ESWG, 12 November 2014
Report: Falmouth University (Falmouth) and University of Exeter (UoE) Carbon Management Plan Annual Report 2013/14 Academic Year for the Penryn Campus
Executive summary:
FX Plus has a carbon reduction target of 51.4 kg CO2e per m2of internal floor area (GIA) by 2019/20, against a 2005/06 baseline of 93.4 kg CO2e per m2.
Despite continued investment in carbon reduction projects, and improvements in the maintenance and operation of plant and equipment on campus, at the end of 2013/14 we fell almost 10% short of our carbon reduction target value for the 2013/14 academic year:
Scope 1 and 2 (Gas/oil and mains electricity) emissions totalled 82.0 kg per m2 of GIA; 10% short of the 2013/14 reduction target value of 73.2 kg per m2 of GIA.
The 2013/14 value would have been 77.2kg per m2 of GIA (0.3% lower than the previous 2012/13 year) had Defra’s carbon reporting conversion factors remained constant (Graph 1 below).
Graph 1: Penryn Campus annual carbon consumption per m2 of Gross Internal Area
Compared to the 2012/13 Academic Year:
Annual kWh mains electricity consumption fell by 6.6% in part due to the generation ofelectricity from on-site energy generation combined heat and power units (CHPs) as well asenergy efficiency projects including the residential lighting and controls retrofit. Electricity costs continued to rise; our total electricity bill of £817,580 was 7.2% higher than 2012/13.
Electricity generated on the site supplied 19.5% of our total power usage, therefore the total kWh power demand (imported plus on-site generation) actually increased by 2.3% last year compared to 2012/13.
Annual kWh mains gas consumption increased by 10.0% mainly due to operation of combined heat and power units (CHPs) however, the move over to a variable basket gas contract meant that the total cost of mains gas (£440,930) was only 5.6% higher
Recent interventions in plant operational times and maintenance have significantly reduced gas energy demand.
In 2013/14 we invested £442,000 in carbon reduction projects, estimated savings = 575 tCO2e per annum with an average payback of 3.85 years.
2014/15 pipeline projects (for which funding has been secured) are estimated to save an additional 271 tCO2e per annum.
We estimate it would require an additional 1782 tCO2e reduction to achieve the 2020 target and, based on historic average carbon payback times, an additional investment of at least £2.1 million.
We aim to undertake a number of studies to allow an understanding of current energy consumption usage patterns and which types of projects will provide the best returns to allow these additional carbon savings to be made during 2014/15. It is expected that these identified projects will be a mix of behavioural change, operational changes, investment in modern energy efficient technologies and controls, and energy storage combined with renewable/low carbon energy generation.
Status of paper:for consideration/ for information
Proposer:Karen Clowes
1Introduction
The purpose of this report is to provide an annual performance update on the joint UoE
(Penryn) and Falmouth University Carbon Management Plan (CMP) targets. FX Plus has a carbon reduction target of 51.4 kg CO2e per m2 of internal floor area (GIA) by 2019/20, against a 2005/06 baseline of 93.4 kg CO2e per m2.
2Carbon Management Plan and Reporting
2.1The Falmouth and UoE Penryn Campus Carbon Management Plan (CMP) is managed on behalf of the institutions by Falmouth Exeter Plus. The overall delegation of carbon management activity falls under the remit of the Falmouth Exeter Plus Environmental Sustainability Working Group (ESWG).
2.2The ESWG is a stakeholder group which reports directly to Falmouth Exeter Plus’ Chief Executive Officer’s Senior Executive Team (SET), which in turn reports to the Falmouth Exeter Plus Board.
3CMP Target Update
3.1Our joint CMP target is to decrease our Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions to 51.37 kg per m2 of GIA (Gross Internal Area) by 2019/20 compared to a 2005/06 baseline (a 45% reduction).
In 2013/14, £442,000 was invested in carbon reduction projects on the Penryn Campus, which included an interest free Salix loan for a major lighting and controls retrofit of the Glasney Student Village. We estimate these projects will save up to 575 tonnes of CO2e per annum and will provide a payback of less than 4 years.
