Here at The Students’ Union, we are committed to reducing our utilities year on year, in a bid to be less wasteful and more efficient. We have been engaging with the University Estates and Energy teams, to monitor our consumption on a variety of utilities.

Not only does this allow us to track our progress but, it also allows us to hit you with some fun facts!

The Students’ Union at UWE Key Facts:

• Over the last three years, we have saved 17.88 Tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through our electricity usage. These energy savings are enough to charge 2,280,276 mobile phones or power three homes with electricity for one year
• In the last three years, there has been a 160.9m3 water-saving, a 10% decrease in this utility, saving 0.16 Co2e. This is equivalent to £553 in savings. This is enough to provide water supply to wash 804 full loads of laundry!
• We undertake staff focused energy challenges and messaging to raise awareness of consumption and aid our reduction goals.
• Our Strategic Plan commits us to NUS Green Impact Accreditation for the next 3 years, and we will maintain all actions and plans for reductions.

Electricity Usage

Comparing 2016/17 to the current available data from 2019, we have saved 17.88 Tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through our electricity usage. 

** Although the Electricity use has increased, the carbon intensity of the UK grid decreased in 2016, resulting in the CO2 from the SU electricity consumption to have also dropped. Source for Conversion

Improved Efficiency

Due to The Students' Union's new building, the organisation is more prominent to students and offer meeting and events spaces, making us more utilised by students.

This has enabled us to better achieve our charitable aims and to organise larger equality and diversity campaigns and events within our space. 

Water

In the last three years, there has been a 160.9m3 water saving, a 10% decrease in this utility, saving 0.16 Co2e and a saving of £533

Gas

• We are delighted to have decreased our gas usage by 819 m3 on last year.

Do you have ideas on how The Students’ Union can reduce its utilities? Get in touch via thegreenteam@uwe.ac.uk and let us know!