Edge Hill Ups its Green Credentials

As the government unveils its draft climate change bill, Edge Hill University is making huge strides to reduce its carbon footprint.

The University is carrying out a pioneering survey to monitor the energy efficiency of its buildings in a bid to reduce heat loss in existing ones, and ensure that new constructions adhere to energy efficiency guidelines.

Environmental staff are able to measure the amount of heat escaping from buildings through the use of a thermographic camera which takes images revealing the hot spots and air leakages from the outside. The survey also reveals the most energy efficient fabric used - intelligence which feeds in to the design and construction of new building projects.

The survey is an important part of the University's commitment to the Higher Education Carbon Management programme with its focus on promoting sustainability in the university sector.

Dr John Hindley is Environment Manager at Edge Hill: "As far as I'm aware we are one of the only universities in the region and possibly the country to carry out a thermographic survey of our buildings. By carrying out this type of survey we can save 10-15% of our energy use over a five year period which equates to around £100k and of course a huge reduction in carbon footprint."

Dr Hindley has enlisted the help of Geo-environments undergraduate Catherine Murray in carrying out the survey, as part of her work-based learning project. The second year student has had a hands-on role in the thermographic survey, which will stand her in good stead for future employment opportunities.

Dr Hindley is to present his findings to architects, designers and contractors to demonstrate how the use of thermography can impact on the construction of more energy efficient buildings.