The University of Essex Carbon Management Plan

Transcription

1 The University of Essex Carbon Management Plan June 2010 Overview Executive Summary This Carbon Management Plan sets out the overall strategic vision of the University of Essex towards reducing carbon emissions and places this in the context of the wider Higher Education sector and the University s existing sustainable development strategy and environmental policies. This Plan outlines: Relevant University policies and strategy that relate to carbon management, Short, medium and long term carbon objectives and targets, The emissions baseline for academic year 2005/06, Analysis of historic emissions, An implementation plan for performance improvement (the roadmap), Governance and management responsibilities. The key drivers that the University considered in formulating this Carbon Management Plan are: University strategic and environmental objectives, UK Government and HE sector emissions reductions targets, HEFCE capital funding linked to carbon management, Carbon pricing through environmental legislation, Sustainability of the Estate. The Plan predominantly focuses on Scope 1 and 2 emissions, as defined in the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, in line with current HEFCE and legislative requirements. However, consideration is also given to Scope 3 emissions as they play an important role in robust carbon management and are likely to be included in future assessments by HEFCE. One of the objectives of this Plan is to improve data collection so that these can be rigorously monitored in future. Strategy and Vision A key part of the University s overall Vision is a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, with environmental issues being a crucial component of this strategic area. The importance of environmental performance to the University of Essex is embodied in the high profile of the Green Task Force and the University s Environment Policy: The University is committed to making a full contribution to tackling the issue of climate change, supporting the efforts of the UK as a whole and the Higher Education sector in particular. Our vision to enable this is: The University of Essex will manage and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions from all sources focusing on the key areas of electricity and gas consumption. This will be achieved through: Improving energy efficiency across our campuses and operations, 1

2 Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and switching to renewable and ambient energy sources wherever practicable/feasible/possible, Embedding carbon efficient best-practice into the University s strategic decisionmaking, Working with all of our stakeholders and partners to drive forward behaviour change, research and education, contributing to building a low carbon society. Objectives The University of Essex s objectives to meet its strategic goals are: Objective 1. Carbon Reduction 1.1 Reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 35% in CO2e terms by 2020 on a 2005 baseline. A target of 35% has been chosen as it is what is believed to be challenging but achievable by the University given the constraints of inefficient buildings and budgets. However, it is still broadly in line with HEFCE sector targets. 1.2 Meet an interim target to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 20% by 2015 on a 2005 baseline. Target date Carbon Reporting and Accounting 2.1 Instigate annual monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions in July 2011 conformity with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol 2.2 Put systems in place to enable the University to collect data on Scope 3 July 2012 emissions and include these in reporting, including: Waste recycling/recovery and disposal; Water consumption; Transport of staff and students to the University and between sites; Conference and business travel and travel associated with placements and field trips; Procurement. 2.3 Gain Carbon Trust Standard certification March Operational 3.1 The University Estate will be converted to low carbon buildings by: o Ensuring all new buildings are designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent by o Ensuring that all refurbishment projects include an assessment of measures to improve energy and carbon efficiency 2011 o Where practicable and with due regard to the palette of existing materials on campus, all building materials will be sourced from the BRE Green Guide to specifications categories A-C from Energy efficiency and whole life cost considerations will form a key part of procurement from These considerations will particularly apply to ICT July 2010 and other electrical equipment procurement criteria. 3.3 The University has instituted a revolving Green Fund for minor energy efficiency projects. This will be supported and enhanced in the future. July The University will assess onsite renewable and ambient energy options and report on their viability to achieve the carbon reduction milestones. 3.5 The use and occupancy of space will be assessed and optimised to ensure the most energy and carbon efficient use of campus space. July

