University of London earns Times Higher Education nomination

The University of London has been shortlisted for the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Outstanding Procurement Team Award 2012 for its work to save energy and reduce carbon emissions. In 2010 the University of London drafted its Carbon Management Plan (CMP) which aims to achieve a 20% reduction in carbon emissions – which equates to 2,562 tonnes of carbon – by 2015.

In order to reduce procurement timescales by as much as four months, the University was keen to use existing frameworks to procure a specialist, multi-disciplinary Energy Services Company (ESCO) to carry out projects set out within the CMP. The University then became one of the first public sector bodies in London to use ‘RE:FIT’, a ready-to-use procurement framework set up by the Mayor of London which seeks to increase the uptake of retrofit energy savings measures.

In February 2011, the University awarded a contract to Balfour Beatty Workplace to deliver a range of these energy savings measures, and by September 2011 three projects had been completed to the value of £200,000 and forecast to save 520 tonnes of carbon within four years. Following the success of these initial installations, the University is currently negotiating a second phase of works.

Ian Lane, Environmental Manager, said: “This is a positive endorsement for the University’s Carbon Management Plan. Using existing procurement models is an efficient and productive use of the University’s resources. The Plan itself is owned by students and staff of the University and it is important to remember that everyone can make a positive contribution to the carbon reduction target”.

The University is delighted to have been nominated for an award which recognises examples of best practice amongst UK higher education institutions. Staff will represent the University at the awards dinner and ceremony on Thursday 21 June 2012 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.

ENDS

For further information on the Carbon Management Plan contact:
Ian Lane
Energy Manager
University of London
Senate House
London WC1E 7HU
Tel: +44 (0)20 7862 8179; Email: ian.lane@london.ac.uk

Notes for editors:
The Carbon Management Plan (CMP) includes details of how carbon emissions reductions will be achieved, who will drive this forward within the University and when specific actions will be undertaken. To read the full copy of the CMP visit: www.london.ac.uk/4564.html