Carbon reduction and Energy Generation on campus

Paving the way for a net-zero campus
Sustainability Hub
Low Carbon Devon delivered some significant carbon savings across the University’s main campus, contributing to the University’s Net-Zero Strategy. 

Carbon savings were achieved through four activities:

  • xLED lighting retrofit within 4 campus buildings (Rolle, Fitzroy, Smeaton, Scott)

  • 'Sustainability Hub refurbishment that resulted in carbon savings

  • äInstallation of Photovoltaic Solar panels

  • vLow Carbon monitoring Facility

 
 
LED Lightening Sustainability Hub

LED Lighting

The project installed low energy LED lighting in the Rolle, Fitzroy, Smeaton and Scott buildings on the University of Plymouth main campus.  
Key achievements include:
  • Decrease of energy consumption of 459,625 kWh/annum
  • Decrease of GHG Emissions of 148.7 tonnes kg CO2e
sustainability hub

Sustainability Hub

The project installed a variety of energy saving measures within the Sustainability Hub, including triple glazed windows, increased insulation in the walls and roof, low energy lighting with sensors and increased natural lighting. 
The Hub was refurbished to the highest environmental standards. It was been awarded SKA gold, the highest environmental assessment rating, supporting the University’s commitment to creating a sustainable campus. 
PVs installed on Rolle

Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panels

The project also installed photovoltaic solar panels on the roofs of the Sustainability Hub (4.2KW) and Rolle Building (23.11KW).
The installation of these photovoltaic solar cells fitted on the Sustainability Hub and Rolle Building has led to 25,027 kWh/annum energy production; assisting the University's Net-Zero targets.
Thermal image of housing from Professor Steve Goodhew

Low Carbon Monitoring Facility

The Low Carbon Devon project also supported the University (and a number of SMEs) with carbon reduction, utilising the following equipment:
  • Thermal Imaging drone – to visualise building heat loss and cold air entry.
  • Acoustic sound camera – visualises sound leaks/defects and hence energy leaks within building fabric.
  • U-value monitoring equipment for quantifying the insulative properties of the building ( monitoring heat loss).
  • Air Pressure monitoring equipment – to quantify the ventilation and heat loss within a building.
  • Temperature and Humidity and parametric monitoring – establishes a baseline before, and monitoring after, any remedial actions.