Reducing our energy usage this winter and beyond

The most immediate measure of our environmental impact is energy consumption, so the more we can do to reduce it the better. Although energy prices aren’t quite getting the same media coverage that they were this time last year, they are still high, which gives us another reason to focus on reducing our usage. 

The Be Energy Friendly campaign focuses on minimising the wasteful aspects of our energy use – the quickest and most beneficial way to reduce our energy consumption and carbon emissions. 

Reducing our gas use  

The majority of University heating is based on gas. The carbon emissions associated with burning gas contribute by far the largest proportion of what is known as our scope 1 emissions (ie direct emissions from our activities, as opposed to emissions from electricity or from goods and services we purchase). Reducing these carbon emissions is a key focus for the University as we implement the Environmental Sustainability Strategy. 

Scope 1 emissions also include emissions created by vehicles that the University owns. However, the amount emitted from these vehicles is much smaller than our gas emissions.

So how do we work to reduce our gas consumption? The following are areas of our work to reduce gas consumption:

Policy change  

The most effective way to reduce gas consumption is by changing policy. Last year, we did just that by setting a heating and cooling policy. Heating was capped at 19 degrees in the winter, and cooling at 26 degrees in the summer. 

After setting the policy, we discovered areas of the University which were being heated over weekends and aggressively cooled in the summer. This was wasting a significant amount of gas and electricity and represents exactly the kind of wasteful energy usage we are seeking to reduce – saving both energy and money. 

This was a first step, but a policy is only as strong as its implementation, so if you know of areas where heat or power is being wasted, do let the team know by emailing sustainability@admin.ox.ac.uk. There are experts within Estates who are able to work on building control systems to ensure the policy changes are applied as accurately as possible. 

Efficient buildings  

We are also focusing on ensuring our buildings are less ‘leaky’, and don’t allow heat or cooling to easily escape. This is well covered for new builds and refurbishments via our Sustainability Design Guide, which ensures that all large construction projects create airtight and comfortable buildings. 

When it launches, the new Estate Strategy will focus on asset protection and improving the condition of our buildings that have low energy efficiency. 

Heat networks  

Lastly, we are looking into installing heat networks at several sites around the University to help us transition away from gas. This will help us heat and cool our buildings in the most carbon-efficient way possible. 

Putting these heat networks in place will involve large capital projects, so planning the implementation will take some time. 

Be Energy Friendly 

The most immediate and simple way that you can help impact the University’s energy usage is by engaging with the Be Energy Friendly campaign’s guidance. Launched around this time last year, the Be Energy Friendly campaign provides all staff and students with practical tips and small steps that can be taken to reduce their personal energy usage. 

In part due to policy changes and the Be Energy Friendly campaign, last year’s overall gas carbon emissions dropped by 5%, largely attributable to a drop of 17% in consumption over the winter. We’re relaunching the campaign again ahead of winter, and I would encourage you all to visit the webpage and read the easy-to-follow advice, including: 

• Lights off: turn off the lights if you are the last one to leave the room 
• Boil less: only boil as much water as you need (this could save £3 per day per kettle) 
• Layer up: bring a jumper for comfort during the winter months 
• Switch off: turn off appliances at the socket when not in use, and keep electric heaters off for good (they consume up to £1 of energy per hour and can increase the risk of fires) 
• Power down: turn off your computer and screen at the end of the working day, and make sure your computer is set to ‘hibernate’ if you are away from your desk.  

With over 26,000 students and over 14,000 University staff members, we all have a part to play in achieving our environmental goals and working together. I am sure we can maintain this positive momentum throughout the winter and further into the future.  

You can find additional tips for being energy efficient whether you are in the office, in a lab or at home on the University’s Environmental Sustainability website.