3 The 2005 Baseline - University of Essex carbon footprint The baseline year for HEFCE carbon reduction targets is the academic year 2005/06 and emissions in this year are shown below. The situation in the last academic year was that the University continues to use a significant amount of energy with annual electricity consumption of 20,408 MWh and gas use of 35,673 MWh in 2008/09. At 3.5 million, energy costs represented a major component of estates operational spend in 2008/09. Carbon Emissions 25,000 CO 2 /CO 2 e Emissions tco2/tco2e 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 Figure 1: Carbon emissions from the University of Essex Carbon emissions for the University have been determined using conversion rates set out by the CRC and by HEFCE. These two figures differ as the CRC and HEFCE methodologies use different emissions factors. Total carbon emissions for the University, as expected, follow the same patterns as overall energy consumption. Despite 2008/09 having lower total energy consumption than the 2005/06 it still has higher carbon emissions. This is because electricity, which has a higher emissions factor than gas, accounts for a bigger proportion of the energy mix in 2008/09. Carbon Emissions Reduction Scenarios / / / / /10 Total CO2 (CRC) 17,210 15,570 16,710 17,758 18,611 Total CO2e (HEFCE) 18,056 16,277 17,487 18,574 19,482 30,000 Carbon Dioxide Emissions: Business as Usual vs Targets tco2e 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 BAU Target HEFCE Target Figure 2: Required Annual Emissions Reductions 3

4 Figure 2 illustrates emissions scenarios under Business as Usual (BAU) up to 2020 and those needed to meet carbon emissions reduction targets. The BAU scenario has increasing emissions as a result of a predicted growth in student and building numbers at the University. Emissions reductions from 2009/10 footprint The table below indicates the trajectory of total annual emissions required to meet the University reduction target. The emissions reductions required to stay on target are also shown below, as well as the cumulative emissions reductions required from 2009/10 to 2019/20. Year Target emissions Annual reduction , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,746 Table 1: Annual emissions target, reduction targets and cumulative reductions required in tco 2 e Cumulative Reduction The University is already undertaking a number of initiatives to reduce carbon emissions as part of its overall strategy to improve environmental performance across the board. The Plan also contains a detailed implementation plan, setting out specific actions that the University will take in coming years to meet its stretching carbon reduction target. The key actions cover improving building efficiency, behaviour change, increased operational resource efficiency and greater clarity of governance and management control. Corporate Governance and Management Responsibility The responsibility for instituting these changes will lie with the relevant operational departments of the University. However, the new University Sustainability Strategy Group (SSG) and will have an oversight and advisory role and will report to the University Steering Group and Council on progress against this Plan. The plan will also be reviewed and updated on an annual basis. Progress against the plan will be reported on annually to the University Steering Group and will form part of the University s annual public Sustainability Report. Costs The details of costs, carbon benefits and priorities will be assessed as part of the roadmap to implement this plan. Costs are expected to be incurred in four ways: Direct costs of implementing ISO14001 and Carbon Trust Standards; Impact on LTM budget through energy driven initiatives; Impact on capital budgets; Indirect impacts on procurement across Professional Services and Departments if green and low-carbon options required. 4

5 Introduction This Carbon Management Plan sets out the overall strategic vision of the University of Essex towards reducing carbon emissions and places this in the context of the wider higher education sector and the University s existing sustainable development strategy and environmental policies. This Plan outlines: Relevant University policies and strategy that relate to carbon management, Short, medium and long term carbon objectives and targets, The emissions baseline for academic year 2005/06, Analysis of historic emissions, An implementation plan for performance improvement (the roadmap), Governance and management responsibilities. This plan will enable the University to realise its vision and contribute to the overall target for reduction in emissions for the HE sector as set out by HEFCE 1. The plan includes all relevant existing University policies for carbon and environmental management to ensure a consistent and comprehensive approach for the University. An detailed roadmap will be formulated, detailing the specific actions that the University will take in the short and medium term in order to meet its objectives. Management responsibilities for achieving these and governance structures for carbon management are also set out in this Plan. This Plan forms a crucial element of the University s ongoing environmental performance improvement efforts and successful carbon management will be integral to the realisation of the University of Essex s sustainable development goals. The key drivers that the University considered in formulating this Carbon Management Plan are: University strategic and environmental objectives UK Government and HE sector emissions reductions targets HEFCE capital funding linked to carbon management Carbon pricing through environmental legislation Sustainability of the Estate The Plan predominantly focuses on Scope 1 and 2 emissions, as defined in the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, in line with current HEFCE and legislative requirements. However, consideration is also given to Scope 3 emissions as they play an important role in robust carbon management and are likely to be included in future assessments by HEFCE. One of the objectives of this Plan is to improve data collection so that these can be rigorously monitored in future. A firm understanding of the drivers for carbon management and a clear overview of the University s carbon dioxide equivalent footprint will enable the University to manage carbon emissions in a strategic fashion in the future. The strategy and objectives set out in this plan therefore form the basis for the University of Essex to make significant improvements in carbon performance between now and HEFCE 2010/01 A carbon reduction target and strategy for higher education in England. 5

