PRESS RELEASE: 23 May 2016
Minimise Energy helps London university cut carbon emissions by 47%
Minimise Energy has installed new LED lights at London Metropolitan University's Holloway Road campus, reducing the building's lighting energy consumption costs by £55,000 a year and cutting annual carbon emissions by 225 tonnes.
The university's ambitious sustainability programme has resulted in it being named the number one university in England for carbon reduction. The lighting upgrade is the latest part of this programme.
The programme required an eight-strong team from Minimise to replace outdated and inefficient T8 lamps and panels throughout the Victorian blocks which make up the Holloway Road Campus.
"The campus comprises a mix of classrooms, lecture theatres, offices, a gym, dance studios and ancillary spaces," explained John Hatt, Contracts Director, Minimise Energy.
"Most of the buildings are more than 100 years old and have been subjected to an ongoing refurbishment programme. As a result, the lighting and control infrastructure is complex."
The LED upgrade was completed during term time, with most work carried out between 7pm and 4am to keep student disruption to a minimum.
"The campus is a 24/7 environment. Meticulous planning and attention to health, safety and on-site security was essential at all times," said John Hatt.
The LED lighting upgrade forms part of a wider sustainability programme completed by the university under The Mayor of London's RE:FIT framework.
"The programme was developed to help the university meet the targets set out in its carbon management plan, enhance the student experience, and reduce energy costs," said Rachel Ward, Sustainability Manager, London Metropolitan University.
The programme also included the installation of photovoltaics (the university's first renewable energy), energy efficient fans and air conditioning controls. The lighting upgrade was the largest part of the programme.
"This combined approach has been incredibly important," said Rachel Ward. "We were named as the number one university in England for carbon reduction and have cut carbon emissions by 47%, putting us on track to achieve our 2020 target of 50%.
"The lighting alone is saving us around £55,000 per annum on electricity costs and has reduced our carbon footprint by 225 tonnes of carbon. The lighting has also made an improvement to the feel of the university, making it a bright and welcoming space for students," she said.
The university is now focusing on ongoing student energy efficiency education, and also plans to instigate further sustainability upgrades in 2017 when it consolidates its three campuses into one.
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Images: please use the following links to download high resolution images showing a selection of the university's locations featuring new LEDs:
Contact details
For more information, visit www.minimisegroup.com or contact Adrienne Robins at Green Tiger Communications on 07855 643094 or email Adrienne@greentigercommunications.co.uk.
Notes to editors
Minimise Energy is part of Minimise Group.
Minimise Group helps organisations become more sustainable, increase profitability and meet environmental, corporate and legislative targets. We offer an integrated range of technologies, products and services that include energy efficiency, energy measurement and verification, water management, sustainability consulting and project financing. www.minimisegroup.com
The Mayor of London's RE:FIT programme provides public bodies with the funding support needed to achieve substantial financial cost savings, improve buildings' energy performance, and reduce carbon emissions. www.refit.org.uk