New measures to reduce University’s carbon footprint

A series of environmentally-friendly projects will be carried out at Edge Hill University to reduce its carbon footprint even further.

The University, which prides itself on its commitment to sustainability, is a recipient of HEFCE'S Revolving Green Fund, which has been set up to provide recoverable grants to help higher education institutions (HEIs) in England reduce emissions.

More than £300,000 has been given to the University to carry out six initiatives to minimise its impact on the environment.

Work will include new LED security lighting around the campus, replacement lighting in the library and the insulation of hot water heating pipework in the halls of the main building.

The schemes will be completed by September 2012 and are anticipated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 500 tonnes per year.

Energy Manager Pamela Brentwood said: "We are a growing University so it's more important than ever before to ensure that we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and ensure that our expansion plans do not harm future generations.

"The University has invested heavily in redeveloping its campus with innovative, energy efficient technology, which has been recognised nationally with a number of high-profile awards. I'm delighted that our efforts have been acknowledged and that we're benefiting from the Revolving Green Fund, which allows us to minimise our impact on the environment and continue our progress, then pay back the funds through the savings we make."

In addition to these latest projects, the University has also implemented a number of other initiatives to make it a ‘greener' campus.

Improved recycling facilities have been introduced to encourage students and staff to reduce, reuse and recycle. Sustainability Champions have also been recruited across the University who will engage with colleagues in their departments to encourage and advise on environmental matters. Buildings will also be monitored and those that are less energy efficient will be targeted and supported to help make more savings.

For more information about the University's sustainability plans, visit the website www.edgehill.ac.uk/sustainability.