6 1. Carbon Management Strategy 2.1 Strategy and Vision A key part of the University s overall Vision is a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, with environmental issues being a crucial component of this strategic area. The importance of environmental performance to the University of Essex is embodied in the high profile of the Green Task Force and the University s Environment Policy. This Carbon Management Plan will apply to all of the University s sites at Colchester, Southend and Loughton. The new Sustainability Strategy Group will report to USG and Council. Terms of reference and divisions of responsibility will be developed and agreed for both the SSG and GTF. 2.2 Environment Policy This policy will be reported on by the University's Sustainability Strategy Group, which in turn reports to the University Steering Group and Council. Minimise any disturbance to the local and global environmental and to quality of life of the local community in which the University seeks to be good neighbour and a responsible member of society. Comply fully with all statutory regulations controlling the University and the sites on which it operates. Maintain the appearance of the University premises to the highest practical standards. Take positive steps to conserve resources, particularly those which are scarce or non-renewable. Assess, in advance where possible, the environmental affects of any significant new development and give due consideration to this in formulating its future plans. Provide the information necessary to enable all equipment and materials to be properly used, stored and disposed of so as to avoid unacceptable effects on people and the environment. Provide the necessary information to enable staff and students to undertake their work, learning or research properly and with minimal detrimental effects on people and the environment. Keep the public informed of major new developments in the operation and expansion of the University. The University has also made further specific commitments in relation to energy use and carbon emissions in the Energy Policy: 2.3 Energy Policy Declaration of Commitment As part of its environmental strategy, the University is committed to responsible energy management and will practice energy efficiency throughout all its premises, plant and equipment, wherever it is cost-effective to do so. This statement is also reflected in Part D of the University's Environmental Policy. 6

7 Policy The Policy of the University is to control energy consumption in order to: avoid unnecessary expenditure protect the environment, and prolong the useful life of fossil fuels Objectives The University's long term objectives are to: buy fuels at the most economic cost; burn and use fossil fuels as efficiently as practicable enabling future generations more time to research alternative energy sources; reduce the amount of pollution, particularly CO 2 emissions, caused by its energy consumption; reduce, wherever possible, our dependence on fossil fuels through the use of ambient and renewable energy; reduce the loss of energy from its buildings to the minimum practical level Accountability University Steering Group to encourage Council to make available sufficient funds to meet the requirements of the Energy Policy. The Energy Manager to ensure: o that information and advice is available on all aspects of energy management o that all energy supplies demonstrate good value for money o that energy awareness is encouraged in all staff and students o that all aspects of energy waste are investigated and rectified if avoidable Staff and students to be made aware of the cost of energy directly under their control to encourage good housekeeping practice. Review Procedures Energy Manager to submit a report on the achievement of energy targets and any energy saving projects undertaken. Reports to be submitted to the SSG. Command chain for recommendations from Energy Manager: o Deputy Director of Estate Management (Maintenance) o Director of Estate Management The Energy Manager will produce regular reports showing energy usage against agreed targets where adequate metering is available. The results will be discussed with users and where necessary they will be given recommendations for reducing energy demand. There are two key elements of this policy that relate to this Carbon Management Plan: Reduce carbon emissions from energy consumption, and Shift away from fossil fuels to the use of ambient and renewable energy. The University is committed to making a full contribution to tackling the issue of climate change, supporting the efforts of the UK as a whole and the Higher Education sector in particular. 7

