We know that times are tough. Energy prices are a real concern for many of us and over winter, members of our community might struggle to cope with rising costs due to increased energy use.
As a University, energy use is a pressing concern as we prepare for Net Zero by 2040 across all three carbon scopes. As well as reducing our energy use and our reliance on conventional heating across our estate, we also need to reduce emissions by making small changes to everyday activities like commuting, business travel and the running of our halls of residence and SU buildings.
With our Energy Savers Campaign, we hope to help you improve your energy knowledge, reduce your bills, and at the same time support NTU’s journey to Net Zero and Carbon Neutral Nottingham.
By working together, we can bring down our emissions, reduce your energy bills and take positive steps towards achieving Net Zero carbon by 2040.
Energy use at home
Your actions at NTU can also be applied in the household, but for further savings why not consider the following. The Energy Saving Trust have provided potential savings on each of the actions*
- Unplug devices rather than leaving them on standby – this could save you up to £65 a year
- Wash laundry at a lower temperature – washing at 30 degrees rather than 60 can save you £34 a year
- Boil the kettle only when needed – why not fill a flask with boiled water in the mornings to last throughout the day – not overfilling a kettle can save you £13 a year
- Cut down shower time – 4-minute showers compared to the average 15 minutes can save you £95 a year
- Consider insulating your hot water tank/pipes/radiators. Topping up your hot water tank insulation from 25mm to 80mm thick, using a British Standard jacket, could save you around £70 a year.
- Know how your thermostat works! Heating is a major energy use in households and often thermostats (especially when living in rented or new accommodation) can be confusing. Search how to control your thermostat and make sure the heating only comes on when you need it. General advice on thermostats
- Get a smart meter! One of the easiest ways to check your home energy use is by installing a smart meter! You can request these from your energy provider for free** and not only will you be able to track energy, but this may lower your bills compared to standard tariffs.
- Understand your EPC - An Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC, shows how energy efficient a property is, as well as how energy efficient it could be.
*Based on England, Scotland and Wales savings are for a typical three-bedroom, gas-heated home in Great Britain, using a gas price of 10.3p/kWh and electricity price of 34.0p/kWh Quick tips to save energy at home - Energy Saving Trust
**Most energy companies provide free smart meters though that cannot be guaranteed depending on the company you are with.
Financial Support
We understand that the cost of living might be difficult. Whilst energy saving tips go so far, they still might not be enough to cover increasing bills within your household.
There is a range of financial support available for those who need it below.
Nottinghamshire Healthy Housing Service
Funded by public health within Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham Energy Partnership, this independent charity helps alleviate fuel poverty and reduces carbon emissions by supplying free and subsidised home insulation, boiler repairs and replacement services and energy switching advice. Services are provisionally for those over 60 and families with young children but can work on local issues with landlords and community energy.
Nottinghamshire Healthy Housing Service – Nottingham Energy Partnership (nottenergy.com)
Citizens Advice Nottingham & District
Get fuel debt advice specific to your locality and from local services by contacting citizens advice Nottingham
www.citizensadvicenottingham.org.uk
Cold rented accommodation – Notts
Landlords must comply with latest domestic energy efficiency standards and housing regulations by law. Please contact the customer hub or Safer Housing on 0115 915 2020 or SaferHousing@nottinghamcity.gov.uk
Grants for Energy Efficiency
Simple Energy Advice have a range of resources and information on grants for energy efficiency improvements in households such as cavity wall insulation. Energy Company Obligation — Simple Energy Advice
Compare suppliers
If you are moving into private accommodation from halls, Ofgem can help you compare tariffs of energy companies.
Switch supplier or energy tariff | Ofgem (Please be aware current guidance advising not switching suppliers if you already have a direct debit set up with an energy company)
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount provides a one-off discount of £140 over the winter period. If you claim the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or are on a low income, you may qualify.
To find out more about the scheme you can call 0800 731 0214 or visit the gov.uk website.
Cold Weather Payment
Cold Weather Payments pay you £25 for each 7-day period the average temperature in your area is zero degrees or below. People on means-tested benefits may be eligible for this scheme.
To find out more about this scheme on the gov.uk website.
The Energy Bills Support Scheme provides a £400 non-repayable discount to eligible households to help with their energy bills over winter 2022 to 2023.
The discount is automatic. If you get a message asking for your bank details, this could be a scam. You can report messages you think are suspicious by forwarding them to 7726.
All households with a domestic electricity connection in England, Scotland and Wales are eligible for the discount.
Connected for Warmth – Free Energy Efficiency Measure for Domestic Properties
A new energy efficiency scheme, Connected for Warmth, is offering free cavity wall and loft insulation to households nationwide. If your Council Tax Band is A-D, you could be eligible.
Free Air Source Heat Pumps are available to households that don’t currently have a central heating system in any Council Tax Band, if their circumstances make them eligible. Full eligibility criteria for the heat pump scheme can be found on the website.
These offers are free for both property owners and landlords. Funding is available on a first come first served basis.
Connected for Warmth is an awarding-winning programme, managed by AgilityEco in partnership with Affordable Warmth Solutions, and funded by National Grid. It is expected to fund around 10,000 measures.
By taking part in the scheme, you will be able to benefit from reduced energy bills, more comfortable homes, improved health outcomes, and reduced carbon emissions – supporting the Nottingham’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2028.
Find out more about the scheme by visiting www.connectedforwarmth.org.uk.
Energy use in halls
We know it’s hard to keep track of energy use in halls, and whilst bills might be “all included” this doesn’t mean you won't face increases to your overall bill over time.
Use the energy tips listed in the sections above. Also ask for transparency from your hall’s provider. Many halls at NTU are run by UPP, with some at Brackenhurst being controlled by the NTU.
Read up on UPP and the University’s sustainability statements, compare them to what you notice within your halls and get in touch directly or to the NTU Sustainability Team if you have any issues or further questions.
Energy use on campus
Reaching net zero carbon by 2040 is not going to be easy, but even the smallest changes can make a big difference if we work together. By changing some of our habits on campus, you can support us to make sure that:
- Lights are switched off in empty rooms
- Computer and device power saving modes are switched on
- Appliances and switches are clearly labelled so staff and students know which are in use
- Nothing is blocking the radiators
- Windows are shut when radiators or A/C is on and overnight to prevent heat loss
- Documents are not printed unless necessary
- A travel hierarchy is encouraged when travelling to campus – walk, cycle, public transport, car
- The environmental status of companies is considered when purchasing merchandise
- Any evidence of a water leak or waste of energy is reported as an Environmental Observation
Why Not?
- Hire a bike from our Cycle Hub for only £49 a year - we also offer staff and student discounts for bus and tram travel
- Staff can check out our Office Sustainability check list on Thrive
To learn more or for any queries, email sust.dev@ntu.ac.uk.