Despite the investment in carbon reduction projects, and improvements in the maintenance and operation of plant and equipment on campus, we fell short of our carbon reduction target last year. Part of the reason was the large increase in Defra’s annual carbon conversion factors; we are bound by carbon reporting legislation to apply these factors even though our energy supply is from 100% green electricity. The increase (which is beyond our control) was the result of larger proportion of the national average mix of electricity being supplied from coal rather than nuclear power plants. If the carbon conversion factors had remained static the 2013/14 value would have been almost 5kg per m2 of GIA lower.
4.Scope 1 and 2 Carbon Footprint – Penryn Campus
4.1Table 2: Carbon Emissions kg per m2 of GIA Penryn Campus
Table 2 above, shows the absolute and the kg per m2 of GIA annual emissions at the Penryn Campus for the Baseline Year and years 2010/11 to 2013/14. Whilst the actual 2013/14 carbon emissions increased between 2012/13 and 2013/14, if Defra’s Conversion Factors stayed static at 2012/13 levels, the total kg per m2 for the 2013/14 academic year would total 77.2 kg (a decrease of 0.3%) and our absolute electricity carbon footprint would be 3058.6 tonnes (360.9 tonnes lower).
4.2Absolute Carbon Footprint
Absolute Scope 1 (heating emissions) from the combined academic and residential estate rose by 9.8% compared to the previous academic year, although the move over to a variable basket gas contract meant that the total cost of mains gas (£440,930) was only 5.6% higher. Total gas consumption (kWh) increased by 10.0% over the same period. Gas emissions have risen sharply since the handover of the ESI and Exchange buildings, mainly due to the operation of their combined heat and power (CHP) units, the increase last year was mainly because the specialised ESI Research Building only became fully operational towards the latter end of the first quarter of the previous academic year. Recent interventions in plant operational times and maintenance have helped to significantly reduce gas energy demand. Therefore, as the 2013/14 year progressed the percentage increase in gas usage narrowed (at the end of the first quarter gas usage was 85% higher, falling to 32.6% and 12.6% in the second and third quarters respectively).
Absolute Scope 2 (mains electricity emissions) rose by 3.41% over the same period, however in terms of kWh of energy consumption; electricity demand from the main grid fell 6.6% which in part is due to the electricity generation from these new buildings’ CHPs and the PV arrays. Sub-metering data indicates that from August 13 to July 14, on-site energy generation reduced our demand on the national grid by 1862674 kWh, equivalent to 920.2 tonnes of CO2e. Our total electricity bill of approximately £820,000 was 7.2% higher than in 2012/13.
4.3Power Consumption and Generation kWh – Penryn Campus
Defra’s carbon conversion factors change annually, for this reason using actual kWh of energy is a more accurate way to compare changes in annual electricity consumption and generation on campus.
Graph 3 shows howannual power demand at the Penryn Campus (including construction energy demand) is continuing to increase, despite investment in carbon reduction projects. This carbon growth is the result of its continued planned expansion. Whilst there was a 6.6% reduction in kWh drawn through our main incoming meter at the end of 2013/14 compared to the previous year, energy generated on the site supplied 19.5% of our total power usage, therefore the total kWh power demand (imported plus on-site generation) actually increased by 2.3% last year compared to 2012/13 and was 111% higher than during the baseline year 2005/06. The large increase post 2011/12 is the result of the handover of the new ESI, AIR and Exchange academic buildings and Phase 2b Glasney residential blocks
Scope 1 emissions up until last year have been a mix of gas and oil fuels, therefore it is not possible to provide similar comparable historical data.
4.4Penryn Campus Total Carbon Emissions per m2 of GIA
Due to the rapid expansion of the Penryn Campus our KPI reduction targets are based on kg of Scope 1 and 2 emissions per m2 of gross internal area (GIA), rather than on absolute emissions.
Compared to the same period of the baseline year (2005/06) per m2 of GIA; emissions for the total Penryn Campus Estate have decreased by 17.3% (Graph 3 below).
4.4.1.Academic emissions
The increase was from the Academic Estate; absolute academic emissions were 9.2% higher during 2013/14 compared to 2012/13. Of this absolute academic electricity emissions were 7.1% higher, and gas emissions 13.2% higher. Note: if Defra’s carbon conversion factors had remained at 2012/13 levels we would have only seen a 2.5% increase.
Total kWh electricity consumption decreased by 3.5% during 2013/14 compared to 2012/13, whilst kWh gas consumption increased by 12.7%.
