How do we supply you with electricity, what are our carbon emissions, how are decarbonising our energy supply and how can you help reduce carbon emissions? At Lancaster University we have a strong history of taking a socially responsible approach to our energy efficiency and a firm infrastructure of sustainable facilities to build upon. Here’s what we’re doing to decarbonise the energy you use.

How do we supply you with Electricity?

Of the electricity used at Lancaster University, approximately 15% is produced by the wind turbine, with 40% produced by a Combined Heat and Power engine in the Energy Centre. The remainder of energy supplied is sourced from the national grid. Electricity produced by the wind turbine and CHP is fed directly into the University high-voltage electricity network before being distributed to users on site via 15 electricity substations. In addition to the wind turbine, the University has five small roof mounted solar photovoltaic systems that generate approximately 0.5% of consumption.

Our electricity and carbon emissions

The total annual Lancaster University electricity consumption is approximately 34,000,000kWh, around the same annual consumption as 11,700 households! Carbon Emissions from electricity use at Lancaster University were 4,450tCO2e in 2021-22, that’s 7.5% of total University Carbon emissions. Despite the significant increase in size and the rise in numbers of staff and students since 2005, total annual University electricity consumption has actually reduced by around 3%, due to improvements made in energy efficiency. Our carbon emissions from energy consumption were 760Kg CO2e per FTE student & staff member in 2021-22, less than half the figure for 2005-06.

Decarbonising the University’s Electricity Supply

The University has committed to reducing its carbon emissions from energy consumption (electricity and heating) to ‘net zero’ by 2030. To meet the ‘net zero’ target the University is has firm plans to stop using gas for heating and replace it with electrical heating systems and install electrically powered air source heat pumps in the Energy Centre, which will supply heat to the district heating system, replacing the gas boilers. The air source heat pumps will use electricity generated by the wind turbine, planned solar PV farm and grid electricity from a zero-carbon tariff. We also plan to extend the district heating system to areas of the campus currently served by stand-alone gas boilers.

How can you help save energy and reduce carbon emissions?

• Switch off lights, especially if you’re the last out of the room.
• Switch off any chargers at the plug when you’re not using them.
• Only boil the amount of water that you need in your kettle.
• Don’t use fan heaters in your room, if you have a heating problem contact the Facilities help desk.