8 The University of Essex will thus manage and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions from all sources focusing on the key areas of electricity, gas and fuel consumption. This will be achieved through: Improving energy efficiency across our campuses and operations, Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and switching to renewable and ambient energy sources wherever practicable, Embedding carbon efficient best-practice into the University s strategic decisionmaking Working with all of our stakeholders and partners to drive forward behaviour change, research and education, contributing to building a low carbon society. 2.4 Carbon Objectives and Targets The overriding objective of the University of Essex in relation to carbon is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and beyond, contributing to the UK and Higher Education sector targets for emissions reductions. Sector targets were published by HEFCE in its carbon reduction strategy in January 2010, following a consultation in July The key points of the HEFCE Sector strategy are: A sector level carbon reduction target of 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 against a 1990 baseline; The baseline year for the sector has been set as 2005 as there is little emissions data available for Revising the targets for a 2005 baseline gives a reduction of 42% by A requirement for institutions to set their own targets for 2020 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions against a 2005 baseline. An aspiration to achieve reductions beyond the sector targets; A commitment from institutions to achieve actual improvements through actions that are appropriate for the institution, recognizing the diversity of the sector. Support from HEFCE, UUK and GuildHE for institutions to achieve carbon reduction; HEFCE will link capital funding to carbon management performance; The need for annual monitoring and reporting, as well as evaluation so that action can be taken to learn from progress to date. The sector level targets are very stretching, particularly in the light of growth in higher education since 2005 and significant improvement will be required from all institutions in order to meet them. 2.5 Objectives of CMP The University of Essex s objectives to meet its strategic goals are: Objective 1. Carbon Reduction 1.1 Reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 35% in CO2e terms by 2020 on a 2005 baseline. Target date

9 A target of 35% has been chosen as it is what is believed to be challenging but achievable by the University given the constraints of inefficient buildings and budgets. However, it is still broadly in line with HEFCE sector targets. 1.2 Meet an interim target to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 20% by 2015 on a 2005 baseline Carbon Reporting and Accounting 2.1 Instigate annual monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas July 2011 emissions in conformity with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol 2.2 Put systems in place to enable the University to collect data on July 2012 Scope 3 emissions and include these in reporting, including: Waste recycling/recovery and disposal; Water consumption; Transport of staff and students to the University and between sites; Conference and business travel and travel associated with placements and field trips; Procurement. 2.3 Gain Carbon Trust Standard certification March Operational 3.1 The University Estate will be converted to low carbon buildings by: o Ensuring all new buildings are designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent by o Ensuring that all refurbishment projects include an assessment of measures to improve energy and carbon efficiency 2011 o Where practicable and with due regard to the palette of existing materials on campus, all building materials will be sourced from the BRE Green Guide to specifications categories A-C from Energy efficiency and whole life cost considerations will form a key part of procurement from These considerations will particularly July 2010 apply to ICT and other electrical equipment procurement criteria. 3.3 The University has instituted a revolving Green Fund for minor energy efficiency projects. This will be supported and enhanced in the future. July The University will assess onsite renewable and ambient energy options and report on their viability to achieve the carbon reduction milestones. 3.5 The use and occupancy of space will be assessed and optimised to ensure the most energy and carbon efficient use of campus space. July

