Energy Efficiency award

Posted 22 December 2006

Harper Adams University College, the UK’s leading provider of degrees for the rural and land-based industries, has been recognised for pioneering work in energy conservation and efficiency.

At the Annual Awards ceremony of The Carbon Trust, held in Birmingham, Harper Adams was particularly praised for its commitment to cutting carbon through energy efficiency.

The university college was one of 27 organisations to be welcomed into the Energy Efficiency Accreditation Scheme (EEAS), the UK’s only independent award recognising achievements in reducing energy use.

The Trust noted the university college’s investment in Photovoltaic technology and a bioenergy development centre. Burning renewable resources such as crops, the biomass generator has the capacity to produce up to 50% of all the energy needed for the students’ Halls of Residence and Student Union areas.

Professor Wynne Jones, Principal of Harper Adams University College, commented on the award: “The university college is committed to the renewable agenda. It aims to be at the core of future energy development and provide a springboard for the delivery of rural community benefits.

“The objective is to demonstrate a fully vertically integrated on-farm CHP system which includes the production, harvesting and utilisation of a range of biomass energy sources and the subsequent distribution of the thermal energy generated through an on-site heat network.

“This will create an exemplar reference system that identifies the positive attributes of this approach and the disadvantages that need to be addressed. The technology provides an opportunity to the agricultural community for diversification revenues and added value energy producers by selling green power to the grid.”

To achieve EEAS accreditation, organisations need to show that they are making real energy savings through management commitment, investment and energy efficiency measures. The standards are stringently monitored by a team of energy experts from the National Energy Foundation with results monitored by the Energy Institute.

Dr Garry Felgate, Director of Delivery and External Relations, the Carbon Trust, said: ”This year’s impressive roll call of organisations demonstrates that energy efficiency remains the most effective way for most organisations to cut carbon emissions and at the same time save money year on year.

“The Stern Review showed the need to act now to tackle climate change and this year’s awards are proof that organisations recognise cost and environmental benefits go hand in hand.”