University of Exeter saves eight tonnes of CO2 over six months

“Converting our used cooking oil into bio-diesel to fuel the trucks is part of Exeter University’s wider strategy to reduce our carbon footprint,” explains Paul O’Callaghan, Waste & Recycling, University of Exeter.

“We have clear goals to reach in terms of recycling and energy savings at the University – we currently recycle 36% of all our waste and by 2015 our aim is 45% or higher.  In terms of carbon savings, our target is to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions by a further 28% on top of the 18% already achieved, and we’re on track to achieve both targets.”

In addition, the University has also recently retained its Carbon Trust Standard. The university was awarded the recertification for a 13% reduction in its carbon footprint relative to turnover since the original certification in 2008.  This was achieved through internal schemes such as the Student Re-use Project and investment by the University in energy saving.

The University of Exeter is one of only two Higher Education institutions in the UK to have so far achieved recertification for this prestigious award.

The award requires organisations to measure, manage and reduce their carbon footprint and make real reductions years on year. 

Godfrey Whitehouse, Energy Manager at the University of Exeter says “We are delighted to have retained the Carbon Trust Standard, which helps us to monitor and benchmark where we are and identifies areas for improvement bringing tangible and significant cost savings.

The university is very proud to have been presented with this award and would like to thank all staff and students who made it possible through their efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.”