Be Energy Friendly – and Know Our Heating Policy

During winter, students are reminded to be energy friendly.

In previous years, the Blackfriars community has worked together to reduce our energy use during the winter months. This has resulted in a significant reduction in energy consumption, which we would like to build upon.

Once again, this year, energy-saving policy measures are put into place, including setting ambient temperature in 33 St Giles to 19 degrees. This is in line with the EU and World Health Organisation guidance to heat buildings. Additional information for building managers is available in this guide.

Our Heating and Cooling Policy, and how to use our heating systems safely and sustainably

In Blackfriars accommodation, we ask all our students to abide by the Hall’s Heating Policy and to treat our heating systems responsibly.  All rooms include a thermometer to help you monitor whether the room temperature is at a reasonable level of comfort.

For more information on our heaters and how to use them efficiently, please see our information about accommodation heating and appliances.

Reducing your energy consumption

You can play your part in reducing energy consumption by following the steps below. These ideas are not new, but they may not be front of mind; try and build them into your daily routine and wherever possible:

• Lights off: turn off the lights if you’re the last one to leave the room.
• Boil less: only boil as much water as you need (this could save £3 per day per kettle).
• Layer up: bring a jumper for comfort during the winter months.
• Switch off: turn off appliances at the socket when not in use, and keep portable electric heaters off.
• Power down: turn off your computer and screen at the end of the working day, and make sure your computer is set to ‘hibernate’ if you’re away from your desk.

With more than 26,000 students and 14,000 staff members taking these actions across Oxford, the cumulative effects will save a significant amount of both money and carbon emissions. For example, reducing the ambient temperature in all Blackfriars buildings by just one degree can save

Energy saving tips

The following tips can be found on the University’s sustainability website.