.

Energy and Carbon


Aston has committed to reducing our carbon emissions from energy by 48% by 2020.

To achieve this ambitious target we have developed a Carbon Management Plan.

CHP engine
Aston University CHP engine


Carbon Management Plan

As part of our programme to reduce our carbon emissions, we have reviewed our Carbon Management Plan and an updated version is now available, which sets ambitious targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions over the coming years.

Our overall target is to reduce our carbon emissions by 48% by 2020 at which point we will set new targets for the following period. The majority of this reduction will come from energy efficiency measures and projects, but we will also be considering transport, waste, water and procurement as we review the plan. This document is an ongoing piece of work, which we will be constantly reviewing, modifying and updating to allow us to monitor our progress against our targets.   

Our Carbon Management Plan also helps us meet the requirements of the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC).

Combined Heat & Power (CHP)

In June 2009 the University, in collaboration with Birmingham District Energy Company (BDEC), installed a CHP plant on campus.  This scheme was augmented in October 2009 and is set to supply the University with 5 MWe of electricity and 7 MWh of heat. It is intended that the BDEC scheme will supply heat to customers off-site and in particular to companies located in the Eastside Regeneration area. 

Energy Management

Energy Management is currently by means of controlling equipment through the BMS system and by using meter and sub-meter readings for utilities to verify invoices and to identify anomalies. 

Display Energy Certificates (DECs)

The University has a display energy certificate located in reception areas of all buildings.  These were created in 2008 and require renewal annually. The recommendation report that accompanies DECs lasts for 7 years and indicates general improvements which could be adopted to improve the DEC rating. 

European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EuETS)

The University were required to obtain a permit to emit CO2 in line with the requirements of the EuETS. BDEC now have responsibility for the University's Energy Centre and the responsibility for reporting under EuETS.