Oxford: not so hot on heating
Oxford University’s heating bill was almost £7m last year, The Oxford Student can reveal. The total energy consumption by University properties, excluding colleges, was £6,808,445, almost double the sum of four years ago. This staggering figure represents the burning of almost 641 billion kilojoules - equivalent to roughly 320 million mars bars.
Images taken on Tuesday morning using infrared thermal imaging equipment show the extent of heat loss from poorly insulated University and college properties. These, together with individual heating bills released under the Freedom of Information Act, reveal the most and least efficient buildings in Oxford. Oxford’s greatest energy-waster is the infamously ugly Hans Krebs biochemistry tower, costing an astonishing £37,901 a year to heat - or £8.03 per square meter.
Infrared images show the roof coloured in red, indicative of poor insulation. Second worst is the Donald Woods microbiology building, costing £7,417 a year - the equivalent of £6.76 per square meter. The Wren-designed Sheldonian Theatre costs £5000 a year, or £4.70 per square meter. Amongst the most efficient buildings is the University’s Offices at Wellington Square.
Despite an £11,000 heating bill, equivalent to almost four years’ tuition fees, the large floor space leaves a cost of just £1.86 per square meter. The stunning images of heat leaking from roofs and windows have left students wondering whether their battels are being spent wisely. Tom Welsh, a Queen’s first year, lives in the iconic but draughty 1960s Florey Building, which ran up a £6000 bill last winter.
He said, “Most of the students know how inefficient Florey is. It’s unfair and really annoying for the students to have to bear the cost burden.” Hector Guinness, co-chair of OUSU Environment and Ethics committee, said, “These images show how antiquated, leaky buildings are a massive source of carbon emissions that could easily be reduced by simple insulation.” “These images should help to target investment towards the worst offenders and slash emissions.
The revelations follow the pre- sentation of two awards to the modernist St Catherine’s college by the Royal Institute of British Architects, praising its “substantial contribution to the environment.” In other efforts to reduce carbon emissions, St Edmund Hall recent- ly announced the installation of solar panels. The proposed quad at St John’s is to be constructed with a view to renewable energy.
26th Apr 2007