We procure our energy through the Oxford University energy procurement scheme, thus ensuring that 100% of our electricity is obtained and supplied though renewable sources, with a Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin factored in to the agreement.
In addition to procuring renewable electricity, Exeter College is also working to reduce our electricity and gas use. As outlined in our sustainability strategy, every refurbishment project includes work to improve the environmental performance of our buildings and we are working towards a feasibility study to support our transition to a decarbonised mechanical and electrical infrastructure. We are also currently developing solar panel projects to produce electricity on site in future.
Besides these long-term projects, Exeter College has also been working towards short-term energy savings. By improving our heating system in Turl Street, we saw an impressive reduction in our gas use over the last two years, thus helping to reduce our emissions. Furthermore, Exeter has been encouraging electricity savings throughout College, with participation in the university’s Be energy friendly campaign.
Reducing gas use
Exeter College has reduced its gas consumption by 18.53% since 2019, with year-on-year reductions above 9% in both 2022 and 2023. As visible in the graph above, the College’s gas consumption was 367,114 m3 in 2019. In 2021 this slightly fell to 363,688m3 and in 2022 gas use was reduced substantially to 335,055m3. In 2023 College gas use fell under the 300,000m3 mark, highlighting the substantial efforts that have been undertaken over the past year and a half.
Reducing electricity use
Exeter College has reduced electricity consumption over the past years, with a year-on-year drop by 5.32% in 2023. As the graph above shows, electricity consumption was 1,564,468 kWh in 2022 and dropped down to 1,481,284 kWh in 2023.
More data on Exeter’s energy use is also available on the emissions page.
