The University of Bath has cut its carbon footprint and its contribution to climate change in the last two years, according to The University’s recently released Energy Report 2007/2008.

The changes made on campus to lower emissions and reduce the University’s environmental impact have conserved more than 1,400 tonnes of CO2, the equivalent to the electricity output of more than 500 households each year.

Peter Phelps, Energy and Environment Manager, commented, “The University takes its environmental responsibilities seriously. Our carbon footprint due to energy use is about 22,000 tonnes of CO2, a significant amount.”

Bath Students’ Union achieved a ‘bronze’ for sustainability in the national SU Sound Impact Awards. This year, the Union is aiming for a silver award. Accommodation and Hospitality Services are also hoping for a Green Tourism award in a similar scheme.

There are two other major energy saving projects. Our Big Energy Challenge is a treasury-funded joint project with local public sector organisations, focussed on staff awareness-raising. The Student Residence Competition is an energy-saving competition in which students compete against each other to win prizes based on minimising their electricity usage. Total savings over two years amounted to 250 tonnes of CO2..

Solar thermal systems have been recently installed in updated student blocks and a green transport plan is currently being reviewed as part of the Masterplan process.