The University of Northampton’s ‘Winter Shut Down’
Last year The University of Northampton saved several thousands of pounds over the winter months, by completing its winter shut down.
Due to the size and nature of the higher education sector, with the University continuing to grow in student numbers and building floor area, it poses a significant challenge for universities to reduce their carbon emissions. In light of this, The University of Northampton committed itself to achieve an ambitious target of a 43% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2020.
One approach to working towards this target has been the ‘winter shut down’, with the campaign focussing in particular on the Avenue and Park Campus, which has just under 50 buildings and covers a total area of 100,000m2.
In order to carry out the campaign, the department heads and timetabling staff were consulted to confirm which buildings were empty and not in use during the winter period, in order to reduce heating usage. To raise awareness of the campaign, communication was sent out in the form of an email, reminding all staff to switch off equipment and lights that wouldn’t be needed, prior to leaving the office before Christmas.
Overall during this period, the heating settings were reduced to shorter periods in those buildings that were not in use over the holiday period to save energy. However, it was important to bring the heating back on a day or two before the buildings opened again, depending on the level of insulation.
In addition, to prevent the possibility of freezing damage to its plumbing and heating systems, the university decided not to completely switch the heating off but instead to keep the heating on frost protection settings or to come on for a brief period throughout the switch off.
Simon Pole, Environment Advisor at The University of Northampton explains the significance of the project:
“It’s important to make continual eco improvements through Investors in the Environment for many reasons. The University and technology are constantly changing. New buildings are being produced, innovations created and changes in legislation as well as globally. To keep up with these changes and, better still to lead the way in innovation, continual improvement is a must.”
The combined saving from the Christmas shutdown for both gas and electric equalled over 77,000 kilowatt hours, 24 tonnes C02, and £6,200. These savings were calculated using the university’s sub metering system and communicated back to staff to provide feedback and to thank them for their efforts.
The shut down was repeated during the Easter period with similar successes and will be continued this upcoming Christmas.
