Published: 29 April 2021 at 10:20
Anglia Ruskin appoints leading energy firm to identify energy saving measures
Anglia Ruskin University has appointed leading energy firm Vital Energi to deliver a range of energy saving measures across its buildings and achieve its ambitious sustainability goals.
ARU’s new and ambitious Sustainability Strategy, published in 2020, aims to put sustainability at the heart of its curriculum, research, and campus life. Among the targets is to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2045.
The work undertaken with Vital Energi will be carried out in several phases over the course of five years, with phase one focusing on teaching and residential buildings on ARU’s Cambridge and Chelmsford campuses. This phase will see Vital Energi evaluate a range of low and zero carbon technologies such as replacing, upgrading and optimising heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, LED lighting, smart building systems, renewable energy and water saving technologies.
The project involves the creation of an Energy Performance Contract (EPC) between ARU and Vital Energi, which guarantees energy and carbon reductions. The EPC was brokered by public sector support agency Local Partnerships, using the national Re:fit framework, under which suppliers are chosen for their excellence in providing energy efficiency and generation measures.
In addition to significant energy savings, the partnership will stimulate local economic growth as Vital Energi seeks to involve and provide opportunities for local supply chain businesses. It will also see the creation of employment training for new apprentices, support for ARU’s research programme, and career guidance and mentoring for ARU students.
James Rolfe, Chief Operating Officer at ARU said:
ARU declared a climate emergency in 2019. It has already reduced direct carbon emissions by 43% since 2006, and has built an international reputation for sustainability research through its Global Sustainability Institute (GSI).
Rachel Toresen-Owuor, Programme Director, National Re:fit Programme, said:
To find out more about ARU’s sustainability strategy and opportunities to collaborate, visit aru.ac.uk/sustainability