We cannot compare all the academic buildings’ energy performance in 2013/14 against the previous year because we do not have the historic data, but the graphs below show the percentage differences in gas and electricity usage for those we can. This data is given in terms of kWh rather than in CO2e because the changes in Defra’s carbon conversion factors will not allow a direct comparison of energy performance. Electricity consumption fell for three buildings including the DdM which is the largest building and has the highest energy demand on campus.
Graph 4 – kWh of Electricity change by building
Graph 5 – kWh Gas Change by building
Most of the buildings we have the historical data for showed a considerable percentage fall in gas consumption last year compared to the previous year (Graph 5 above). This improvement was mainly the result of better controls management and improved maintenance undertaken by Technical Services. The only recorded increase was for the AIR building, although it is probable that this was due to an under-recording of usage in the previous year rather than an increase in consumption. The newest buildings on the campus; ESI, Exchange, AIR (all of which have CHP units), and Glasney Village were therefore responsible for the 9.8% increase in total annual gas consumption. The increase in gas usage is largely due to the operation of the new CHP units (particularly the large ESI CHP plant) as well as the need in the early part of the year for the DdM building to at all times provide a back-up for the ESI CHP. The issue of the DdM boilers needing to be on standby at all times has now been resolved by Technical Services.
4.4.2.Penryn Campus – Academic Carbon Emissions per FTE staff and student
Full time Staff and Student numbers were 9.4% higher in 2013/14 compared to the previous academic year. There was a small improvement, a 0.2% decrease, in carbon emissions per FTE Staff and Student between the two years (Graph 6 below). If Defra’s conversion factors had stayed constant there would have been a decrease of 6.1%.
Graph 6 – Academic Emissions per FTE Staff and Student
A
4.4.3Residential Emissions
Total residential emissions were 4.0% lower in 2013/14 than in 2013/12 and 37.3% lower than they were in the baseline year. Even though there was a 10.4% increase in total resident numbers this year and Defra conversion factors also increased, the residential electric emissions fell by 18.1% (71 tCO2e) in compared to 2011/12. Gas emissions from the residential estate rose by 1.1% (11 tCO2e).
In terms of Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions per student resident; 2013/14 saw a fall of 148.3 kg per student (13.1%) compared to 2012/13. The residential retrofit programme (completed November 2013) is likely the main reason for the fall in electricity emissions and was achieved despite the large increase in residential students.
5.Capital Carbon Reduction Projects 2013/14 Academic Year – Penryn Campus
Table 5 : Penryn Campus Capital ProjectsCompleted/Committed Projects (2013/14 Academic Year) / Funder / Saving tCO2e per yr / Capital Cost / Annual Cost Saving / Carbon Payback / Status
Residencies Retrofit Lighting/Timers / Salix SEELS 5 Interest Free Loan / 550.0 / £420000 / £108162 / 3.88 yrs / This FX Plus Project was completed November 2013
Stannary Low Energy Hand-driers / Salix RGF 1 Shared 50/50 UoE, Falmouth / 8.9 / £5218 / £2200 / 2.37 yrs / Completed – March 2014 as part of Stannary Washroom Refurbishment
External Lighting retrofit bulbs to LED / Salix RGF 1Shared 50/50 UoE, Falmouth / 4.5 / £4553 / £1117 / 3.63 yrs / Completed March 2014
Shared Areas Corridor Lighting Upgrades (DdM Seminar -A) / Salix RGF 1 Shared 50/50 UoE, Falmouth / 2.1 / £2501 / £523 / 4.79 yrs / Completed Apr 14
Shared Areas Corridor Lighting Upgrades (DdM Seminar B) / Salix RGF 1 Shared 50/50 UoE, Falmouth / 5.0 / £4906 / £1398 / 3.50 yrs / Completed July 14
Shared Areas Corridor Lighting Upgrades (DdM Seminar C) / Salix RGF 1 Shared 50/50 UoE, Falmouth / 4.8 / £4666 / £1350 / 3.46 yrs / Completed July 14
Total implemented/about to be implemented 2013/14 Academic Year / 575.3 / £441,844 / £114,750 / 3.85 yrs
*costs and payback times are for capital items only, does not include installation costs.
During 2013/14 we implemented carbon reduction project estimated to save up to 575 tonnes of CO2e per annum at a capital cost of £442,000 and an average carbon payback of 3.85 years (Table 5 above).