10 3.1 The Footprint 2. The 2005 Baseline - University of Essex Carbon Footprint The University uses a significant amount of energy with annual electricity consumption of 20,408 MWh and gas use of 35,673 MWh in At 3.5 million, energy costs represented a major component of estates operational spend in 2008/09. There are a number of data considerations with the footprint 2. The baseline year, following HEFCE guidance for carbon management plans, is the academic year 2005/ / / / / /10 Consumption Gas (kwh) 37,462,299 30,868,637 34,015,041 35,678,532 38,704,000 Electricity (kwh) 19,037,470 18,167,768 19,053,864 20,407,577 20,925,000 Total energy (kwh) 56,499,769 49,036,405 53,068,905 56,086,110 59,629,000 Student FTE (kwh) 7,658 6,447 7,066 6,779 5,800 Combined FTE (Staff + Students) (kwh) 6,296 5,339 5,793 5,647 5,008 Emissions CRC Gas (scope 1) (tco2) 6,878 5,667 6,245 6,551 7,106 Transport (scope 1) (tco2) Electricity (scope 2) (tco2) 10,162 9,748 10,300 11,031 11,320 Total CO2 (CRC) 17,210 15,570 16,710 17,758 18,611 Student FTE CRC (tco2) Combined FTE (Staff + Students) CRC (tco2) Emissions HEFCE Gas (scope 1) (tco 2e) 7,649 6,302 6,945 7,284 7,902 Transport (scope 1) (tco 2e) Electricity (scope 2) (tco 2e) 10,229 9,813 10,369 11,105 11,387 Total CO2e (HEFCE) (tco 2e) 18,056 16,277 17,487 18,574 19,482 Student FTE HEFCE (tco 2e) Combined FTE (Staff + Students) HEFCE (tco 2e) Costs ( ) Gas 693, ,519 1,016,933 1,054,148 1,143, Electricity 979,155 1,392,789 1,529,163 2,350,359 2,409, Total energy ( ) 1,672,445 2,233,308 2,546,096 3,404,507 3,553, Student FTE ( ) Combined FTE (Staff + Students) ( ) Table 2: Baseline data 2 Due to a faulty meter, monthly electricity use for was not recorded correctly, however the Estate Management System provided accurate annual usage and the footprint is based on the EMS data. The year-on-year comparison also used the EMS data. Scope 1 emissions should also include fuel used in University owned vehicles. As this data is not currently recorded, HEFCE guidance has been followed in assuming that this is 1% of total Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Scope 3 emissions have not been included in this baseline as they are not currently required by HEFCE. The University does not yet collect data to cover all sources of these emissions. The analysis for the 2009/10 period is based on extrapolations of 8 months of data to provide an annualised figure, due to data availability. 10

11 2.2 Energy consumption and spend Energy consumption at the University has been analysed in terms of total usage, student FTE, combined student and staff FTE, from August 2005 until July Energy Consumption kwh 70,000,000 60,000,000 50,000,000 40,000,000 30,000,000 20,000,000 10,000, / / / / /10 Electricity 19,037,47 18,167,76 19,053,86 20,407,57 20,925,00 Gas 37,462,29 30,868,63 34,015,04 35,678,53 38,704,00 Figure 3: Energy Consumption Energy consumption for the observed period peaks in the financial year 2009/10. Excluding the 2005/06 baseline year, energy consumption at the University trends upward in-line with increasing FTE and growth in the size of the Estate. An increase in total energy use occurs despite a decrease in energy use per FTE shown in Figure 2. 9,000 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1, / / / / /10 Student FTE 7,658 6,447 7,066 6,779 5,800 Combined FTE (Staff + Students) 6,296 5,339 5,793 5,647 5,008 kwh/fte Figure 4: Energy Consumption per FTE Energy Consumption per FTE 11

12 Costs ( ) 4,000,000 3,500,000 3,000,000 2,500,000 2,000,000 1,500,000 1,000, , /0 6 Energy Spend 2006/ / / /1 0 Electricity 979,155 1,392,78 1,529,16 2,350,35 2,409,95 Gas 693, ,519 1,016,93 1,054,14 1,143,53 Figure 5: Energy Spend A clear upward trend in energy spend is observable over the 5 year period. This aligns with increases in international energy prices and higher energy use. University spend on electricity and gas has more than doubled from 2005/06 to 2009/ Renewables The University has also installed a number of renewable technologies, including a wind turbine and air and ground source heat pumps. The energy generated from renewables onsite as reported in the 2008/09 EMS return is 1,673kWh. The University has not been on a green tariff since 2006 when it changed back to a brown tariff, solely for economic reasons. It should be noted that for the purposes of HEFCE and the CRC a green tariff does not reduce an institution s emissions. 3.4 Carbon Emissions tco2/tco2e Figure 6: Carbon Emissions 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 - CO 2 /CO 2 e Emissions 2005/ / / / /1 0 Total CO2 (CRC) 17,210 15,570 16,710 17,758 18,611 Total CO2e (HEFCE) 18,056 16,277 17,487 18,574 19,482 Carbon emissions for the University have been determined using conversion rates set out by the CRC and by HEFCE. These two figures differ as the CRC and HEFCE methodologies use different emissions factors. Total carbon emissions for the University, as expected, follow the same patterns as overall energy consumption. Despite 2008/09 having lower total 12

