SOAS Energy Projects
Here is a flavour of some of the projects that are currently being implemented. Some of these are being financed using interest free loans from Salix which is an arm of the Carbon Trust. Carbon Management Plan
This is looking at measuring our existing carbon footprint from our operations and looking at what measures we need to put in place to help meet our reduction targets. It will have full backing from SOAS management and be signed off by the executive board.
Brunei Gallery
We are replacing two old chiller units for the air conditioning system with a brand new highly energy efficient chiller and upgrading controls and other items of plant to improve efficiency. The controls works have already been completed and the new chiller will be installed in the spring. These measures will help to improve the energy rating of this building which is currently a G.
Philips Building Heating Controls
This has been a major project to introduce zoning of the building to improve comfort and reduce energy consumption by taking into account things such as solar gain and differing occupancy times. The works are going through final commissioning and should be fully operational in the next couple of weeks.
Voltage Optimisation
As part of the electrical infrastructure renewal, we have installed a voltage optimisation unit for the Brunei Gallery and College building which will help to reduce electricity consumption by 7-9%. A second unit is planned for the Philips building during the summer works.
Russell Square and Vernon Square buildings
These buildings have been fitted with building management systems to control the heating and improve conditions. The original controls had failed and these buildings were overheating and operating when not required. These works are just completing now.
Main Campus Hot Water Heat Recovery
This project will realise significant carbon and cost savings as we are going to utilise low grade heat from the CHP engines which is currently being discharged to atmosphere to preheat the cold water feed to the hot water system. This will improve the operation of the CHP engines and allow us to turn off other plant which is currently used to support the CHP system. The project has just started and is anticipated to complete at the end of February.
There are a number of other projects that have taken place linked to some of the refurbishment projects that have taken place over the last few years and there are a number that have been identified for future works.
Please contact Robert Courtney (Communications & Coordination) in Estates & Facilities rc45@soas.ac.uk / 020 7898 4804 for further information.
