Cutting carbon
In 2009/10 the University of Brighton’s carbon footprint was 12,111 tonnes of CO2. This was primarily from gas, electricity and university vehicle use. The university is a fast-growing institution with a strong commitment to sustainable development and cannot ignore the damage that carbon emissions from its buildings, vehicles, waste and procurement are doing to the local environment.
The university is tackling its impacts in many ways and is working towards implementing an ambitious carbon reduction target of 50% reduction in 5 years against a 2009/10 baseline. Our target is more ambitious than that of any other HE institution in the UK. It will require many changes to the way we operate and will require everyone to be involved.
You can see the progress and plans for reducing the carbon footprint of the university by reading the university’s Carbon Management Plan (1285k pdf).
Carbon Trust Standard
The university was recently awarded the Carbon Trust Standard which is awarded to organisations who have cut their carbon and exhibit excellent practice in carbon management. This is a great achievement for the university and highlights the commitment of the institution to lowering our carbon footprint across all areas that we work in.
Sun heats water for Eastbourne pool
The 60 solar panels create energy to heat the campus' 25m swimming pool in Eastbourne. In 35 years, the system will save in excess of 1,000 tonnes of CO2.
Select the image above to be linked to the Estate and Facilities Management pages for more information.
Renewable Energy? Yes!
As of April 2011, 85% of the energy supply at the University of Brighton comes from renewable sources such as wind and biomass.
Cutting carbon by 50% in 5 years
How do you go about cutting the carbon emissions of an institution as large and spread out as the University of Brighton by 50% in only five years? Read our carbon management plan to find out!
Download the University of Brighton Carbon Management Plan (1285k pdf)
Energy Efficient Data Centre
The university has invested in a state of the art energy efficient data centre in Watts - delivering better IT capabilities at the university and halving the data centre's current carbon footprint.
LED light fittings in Huxley
'Molecular' lights in the atrium of Huxley, de rigueur for the new PABS building! The lights contain colour changing LEDs which have a life of in excess of 50,000 hours.
Recycled biodiesel in our fleets
The university vehicle fleet is soon to be run on used chip fat from catering outlets. Biodiesel from waste cooking oil is an environmentally friendly, recycled fuel source. It's all part of our plan to cut carbon.
The Carbon Management Team
Headed by Abigail Dombey, the interdisciplinary team includes staff from accross the university and Students Union - a real (efficient) engine for change.
Carbon saving checklist
There is always something else we can do to help reduce our carbon footprint, why not check the carbon saving checklist for your office
Carbon saving checklist (pdf 1095kb)
Useful links
Brighton & Hove 10:10
www.brightonandhove1010.org
Carbon Trust
www.carbontrust.co.uk
Student Switch-Off campaign
www.studentswitchoff.co.uk
Act on CO2 footprint calculator
carboncalculator.direct.gov.uk/index.html