6.Estimated tCO2e reduction and investment needed in order to reach our 2020 target
6.1Indications from Defra are that the increase in carbon conversion factors last year is opposite to the norm. Their predicted trend will be a continuation in a reduction due to decarbonisation of the national grid, therefore, the 2012/13 conversion figures have been used to estimate the total tonnes of carbon needed to meet our 2020 carbon reduction target. If Defra conversion factors did not increase in 2013/14, at year end our actual performance would have been 77.2 kg per m2 of GIA.
6.2Extrapolating the 25.83 kg of CO2e per m2 needed to reach the 2019/20 target of 51.37 kg CO2e per m2 indicates in order to reach the 2019/20 target of a 45% decrease in carbon emissions per m2 of GIA compared to the 2005/06 baseline we still need to invest in projects capable of providing an additional 2053 tonnes of CO2e per annum (these figures include an increase in GIA for new builds; SERFS1, the Heart Project and the ESI Garage).
6.3At the time of writing there are pipeline projects for which funding has been agreedwhich are estimated will provide an annual 271 tonne CO2e reduction (see Capital Project Spreadsheet).
6.4To achieve the balance of 1782 tonnes reduction, we estimate we need to invest at least an additional £2.1 million pounds by 2020. Worked calculations are shown at Appendix 1.
6.5In terms of financial savings, based on 2013/14 academic year average energy prices per kWh, the implementation of this additional 1782 tonnes of carbon projects could provide an annual utility bill reduction of around £375,000 post 2020 (Appendix 1).
6.6A number of studies need to be undertaken to allow an understanding of which types of projects can provide the best returns and allow these additional carbon savings to be made. It is expected that carbon projects will be a mix of behavioural change, operational changes, investment in modern energy efficient technologies and controls, combined with renewable/low carbon energy generation.
6.7Over the next 12 months Technical Services aim to:
- Commission a study to further analyse the electrical power demand and usage on the campus. This will allow the baseload and variable demand to be determined, and will provide data on the current energy consumption (carbon footprint) of the largest energy consuming equipment on site e.g. chillers.
- From usage data for high energy M&E (as identified in the power demand/usage study), compare with modern replacement equipment to determine the likely carbon and energy savings then develop business cases for investment e.g. some modern chiller units are designed to reduce energy consumption by 30 to 50%;the chillers in the DdM are now 10 years old and most likely extremely inefficient.
- Ensure energy efficiency is factored into procurement decision making i.e. all replacement plant and equipment is procured based on an assessment of the likely lifetime carbon footprint and running costs (including maintenance) and is of the correct size and specification.
- From an understanding of peak energy demand studies, work in partnership with UoE renewables to develop a business case for combining demand energy management with additional on-site generation capacity and possible energy storage.
7. Carbon Reduction Commitment
The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme scheme operates on an April to March year, not the academic year. Unlike the Government’s CCL (Climate Change Levy) the CRC costs are not included in our utility bills because the scheme operates on a slightly different subset of properties and conversion factors, including an ability to include credits for onsite generation of electricity.
Under the scheme, our emissions for the CRC Phase 1 Year 3, ending March 2014 were reported as 5716 tonnes of CO2 (down from 6234 tonnes of CO2 for Phase 1 Year 2). The total cost of purchased allowances was £68,592 (at a cost of £12 per tonne).
Phase 2 of the CRC began on 1st April 2014. Costs per tonne of CO2 for Year 1 of this phase have increased to £16.40 at the buy to comply price and costs will rise annually during this phase. This increase will be set by Government and will be at least the annual inflation rate.
8.Scope 3 (Indirect) Carbon Emissions
8.1 Water and Sewerage
FX Plus uses a 2010/11 baseline for Scope 3 Waste and Water reporting. Our 2013/14 absolute footprint was 519.3 tCO2e; 1.1 tonne higher than the baseline 515 tCO2e. The combined academic and residential water consumption per m2 of GIAcontinued to fall despite an increase in the number of residential students on campus, 0.4kg per m2 lower than in 2012/13 (see Graph 8). The reduction was from academic areas down 1.43 kg per m2 of GIA. The residential water and sewerage carbon footprint increased by 1.59 kg per m2 in 2013/14 mainly because of the 10.4% increase in residents compared to the previous academic year.