Introduction
Many large organisations in the UK have an energy policy. An energy policy is a report on how the company or organisation plans to save, and not waste, energy in their establishment. It usually states how the energy is distributed and how much is used. In this assignment I am going to research one organisation’s energy policy and look at their aims and how effectively they are using energy.
Energy Policy
Lancaster University recognises that all aspects of its operations consume energy. The university is committed to be as efficient as possible in its use of energy and natural resources in order to minimise both its impact on the environment and its energy costs. It is recognised that major changes will be required in the longer term in order to achieve these aims.
The university adopts the following principles:
• Monitoring & measuring energy use in all parts of the University, quantifying consumption and identifying significant and abnormal energy use.
• Reduce energy consumption through a targeted programme of works designed to minimise usage and improve efficiency.
• Develop an ongoing programme of preventative maintenance in order to improve the efficiency of campus centralised energy and heat transmission systems.
• Procure energy from renewable, and/or local sources in order to minimise greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuels usage and transmission losses.
• Generate electricity and heat on campus using the most efficient methods, selecting and testing renewable sources where possible.
• Consider the energy usage implications of all major campus developments, achieving the highest possible energy efficiency standards, with BREEAM ratings of ‘Excellent’ for new build and or ‘Very Good’ for redeveloped buildings.
• Comply with all relevant legal requirements, sector targets and other energy related guidance to which the University subscribes.
• Consider energy usage implications of procurement decisions at an early stage and fully integrate energy lifecycle information into purchasing decisions.
• Use and develop the unique research and commercial innovation resources present at the campus to advise and assist in energy efficiency matters.
• Report on energy use, costs and associated emissions to Departments and University senior management.
• Work with staff, students, commercial partners, contractors and visitors to ensure all are fully aware of Lancaster University Energy Policy, and associated procedures, providing a programme of education and advice as necessary.
Examples - Sustainable Energy Strategy
The Sustainable Energy Strategy forms part of the University's Infrastructure Masterplan. It details how the University proposes to transform its electricity and heat generation systems on site over the next few years. The key elements of the Sustainable Energy Strategy are:
- Replacement of the existing Combined Heat and Power gas turbine (which has reached the end of its life) with one or two new high efficiency CHP gas engines
- Replacement of the four original 1960's heat boilers with up to four high efficiency gas fired boilers
- Installation of a high efficiency wood-fired biomass boiler
- Assessment of the feasibility of the installation of renewable generation technologies
- Upgrading and improving the efficiency of the University's