De-centralised energy management at the University of Surrey

The University of Surrey is keen to become more sustainable in its day to day operations. It will shortly launch its Sustainability Vision and a range of projects to proactively manage and reduce consumption. A key project for the University is to engage Faculty managers and departmental staff to reduce energy consumption (and carbon emissions) across all University buildings. The project will start with an initial focus on non-residential aspects of the University, including academic Faculties, administration and teaching. Whilst intrinsic to the University these functions have their own budgets and chains of management which are currently removed from the centralised energy management service.

The Climate Change Act 2008 commits the UK government by law to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 34% by 2020, and 80% of 1990 levels by 2050. All public and private sector organisations are expected to contribute towards this target. To date the University of Surrey has reduced its carbon emissions by around 10% despite growing in size over the past 15 years. The University now wishes to accelerate its carbon reduction activity, as a key part of its Sustainability Plan.

Aims:

• To understand, map, and test management approaches to reduce the use of energy (in particular electricity and gas) at the University of Surrey.
• To investigate and implement a range of innovative and effective energy saving methodologies and behaviours for different sections of the university population.
• To evaluate and assess appropriate technologies that could be implemented within the University to reduce energy consumption.
• To engage key staff across the University (and specifically at Stag Hill) to become more aware of, more responsible for and more in control of their energy consumption and associated carbon emissions.
• To assist with the development and implementation the University’s “Carbon Plan”, forming a key strategic part of the University’s Sustainability Strategy and Plan, and to reduce the University’s energy costs.

Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper-second class degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower second plus a good Masters degree (distinction normally required).

IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual component.