University of the West of Scotland strives for ultra-efficiency
The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) improved the efficiency of its heating systems and lighting across its campus following £540,000 from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). The works are estimated to result in an annual saving of almost 370 tonnes of carbon.
More management
To better control its heating systems, the university upgraded its Building Management System infrastructure that was reaching its end of life at the Paisley Campus.
This tool ensures indoor and outdoor temperature settings are set to economy to increase savings. The buildings connected to the controls have been re-commissioned to maximise energy savings, ensuring temperature readings are taken on an individual room basis ensuring demand is accurately measured.
Furthermore, the upgrade ensures the estates team can efficiently control their gas and electricity consumption.
Leveraging LED
Following this, the university switched its energy sapping lighting for ultra-efficient LEDs in its Paisley Campus library, engineering workshop and external floodlights.
These buildings were targeted as lights are in use for long hours and the upgrade will result in greater savings. Controls have also been incorporated into the project with lights turning off in areas that are not in use, further reducing consumption.
LED lighting is relatively inexpensive, quick to install and is an effective solution to improve energy efficiency, produducing significant energy carbon and energy savings.
UWS welcomed the opportunity to work with Salix Finance to upgrade our building management system infrastructure at our Paisley campus, as well as upgrading our lighting to ultra-efficient LEDs in various areas of the campus.
People led and people focused
Staff and students were included and informed throughout the project through the UWS's Sustainability Annual Report which details carbon savings and impact.
In addition, good news stories impacting positively on the UWS carbon footprint were promoted through the Green Impact newsletter, staff e-bulletins and social media.
Funding energy efficiency across Scotland's universities.
UWS were able to fund these projects as a result of the Scottish Funding Councils University Financial Transactions Programme 2021-22 (UFTP) which provides lowinterest loans to support university capital investments made in response to the climate emergency. The programme aims to significantly reduce the Scottish university sector’s carbon footprint and energy spend. You can read more about the programme under the Scotland section of Funding the Public Sector on the Salix Finance website.