13 energy consumption than the 2005/06 it still has higher carbon emissions. This is because electricity, which has a higher emissions factor than gas, accounts for a bigger proportion of the energy mix in 2008/09 as seen in Figure 5. Onsite renewables represent 0.01% of total electricity use and therefore do not have a significant impact on carbon emissions. Percentage by source 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Figure 7: Carbon Emission: Percentage by Source Carbon Emissions: Proportion by Source 2005/ / / / /10 Transport 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% Electricity 59.5% 62.5% 61.5% 61.5% 62.5% Gas 39.5% 36.5% 37.5% 37.5% 36.5% Gas consumption accounts for two thirds of total energy use but is only responsible for one third of total emissions. The percentage by source of carbon emissions has been relatively stable, with the exception of 2005/06 when the University used significantly higher amounts of gas. tco2/tco2e Figure 8: Emission per FTE CO2 and CO2e Emissions: Student and Combined FTE / / / / /10 Student FTE - CRC Combined FTE (Staff + Students) - CRC Student FTE - HEFCE Combined FTE (Staff + Students) -HEFCE Emissions across all measures of FTE have been declining since 2007, although across the entire reporting period, no strong trend can be established from the dataset. The increase in 13

14 students appears to have had a bigger impact on FTE emissions than the additional facilities that came online at Southend in Also, a number of factors that determine carbon emissions (heating of buildings and lighting) change in discrete steps as additional buildings come online. This might explain 2009 having the lowest emissions per FTE as no more buildings came online and FTE increased. 3. Carbon Emissions Reduction Scenarios 4.1 Emission Reductions from BAU scenario 30,000 Carbon Dioxide Emissions: Business as Usual v Targets tco2e 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 - BAU Target HEFCE Target Figure 9: Required Annual Emissions Reductions Figure 7 illustrates emissions scenarios under Business as Usual (BAU) up to 2020 and those needed to meet carbon emissions reduction targets. The BAU scenario has increasing emissions as a result of a predicted growth in student and building numbers at the University. Figure 8 shows the emissions reductions required each year to meet the carbon targets, calculated as the difference in emissions between the BAU and target scenarios. 14

15 Annual Emissions Reductions to Meet Targets - Based on BAU Senario 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 tco2e 8,000 6,000 4,000 2, / / /13 Figure 10: Required Annual Emissions Reductions - Needed Emissions Reductions 877 3,009 4,491 5,972 7,537 9,262 10,557 11,995 13,438 14, / / / / / / / Scenarios for carbon reduction Figure 9 illustrates 3 scenarios to meet the 35% reduction in emissions on 2005 levels by These percentage figures describe the reductions or decarbonisation of energy supplies. These are: all emissions reductions are achieved solely via changes in electricity supply and use, all emissions reductions are achieved solely via gas supply and use, and emissions reductions are achieved via both gas and electricity supply and use. For example, to achieve the target reduction in 2014/15, it can be achieved by reducing carbon emissions from electricity by 53%, or by reducing carbon emissions from gas by 90%, or by reducing carbon emissions from electricity and gas by 26% and 45% respectively. Emissions arising from electricity and gas consumption can be reduced either by lowering consumption or switching to lower carbon energy sources. The scenarios suggest that: emission reduction targets can be met if 90% of electricity comes from zero carbon sources by 2020 the targets will be missed if only measures to reduce emissions arising from gas are deployed currently gas has a lower emissions factor than electricity meaning there is more scope to reduce emissions from electricity 15

