Space Heating Policy
Introduction
Electricity and gas used to heat University buildings forms a major part of the
University’s scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions total, estimated at 25%.
Formalising arrangements for heating buildings not only ensures robust carbon
management, it also ensures building users’ comfort and compliance with any
legislation or sector based best practice.
The University’s Corporate Strategy 2013-2018 requires the University to deliver
significant improvements in environmental sustainability. This Heating Policy is
designed to ensure the University uses accurately the amount of energy required to
heat buildings, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Heating levels
All buildings will be heated to a level of between 19-21 Celsius with a maximum
temperature of 22 Celsius being set for all internal spaces with the exception of
certain circulation spaces and emergency exit routes which can be heated to a lower
temperature.
Heating times
Generally buildings will be heated to match their operational times and days of the
week. Consumption of energy to produce heat will be monitored by Campus
Services via the wireless real time energy monitoring system installed in all
campuses. Any heat produced outside of operational hours will be investigated to
minimise associated carbon emissions and expenditure.
Flexible heating agreements where available via the Building Management System
(BMS) will allow for heating to be switched on and off to match spaces subject to
flexible use, such as teaching and sporting areas.
It is the medium to long term intention that this policy will be amended to match
heating supply to timetabling for all bookable rooms.
Bedrooms within halls of residence, where central control is available via the BMS
will be heated between the hours of 0700-2300, subject to the standard thermostatic
controls of the rooms. Where such control is not available students will be
encouraged to only heat their rooms during the same time period.
Heating season
The heating season will be classed as a set time period made up of calendar
months.
Commences: 1st October
Ends: 30th April
However, the University recognises that seasonal weather conditions fluctuate and
an assessment of prevailing weather conditions will be made by Campus Services to
determine if a more effective heating season time period can be adopted. This will
be planned to meet building users’ comfort and/or carbon emissions from energy
consumption. This may result in an increase or decrease in the time period making
up the heating season.
Supplementary or portable heating
It is recognised that in certain circumstances the use of supplementary heating or
portable heating appliances will be required, for example in the event of equipment
failure. However, the use of portable electric heaters presents increased fire risks,
as well as carbon emissions. Use of these appliances also interrupts the BMS and
in turn can affect the building heating controls.
In light of these concerns only Campus Services Maintenance staff are authorised to
procure, test, install and recover all supplementary or portable heating appliances.
Organisational responsibilities
Campus Services will take responsibility for ensuring that appropriate heating is
made available to all areas of the University, matching weather conditions.
Faculties and Service Departments are responsible for ensuring that appropriate
measures are in place to minimise their use of energy for heating to the minimum
that is required, making use of thermostatic controls and reporting any defects.