July 2003/30 - Section 2 - Energy policy
Good practice
Value for money study
Energy management in higher education
Section 2 - Energy policy
(This text appears in HEFCE 2003/30)
As might be expected, the adoption of an energy policy by HEIs has increased since 1996, following the last review of energy management in universities and publication of the HEFCE report M 5/96, 'Energy Management Study in the Higher Education Sector: National Report'. Energy policies exist, but are limited in their effectiveness as useful documents. Adoption of energy policies does not of itself signal best management practice. The Expert Working Group (EWG) reviewed a representative sample of policies that demonstrated the implementation of good practice. The web page links for these energy policies are provided as further examples of energy policies.
In the sample of energy policies reviewed, all institutions established two important strategic elements:
- A comprehensive energy policy covering the management of all utilities, that forms an integral part of and is updated in line with institutions' corporate plans. These are typically reviewed every three to five years.
- An energy plan covering the implementation and monitoring of clearly defined annual objectives and performance measures.
Both the policies and plans clearly define responsibilities and ensure effective performance evaluation.
To maximise the tangible and intangible benefits for all HEIs, the EWG recommends that institutions reassess the effectiveness of their present arrangements in the light of the comments above. Institutions may find the following guidance helpful in conducting this review:
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