16 180% 160% Emission Reduction Scenarios Percent reduction in emission from source 140% 120% 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Emissions reductions from electricity (100%) Emissions reductions from gas (100%) Emissions reductions from electricity (50%) Emissions reductions from gas (50%) 2010 / / / / / / / / / /20 7% 23% 33% 43% 53% 63% 69% 77% 83% 89% 12% 40% 57% 74% 90% 107% 119% 131% 142% 153% 4% 12% 17% 22% 26% 31% 35% 38% 42% 45% 6% 20% 29% 37% 45% 54% 59% 66% 71% 77% Figure 11: Emissions Reduction Scenarios 4.3 Comparison of BAU and target emissions and Net Present Value calculation The table below shows the annual differences between business as usual projected emissions and those required if the 2020 reduction target of 35% is to be achieved. These have also been converted into discounted cashflows based on a carbon price of 12/tonnes set in Phase 1 of the CRC and a discount rate of 3.5% as recommended by the HM Treasury Green Book. Year Annual CO 2 saving (tonnes) Cash equivalent ( 12/tCO 2 ) Net present value ( ) ,527 10, ,009 36,112 33, ,491 53,887 48, ,972 71,661 62, ,537 90,442 76, , ,139 90, , ,682 99, , , , , , , , , ,363 Total 81, , ,064 Table 3: Comparison to BAU and target emissions and NET Present Value 16

17 This calculation shows a net present value of 775,064 for the cost of permits that are avoided as a result of reaching the 2020 carbon emissions reduction target. It should noted that these cannot be taken as potential cost savings as these would only become costs if the University had to buy the permits under the CRC and was then too low in the league table to receive recycling payments. However, it is a useful illustration of the potential financial impacts of not tackling carbon emissions strongly. 4.4 Emissions reductions from 2009/10 footprint The table below indicates the trajectory of total annual emissions required to meet the University reduction target. The emissions reductions required to stay on target are also shown below, as well as the cumulative emissions reductions required from 2009/10 to 2019/20. Year Target emissions Annual reduction , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,746 Cumulative Reduction Table 4: Annual emissions target, reduction targets and cumulative reductions required in tco 2 e The interim target of 2015 requires larger annual reductions, than thereafter, as it is assumed that the easiest solutions will be implemented first. 4.5 Carbon emissions for Student FTE This report has assumed that student numbers will increase at the same rate at which emissions will. As a result, student numbers in 2020 are assumed to increase to around 14,000. To meet the University and HEFCE targets, emissions per student FTE will be: Target Emissions per Student FTE (tco2) University of Essex 0.84 HEFCE 0.75 Table 5: Emissions per student FTE to meet targets Therefore, although the HEFCE and University targets are stretching, on a student FTE basis they appear to be consistent with current best practice performance in the sector, which is emissions of 0.75 tco2 per FTE student per annum. 17

