York’s ecological crisis
- £600,000 Rise in energy costs over one year
- 25,000 tonnes University’s carbon emissions in a year
- 33% Student share of total carbon emissions
- £5 million Total energy costs in four years if situation continues
Official documents acquired by Nouse have revealed rocketing energy costs at the University, as a result of increased consumption and global rises in price. The economic forecast for the next academic year predicts that total energy costs will reach £4.9 million, representing a 53% increase on the expenditure for 2005/6 which has contributed to a budget deficit of £3 million. This trend is described as “especially worrying in view of the University’s plans for expansion”.
During 2004/5, electricity usage at the University rose to nearly 30 million kWh, while gas usage rose to almost 65 million kWh. The resulting C02 emissions mounted to over 21,000 tonnes. During 2005/6, emissions have increased again by more than 13%, enough to fill 200,000 balloons to 5 metres in diameter.
Electricity prices are also set to double when the current contract comes to an end, whilst gas prices have increased by 56% in 2004/5, with a further estimated increase of 18% in 2005/6.
According to the University’s energy conservation officer, Heike Singleton, these cost increases are the result of increased consumption due to campus expansion, building developments and a rise in energy-intensive research. They are also linked to the increasing global demand for energy. The University’s Carbon Management Implementation Plan aims to limit cost increases to £3.8 million by 2009/10, but if the current situation continues costs would reach £5 million by that year.
