University of East Anglia Achieves Energy Saving Transformation
The University of East Anglia’s Re:fit project cuts 543 tonnes of CO2 and saves £184,000 annually through energy-efficient upgrades.
The University of East Anglia has adopted the Re:fit framework to as part of its comprehensive energy saving measures, cutting 543 tonnes of carbon annually and reducing energy costs. Local Partnerships exclusively provides support to users of the framework nationwide.
The Challenge:
The University of East Anglia (UEA) pledged to lower its CO2 emissions and reduce energy usage by 25% by 2020, compared to its 2013/14 baseline of approximately £4 million per year. To achieve this, a range of technologies to save energy and reduce carbon emissions have been implemented.
UEA is a public research university in Norwich, established in 1963 and includes four faculties and twenty-six schools of study. The project was underpinned by an energy performance contract provide by Local Partnerships that ensures implemented measures deliver a minimum of financial and carbon savings.
The Solution:
UEA’s highest energy consuming buildings were targeted first, including six academic buildings and 22 halls of residence blocks. By analysing energy and operational data, along with surveys of existing infrastructure, additional upgrades were then developed to further save energy usage and lower carbon emissions. Works included:
- Upgrade of chiller and air handling system.
- Installed or replaced 4,500 light fittings with LED lighting.
- Refurbishment of existing air handling unit fans, upgrading others with newer technology, and installation of a controller.
- Implementation of new controls optimisation and management systems to identify opportunities for improvement, monitor scheme performance, and track financial savings.
The Impact:
Phase 1 alone achieved a reduction of 543 tonnes of carbon annually, representing a 6.3% decrease across the buildings included in the scheme, with energy bills reduced by £184,000 per year.
Installation of LED light fittings contributed to projected electricity savings of 587,000 kWh a year, equivalent to 147 tonnes of CO2, and has reduced costs by over £72,000. Upgrading the chiller and air handling system is saving £60,000 a year, and work on the air handling unit fans is saving more than £60,000 each year.
These works have saved 300 kW of our daily electrical peak and this has meant we have been able to build an extra building, without having to upgrade the campus electrical supply.
Richard Bettle, Energy and Utilities Manager
Links:
Related Articles
See how councils and communities are working together
Contact Local Partnerships
Talk to Us
