Reading Uni looks to cut carbon footprint with solar panels

Posted by Robert Shields

Reading University is looking to reduce its carbon footprint significantly, with the installation of an array of solar PV panels on some of its campus buildings.

The institution said that the plans were part of an ongoing scheme which would see it using drastically less electricity not generated by itself, as it tries to reduce its carbon footprint by an estimated 16,415 tonnes per year.

Plans were completed with the installation of 200 photovoltaic panels on the roofs of the university.

Many universities across the nation try to enrol their students in carbon saving initiatives, with some even offering to prizes to halls which save the most energy.

Denise Shearman, head of campus services, told Get Reading: "This new development will make a small, but important contribution to the university's overall target of cutting its carbon emissions by 35 per cent by 2015."

She added that institutions have a responsibility to help reduce carbon usage.