18 5.1 Current Situation 4. Implementation of Carbon Management Plan The University is currently undertaking a number of projects across all areas as part of the drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many of these projects will continue for much of the period of this plan, particularly those in the University Capital Investment Plan. The key initiatives are Current Situation 1. The Estates Strategy, Capital Plan and Long-term Maintenance Plan contain provisions to improve the energy and carbon efficiency of new and existing University buildings. These will continue to be applied and strengthened in line with the objectives of the Carbon Management Plan. 2. The University has engaged The Energy Practice, an building services and energy consultancy, to provide an overview of the options for onsite renewables and efficient energy generation. This will form the basis for a business plan to implement cost effective energy technologies on campus. 3. The University has commissioned Brite Green to perform an environmental audit of the University and recommend actions to improve environmental performance. Brite Green undertook a wide consultation processes with relevant members of the University. 4. The University has implemented Environmental and Energy policies to drive improvement in efficiency. 5. Resource has been approved for the creation of a Sustainability Officer post within the Estate Management Section. This role will include responsibility for advising on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across the University. 6. Professor Jules Pretty, chair of the Sustainability Strategy Group and Green Task Force, will be appointed Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Resources and Sustainability in the new academic year. This will raise the profile of sustainability at a strategic level. 7. The University has instituted Sustainability Policies in Procurement and Transport and Travel that include consideration of carbon efficiency. 8. The University has undertaken a number of initiatives to reduce emissions from transport including cycle to work and car-sharing schemes. 9. The University has secured HEFCE/Salix funding to fund ongoing energy efficiency projects. 10. USG has agreed an additional revolving green fund for project that fall outside HEFCE/Salix criteria. Completion Date N/A July 2010 June 2010 N/A July 2010 July 2010 N/A N/A N/A N/A 5.2 Initial Framework for Roadmap In addition to the existing initiatives and potential energy technologies outlined above, the following steps will also be taken to ensure that the University can meet its demanding emission reduction targets. Costs, carbon benefits and timelines will be confirmed. 18

19 1. Building Efficiency 1.1 Automatic meter reading to sub-meter level has been installed and will soon be fully operational. This will enable more proactive energy management and improve efficiency. 1.2 All new buildings will be constructed to BREEAM Excellent standard. 1.3 Potential energy and carbon efficiency improvements will be considered as part of refurbishment and long-term maintenance plans. 1.4 Building materials will be selected from BRE Green Guide to specification A-C categories, reducing their embedded carbon. 2. Behaviour Change 2.1 Sustainable transport and travel initiatives will be continued and extended to reduce emissions in this area. 2.2 Ongoing campaigns to empower students to reduce their environmental impacts in Residences will be expanded. 2.3 University sustainability strategy to be included in staff induction 2.4 The University will continue to engage with staff and students on sustainability and carbon. 3. Operational Improved waste management including increasing recycling rate from the current 45% rate Procurement policies will be regularly reviewed to ensure that embedded carbon of purchasing is minimised. ICT procurement and use will be optimised to minimise carbon emissions. Catering: Sourcing of food and the use of equipment will be optimised to minimise carbon emissions. Space utilisation and occupancy will be reviewed to ensure that the University estate is being utilised as efficiently as possible. The University will implement onsite renewable and ambient energy schemes The University will improve environmental performance by implementing a formal, central EMS to a recognised standard such as ISO14001 and the Carbon Trust Standard The University will institute annual environmental reporting to assess progress towards targets and drive continuous improvement. The University to be an active member of the EAUC Responsibility Estates Management Section (EMS) EMS EMS EMS Transport coordinator Residential Services and Student Union SSG and Universitywide SSG, GTF and University-wide Waste management and University-wide Procurement team and University-wide ICT Hospitality Essex Wider University Accommodation Committee Academic Section SSG and EMS SSG, USG and Council SSG 5.3 Corporate Governance and Management Responsibility The responsibility for instituting these changes will lie with the relevant operational departments of the University. However, the SSG will have an oversight role and will report to the University Steering Group and Council on progress against this Plan 19

20 Prof. Jules Pretty is the chair of the GTF and will be Pro-Vice-Chancellor Sustainability and Resources in the new academic year ( ). He will therefore hold management responsibility for the success of the Carbon Management Plan within the USG. The plan will also be reviewed and updated by the SSG, USG and Council on an annual basis. Progress against the plan will be reported on annually and will form part of the University s annual public Sustainability Report. A further degree of oversight will be provided through the Annual Review of University Strategic Plan and KPIs and annual reporting against targets. 5.4 Costs The details of costs, carbon benefits and priorities will be assessed as part of the roadmap to implement this plan. Costs are expected to be incurred in four ways: Direct costs of implementing ISO14001 and Carbon Trust Standards; Impact on LTM budget through energy driven initiatives; Impact on capital budgets; Indirect impacts on procurement across Professional Services and Departments if green and low-carbon options required. 20