi xed absolute reduction targets linked to capital funding means proactive energy management is fast-becoming a necessity for universities across the UK
So how does a university stay on track to make 34% energy reductions by 2020 based on a 2005 consumption with a growing estate and increasing demand from staff and students? Richard Hipkiss, Director at
digitalenergy is adamant: “Control is key. Before you can eff ectively manage consumption you need to be able to measure it, which is why universities across the UK are now adopting a pro-active approach, implementing software systems to allow a bet er understanding of how energy is used on site.” digitalenergy has
implemented energy management systems into universities and academic establishments across the UK. Among them is Keele University, which ranked number one in the fi rst published Carbon Reduction Commitment league table. Home to approximately 1,650 staff
and 10,000 students, Keele’s campus buildings range from the original Keele Hall dating back to 1851, to its ultra- modern day nursery opened in 2013 which boasts a variety of sustainable features including a solar roof. For Keele to deliver targets set by HEFCE for the sector, it has been
essential to ensure existing building stock is continually improved while new construction is beyond current regulations in terms of effi ciency. However, while Keele has been able
KEELE CAMPUS
to eff ectively manage its physical assets through investment, operational reduction has been more challenging, especially when its staff and students are demanding more facilities, longer opening hours and research demands more technology. Richard Hipkiss explains:
“When Keele engaged digitalenergy the key objectives were support in managing compliance and
stakeholder engagement. The two objectives soon became one when the full implications of the Carbon
Reduction Commitment were
understood. It was clear that energy had to be part of the integrated process of running the university.” digitalenergy implemented an energy
management system for Keele which covered all variables aff ecting energy performance which could be monitored and infl uenced by the university. It covered areas as diverse as energy policy, monitoring, measuring, operational aspects and auditing – all delivered
ABOVE LEFT: Keele University ABOVE RIGHT: Example of a CRC Energy
within a framework developed by digitalenergy. Increased awareness of energy
reduction programmes across campus has driven serious behavioural change. Reduced risk from compliance and enhanced reputation through external certifi cation have also been key benefi ts from taking a long-term approach to energy management. Keele became one of the fi rst
universities in the UK to have its energy management system certifi ed to the prestigious quality standard of ISO50001:2011, but how important is a university’s commitment to sustainability and its impact on the environment to prospective students? Martyn Wilde, Energy Manager at
Keele believes it does wield some infl uence commenting: “As well as helping to manage energy bet er, focusing on this area also leads to environmental benefi ts, such as the reduction of carbon emissions, something which prospective students factor into their choice of where to study.” UB
www.digitalenergy.org.uk
Main Keele image: Mholland who is independent of UB
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