Regulations and taxes
There are an increasing number of energy- related regulations
and energy taxes that are directly relevant to educational
establishments, which aim to achieve reductions in the
environmental impacts from buildings.
The Climate
Change Levy is a tax applied to energy used in the non-domestic
sector (industry, commerce, and the public sector). The aim of the
Levy is to encourage these sectors to improve energy efficiency and
reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Businesses and public sector
pay the Levy through their energy bills.
The EU Emissions Trading Scheme controls carbon emissions from
larger energy using plants such as boiler houses. This legislation
might apply to some of the larger FE sites. All the latest energy
legislation can be found on the website of the Department of Energy and Climate
Change.
The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive aims to deliver
substantial reductions in carbon dioxide emissions from all
buildings, both domestic and nondomestic, by 2010. Since October
2008 the Government has implemented the Directive through the
requirement for all buildings to have an Energy Performance
Certificate whenever a building is built, sold or rented out. All
buildings occupied by a public authority or visited by a large
number of people with a total floor area over 1000m² will be
required to have a
Display Energy Certificate showing its energy performance.
Regular
inspections of boilers and air conditioning units, and
re-evaluations of building performance, will also form part of the
requirement.
The
CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (formerly known as the Carbon
Reduction Commitment) is the UK's mandatory climate change and
energy saving scheme, due to start in April 2010. The Scheme
is central to the UK’s strategy for improving energy
efficiency and reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, as set out
in the Climate Change Act 2008. It has been designed to raise
awareness in large organisations, especially at senior level, and
encourage changes in behaviour and infrastructure.
The EAUC has produced an Insight Guide to inform institutions about
the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme.
Click to launch the Insight Guide.
Help and advice
There are 7 major areas where carbon reductions can be made:
Buildings
In a poorly insulated building one-third of the heat is lost
through the roof, ceiling and walls. Big savings in costs and
carbon can be made through insulation and draught exclusion.
Electric equipment
Savings can be made through cutting back on stand-bye, energy
saving light bulbs, lights operated on sensors and central
operation of air-conditioning.
Procurement
Buying materials with a low carbon footprint, energy efficient
equipment and local food will have a significant impact on the
carbon output of colleges. Quick saving could for example be made
in the reduction of paper usage.
Travel
Travel plans that encourage cycling, public transport and car
sharing could cut carbon outputs significantly and contribute
directly to the local community through lessening of air pollution
and traffic congestion.
Sustrans, a leading
sustainable transport charity, works with schools to establish
cycle routes and improve public transport.
The Energy Saving Trust is the main source of information,
advice and support on ways to improve your transport
management.
Waste
Taking waste to landfill is not only costly, but has also a
large carbon footprint. The EAUC has published an on-line Waste Management Guide
specifically aimed at educational institutions. Alternatively
WRAP (Waste & Resources Action
Programme) offers useful information.
Water
Water has a carbon footprint too, because energy is used for
transportation and for filtration of grey water and sewage. Savings
can be made trough the recycling of grey water and rainwater
harvesting.
Effective monitoring energy usage
Smart metering is designed to provide information on a real time
basis about energy and water consumption. This system not only
reveals user behaviour, but could also identify leaks and
inefficient usage of resources.
Continue the journey
More information about carbon reduction and case studies can be
found in the Buildings and
Estates section.