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Energy-Matters


Energy Policy

The Open University is committed to minimising consumption of energy and water in order to maximise use of diminishing resources and reduce environmental impact.
In the 2008 Climate Change Act (CCA), the UK Government committed to a long term carbon reduction target of 80% by 2050 against 1990 levels, with an interim target of a 26% reduction by 2020. The 2009 budget increased this to 34% by 2020.

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Objectives

The Open University seeks to provide optimal conditions within OU premises in the most environmentally effective manner.
The OU will continue to invest in energy efficiency improvements with the objectives of:

  • Cutting absolute CO2 emissions in accordance with "The Carbon Reduction Targets and Strategy for Higher Education".
  • Achieving BREEAM "Excellent" ratings for new buildings and "Very Good" for major refurbishments.

Implementation

This will be achieved through a partnership between all staff and students at
Open University premises.
Everyone can contribute by:

  • Adopting good housekeeping practice, e.g. switching off lights and equipment when not required, etc. where this does not contravene other operational policies.
  • Identifying opportunities for energy and water waste reduction - with Estates help.
  • Reporting repairs / defects causing discomfort or waste to Liaison Line on ext 51000.

Staff in Estates will progress this policy by:

  • Providing satisfactory internal comfort conditions - endeavouring to maintain minimum winter temperature at 21°C during the normal working week.
  • Providing air conditioning only where there is an overwhelming business need.
  • Optimising the operation of heating and ventilating equipment using the Building Energy Management System to monitor and control conditions.
  • Benchmarking energy and water performance.
  • Ensuring that design consultants and in-house staff use best practice techniques and technologies in all projects.
  • Promoting energy awareness among staff and students, encouraging good housekeeping, improving monitoring of utilities,identifying exceptions to normal consumption and giving feedback to users.
  • Promoting whole life costing and investing in the most suitable and efficient building services equipment.
  • Promoting significant reductions in CO2 emissions through investment in appropriate technologies.

Energy Saving Lamp

Monitoring and Review

Estates will:
Co-ordinate the implementation of this policy and will publish an Annual Utilities Report on progress towards these goals.
Compile a programme of prioritised carbon emission reduction measures. (See Carbon Management Plan)
Review this policy, as and when appropriate, for approval by Estates Committee.
For more information, contact
Energy-Matters@open.ac.uk
or call Mike Sackett 58865
Adopted by The Open University March 2006. Revised July 2011

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