Understanding the significance of energy saving at the University of York
Our annual utility bill amounts to a staggering £13 million, translating to over £35,000 spent each day.
Through this campaign, we’re committed to making significant changes to our energy use throughout 2024, with a goal to reduce our carbon emissions by a massive 1,586 TCO2e (tonnes (t) of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent (e)) - which equates to a saving of £1 million.
Small changes add up
Individually it may feel like you can't make a big difference, but collectively, small changes can have a big impact.
Consider for example overnight electricity expenditure, totaling £700 per hour.
Switching off just one light overnight might seem inconsequential, but with nearly 90,000 light fittings across campus, a huge 376kgCO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent), resulting in savings of £400 per hour.
Similarly, through heating optimisation initiatives, such as those implemented in our Alcuin Research Centre, gas usage has been reduced by 35%. This translates to a substantial monthly saving of £909 during the winter months, demonstrating the tangible benefits of consciously changing how we use energy.
These are just a few examples, there are many more we can, and will, consider.