The University has published its second annual carbon management plan report. In 2012/13 carbon emissions from energy consumption were 33,770 tonnes Carbon Dioxide equivalent (Carbon dioxide equivalent is a measure to compare the emissions from various greenhouse gases based upon their global warming potential).
This is an increase of 4.3 per cent compared to the average emissions of the two previous years. This increase is partly due to exceptional items, a breakdown of the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system in June (now repaired) resulting in a massive increase in imported grid electricity and the very cold spring weather.
Carbon emissions were 32 per cent above the University’s target; which is to reduce carbon emissions from energy consumption by 20 per cent by 2020 based on a 2005/06 baseline. This increase reflects the increase in activity at the University since 2005/06.
The Steering Group responsible for delivering carbon saving projects since summer 2011 has seen progress; 44 projects have been completed and there are currently 24 in progress. Projected annual carbon savings from these projects are 4,512 tonnes. However, the number of technical projects is slowing down and so your help in identifying energy saving projects is needed. Please send your suggestions to [email protected]. We can also all help by switching off non-essential electrical equipment.
You can find the report on the Sustainability website southampton.likn.co/susdev/energy_carbon_and_water