Gareth Ellis, Energy & Environment Manager at Cranfield University will outline the methods he has deployed to ensure the University meets its ambition to keep its environmental impact to a minimum.
Cranfield have been working for the last 10 years to meet a number of environmental targets including reducing carbon emissions by 50%, reducing waste by 10% increasing recycling, increasing biodiversity on site, reducing water consumption, increasing the use of sustainable transport and reducing pollution. The biggest challenge has been reducing carbon emissions but it has also been the most rewarding. Large investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy have helped save energy costs and been repaid several times over. Demonstrating value for money and linking in wider environmental improvements helped create a virtuous circle with commitment from senior management and employee and student support. Looking forward Cranfield have just set themselves even more challenging targets for the next 10 years including net zero carbon and zero avoidable waste by 2030.
After qualifying with an Agricultural Engineering degree at Silsoe College (then part of Cranfield University) in 1980, Gareth Ellis worked for ADAS for 16 years mainly on horticultural engineering but latterly on renewable energy projects. In 1996 he joined the National Energy Foundation and headed up their work on renewable energy. After a brief spell with Enviros an environmental consultancy he returned to Cranfield University in 2008 and became the Energy & Environment Manager for the university estate.
