University Energy Champions get together in the Guildhall

25 Energy Champions from the University attended a celebratory event at the Guildhall recently. Patrick Finch (Director of Estates), Alan Day (University Architect and currently Dean of Engineering) and Jane Millar (Pro VC Strategic Developments) were among the attendees, together with over 150 leaders, managers and Champions from the other organisations involved in the ‘Our Big Energy Challenge' project.

This project, which is being run by the Centre for Sustainable Energy, has the aim of reducing energy usage at the offices and premises of all members of the Local Strategic Partnership which includes amongst others the University, B&NES' Council offices, the RUH, Avon & Somerset Police and Bath Spa University. The project uses Treasury funding to invest in technical improvements in the organisations, to provide training and to raise awareness amongst staff. For more details of the project, click here.

The attendees heard from the Leader of the Council and the CEO of the Centre for Sustainable Energy. Peter Phelps, the University's Energy and Environment Manager, presented two successful case studies on projects on campus. These were last year's Student Residences energy competition and the recent improvements in one of our lab buildings. The student competition saved 10% on the residences' utility bills and is running again this year; for an update on how well the competition is going, click here. The improvements in the lab building saved £30k off its annual electricity bill thanks to the actions of the departmental Champion and technical staff.

An excellent buffet lunch was enjoyed by all and there was an opportunity for our Energy Champions to meet others from different organisations and compare notes.

The project has funded the training of the University's Energy Champions from all departments – to find out who your local Champion is, click here. Part of the project funding has also gone towards awareness-raising materials – many of you will have seen posters, stickers, mugs, post-its etc around the University distributed by the 53 Energy Champions to promote the initiative. Over 250 staff in Accommodation and Hospitality Services will also soon be receiving training as part of the project.

The project has developed an on-line training package which all staff have been asked to log on to and complete. It takes just 30 minutes and gives the basic facts about reducing energy usage to save money and help fight climate change. Staff can access the web package by clicking here. An e-mail address will be requested, together with the login code ‘ 3n3rgy '. A quarterly prize draw gives three participants the chance to win a £50 book or record token. Group training is being organised for staff without personal computer access.

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