Coronavirus (COVID-19) update

CY

Energy Management

The gas, electricity and oil that we use at the University costs us over £2million each year, and produces around 14,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (that’s enough to fill the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff 5 times with the roof closed!). 96% of our overall carbon footprint comes from our energy consumption, and 30% is attributable to our students’ residences. There is strong evidence that human emissions of greenhouse gases are changing the world’s climate. Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas and although predicted increases in temperature may seem small, they are anticipated to be enough to melt glaciers, increasing the risk of flooding in many coastal areas. Changes to weather patterns and the hydrological cycle are also likely to cause drought and famine in some parts of the world.

Our aim is to reduce Bangor University’s energy consumption by 3% each year, not only because it makes economic sense, but to lessen the very real impacts that these activities have on our environment. Our procurement of renewable electricity has in recent years reduced our energy related carbon emissions considerably. We will continue to procure renewable electricity providing this is cost effective, and we are working closely with other public sector organisations in Gwynedd in the ambitious “Gwynedd Carbon Footprint Project”, which seeks significant carbon reductions in the County over the next twelve years.

What you can do?

  • Switch off lights and electrical equipment if it’s not being used.
  • Don’t be tempted by the “standby” option – it’s estimated that two power stations are needed to power all the equipment left on standby in the UK.
  • Too hot? Turn the heating down instead of opening windows / using air conditioning.
  • Don’t use screensavers – they can use as much energy as a monitor left switched on.
  • Report faults straight away to the Maintenance Team in Estates (Extension 2783)

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