The three-year partnership has been agreed in recognition of the University's commitment to energy and environmental management including the implementation of an environmental policy. The policy comprises carbon dioxide reduction targets and the development of a dedicated Energy and Environmental Management Unit.

The partnership will assist the University in identifying energy efficiency initiatives on both a practical and strategic level.  The Carbon Trust will use the findings and experience from this partnership to further improve delivery of programmes promoting energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions reduction.

The Carbon Trust will help the University identify and implement projects to make significant carbon savings.

The projects that will be undertaken in the first year include:

• A feasibility study for combined heat and power on site. This is when electrical heat and power is generated in a single process and is a very efficient technology.

• The development of a lighting strategy.  This would reduce the University's energy bill across the precinct by £266,000 and save 3,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

• Detailed surveys of key University buildings. When the findings are implemented savings of 2,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide will be achieved across the University, reducing its energy bill by £177,000.

Karen Gallagher, Assistant Energy and Environmental Manager at Bristol University, said: "The University spends £5.5 million on energy and water per annum, which releases over 39,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The partnership with The Carbon Trust will enable the University to build on its environmental policy and reduce carbon emissions further.

"By reducing the University's energy consumption, the benefits could be considerable financially and on an environmental level, with better staff and student awareness leading to an increased overall commitment to sustainable development."

The UK's ninth annual Energy Efficiency Week started on 25 October 2004.

The Carbon Trust  is an independent, not-for-profit company set up and funded by the Government. Its aim is to help businesses and public sector organisations improve energy efficiency and cut carbon emissions - thereby helping to reduce energy bills and helping to meet UK carbon dioxide reduction targets. CT is seeking to expand its portfolio of long-term partnerships with leading organisations across the UK to spearhead the transition to a low carbon economy.

The Carbon Trust agreed the partnership in April 2004.

The University spends £3.8 million on energy.

The Energy and Environmental Management Unit (EEMU) was established in 2001. The primary role of EEMU is to try and reduce environmental impact and where possible save the University resources and money. The Unit's operations have a significant local, national and global environmental impact.

EEMU is responsible for implementing energy and water efficiency measures and environmental improvements across the University of Bristol

The Unit's roles include actions to:

• reduce consumption of energy and water;
• reduce the amount of waste disposed to landfill by increasing the amount we reuse and recycle;
• encourage the inclusion of environmental considerations into the design and refurbishment of University buildings;
• compliance with environmental legislation;
• promote alternative forms of transport to single person car use including facilities for cyclists, walkers, motorcyclists and users of public transport.