Renewables key to Heslington East power in ‘whole University’ approach to carbon reduction
Posted on 19 November 2008
The University is developing a major ‘one campus’ energy strategy to meet its future needs starting with a £3 million utilities corridor between the 116-hectare extension at Heslington East and Heslington West.
All buildings on Heslington East will meet rigorous design standards, delivering high energy efficiency and low energy use
Elizabeth Heaps
It is the first step in adopting a comprehensive approach to energy provision. The University hopes this will eventually involve the use of biomass boilers as an integral element of the district heating system across the entire campus.
The strategy involves plans to locate a biomass boiler on Heslington East to generate hot water, using woodchip from local sustainable sources, to supplement water provided by the University’s central energy centre. The boiler would meet 10 per cent of renewable energy requirements for all buildings in phase one of the expansion.
Elizabeth Heaps, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Estates and Strategic Projects, said: "Renewable energy is an important part of our strategy but efficient use of energy in the University as a whole is critically important. All buildings on Heslington East will meet rigorous design standards, delivering high energy efficiency and low energy use."
The University’s Director of Facilities Management, Keith Lilley, said: "We are adopting renewable energy from biomass heating it offers the greatest opportunity to reduce carbon emissions. Alternative technologies such as solar energy and ground source heat pumps have been investigated but they offer far less in the way of carbon reduction for the investment being made.
"As technology develops, the University hopes to adopt biomass combined heat and power boiler plant which has both efficient and low/zero carbon technology."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- More information about the University of York’s Campus Development at www.york.ac.uk/campusdevelopment/