The University is reliant on gas consumption to heat nearly all our buildings, and many are heated above required temperatures for longer than is needed. This leads to waste heating.
This waste heating also leads to the unnecessary use of fossil fuels. Although we have made strides on climate action, in order to continue to reduce emissions in line with our climate commitments, we need to do more tackle the use of this fossil fuel.
Thermal Comfort policy
We are introducing a new Thermal Comfort policy which has been designed to cut our use of fossil fuels and ensure that in a challenging financial climate, funds are directed in line with our strategic priorities, whilst at the same time ensuring a comfortable environment in spaces being used by students and staff.
Full implementation of the policy could reduce our emissions by an estimated 1,692 tonnes of CO2 a year. This is 12% of our annual Scope 1&2 (energy-related) emissions and the equivalent to around 750 UK homes’ annual heating emissions.
The University is reliant on gas consumption to heat nearly all our buildings, and many are heated above required temperatures for longer than is needed. This leads to waste heating.
This waste heating also leads to the unnecessary use of fossil fuels. Although we have made strides on climate action, in order to continue to reduce emissions in line with our climate commitments, we also have to tackle more complex issues like our use of natural gas for heating.
In line with the policy, from Friday 15 December heating will be switched off in non-accommodation buildings at night and weekends except in areas where temperature is critical, for example research projects, and the exceptions outlined below.
Staff and students working between 8am and 7pm, Monday to Friday, should not notice the difference as the target internal temperature range for occupied rooms is 18°C to 20°C during their operational hours and buildings will retain heat into the evening.
Current exemptions
UEB members and senior managers in Technical Services have been consulted and there is room for flexibility for individual circumstances:
- student accommodation will continue to be heated in the same way as currently
- the Library will be heated 24/7. We will work with Departments to ensure students are signposted to the Library for studying after 7pm and at weekends. We will also work closely with the SU to monitor usage and if necessary open up and heat additional study space, depending on demand
- the Sports Training Village (STV) will be heated during its operating hours
- if you use the Room Booking system to book a room outside 8am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, it will be heated for the period you request. Please be mindful of spaces already heated out of hours and make use of those wherever possible
Requesting exemptions
There has been a full Equality Impact Assessment carried out for this policy, however if you need any further provision, for example on medical grounds or if you are acclimatising from another country, please contact your HR Advisor.
If you need heating or mechanical ventilation outside 8am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, please talk to your senior manager in Technical Services first and explore options such as concentrating out of hours use in one building. If you are unable to identify an alternative, you must secure the agreement of your Head of Department before submitting an online request.
How you can help
- Keep heat in the building by closing doors and windows as appropriate
- Ensure radiators and convectors are not blocked with furniture, clothing, towels etc
- Please do not use portable heaters, they can mislead building sensors and cause the whole building heating to shut down. They also pose safety risks and cause a significant amount of emissions
- Report areas of over or under heating to the Campus Infrastructure helpdesk
You can also find useful guidance and further information in the Thermal comfort guidance.