Tag: Sustainability

August 28, 2024

A Photovoltaic (PV) extension on the AMATA roof at Penryn campus, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 20.3 tonnes per year, was successfully installed last month (July 2024). It is now fully operational and connected to the high-tech campus PV system. The new PV panels are estimated to contribute over £30,000 of financial savings each year.

This installation adds to the total PV output capacity by approximately 13%, bringing us to almost 1,000 kWp across Penryn campus. This latest addition of PV panels, along with those previously installed on the Daphne Du Maurier building (October 2023) and the roofs of Peter Lanyon and the Sports Centre (July 2023), forms a key part of our carbon reduction programme.

Fergus Chan, Carbon and Energy Manager at FX Plus, said: “we are really pleased to have completed this project, which forms part of our carbon reduction programme to reduce Penryn campus’ demand on energy drawn from the grid by increasing our own ability to generate renewable energy here on campus.”

The PV system at Penryn campus, now spanning across four buildings, will reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 169 tonnes each year. In addition to reducing the universities joint impact on the environment; the financial savings are great, too. In total, the investment is predicted to generate a £145,000 annual cost saving. These calculations are based on 18p/kWh but savings could be greater than this whilst the current unit rate continues to rise. 

To date (August 2024), we have recorded a 60% reduction in our relative energy emissions (electricity & gas) against our 2005/2006 baseline on Penryn Campus (based on per meter squared). The campus PV system is one of the main projects contributing towards this success, as well as other sustainably driven modifications such as LED and electrical upgrades, analytics, and sub-metering upgrades. 

Together, the Universities and FX Plus Estates and Sustainability teams, are tirelessly looking into new technology and finding new ways to introduce green energy initiatives, improve energy efficiency and reduce our campuses reliance on fossil fuels. For more information about this, contact sustainability@fxplus.ac.uk.

July 30, 2024

Falmouth Exeter Plus are pleased to announce that Penryn campus has been honoured with the coveted Green Flag Award for the seventh year in a row.

“I was thrilled to hear that we have once again received the prestigious Green Flag Award, marking our seventh consecutive year of recognition. This accomplishment highlights the exceptional dedication and care shown by the Falmouth Exeter Plus Grounds and Gardens and Facilities Management teams in maintaining our beautiful green spaces,” said Stuart Gaslonde, Executive Director and Director of Infrastructure at Falmouth Exeter Plus.

The Green Flag Award, administered by Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, is a benchmark of excellence for well-managed green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and passion of our staff, as well as the invaluable contributions of our volunteers who actively participate in various conservation and sustainability initiatives on campus. Their efforts ensure that our campus remains a vibrant and welcoming environment for all. Thank you to everyone involved in achieving this milestone. Your commitment to excellence is truly appreciated,” adds Stuart.

Each year, the Falmouth Exeter Plus teams implement all sorts of green initiatives that have contributed to this years’ award. One of which is the Wildflower Planting Project at Penryn campus, which recently celebrated over 1,200 wildflower plugs being planted throughout January through to June 2024.  The project was first initiated the previous year, by Abishek Dixit and Alastair Garnett, Gardeners at Falmouth Exeter Plus, and is supporting biodiversity on campus and helping wildlife thrive.

“This summer, we’ve seen Goldfinches, Meadow Brown Butterflies and Buff-tail Bumblebees feasting in the wildflower meadows that we planted last year!

“Our new (2024) plantings of Ox-eye daisies, mallows, self-heals, yellow rattle, and many more native wildflower species will further support bees, butterflies, and birds on campus grounds,” explains Alasdair.

Penryn campus is set in 100 acres of countryside, with the grounds and gardens boasting a unique collection of herbaceous beds, subtropical planting and a fruit producing orchard. The site also features outside spaces with historic relevance, such as the Tremough Grotto and Star Pond which was built in 1944 by US forces based here prior to the D-Day landings, an 18th Century lime avenue, and a drive with Pinetum native woodlands and historically rare rhododendrons which were cultivated on the site in the Victorian era.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Penryn campus on achieving a Green Flag Award.

“Penryn campus is a vital green space for the local community to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and it provides important opportunities for users to improve their physical and mental health.

“We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement. 

“It is important that our free to use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected.”