Our use of energy has been identified as a potential significant environmental impact and can involve the headline sustainable development issues, in particular the use of non-renewable resources and the production of emissions. Our energy strategy is to reduce demand, meet our end use efficiently and where possible, supply from renewable, low and zero carbon sources. Facilitating sound energy management is a critical element to successful reduction of energy use and may include energy surveys to identify appropriate opportunities, including the consideration of replacement or part replacement of equipment and fittings with energy efficient alternatives.

Sustainability in practice The introduction of sedum roofs across some of our building projects helps reduce heat loss during winter and reduction of the internal building temperature during summer – all leading to a reduction in energy costs.  By using sedums – plants with thick fleshy leaves and stems, we are also helping to remove carbon dioxide, absorb pollutants from the air and absorb green and roof waste. •Biomass boilers, fuelled by locally supplied woodchips, were installed at Hadley Learning Community, a facility built by Interserve as part of the Building Schools for the Future programme.  Besides being cheaper per kWh than an equivalent gas boiler, it can also be run at a reduced output to compensate for the constant running process. As a result the original specification for a 500KW boiler was reduced to 350KW. •At the Defence Sixth Form College, we implemented an integrated energy efficiency approach by using natural ventilation, high level windows for cross-ventilation, solar shading, and efficient M&E systems including light sensors.

 Return to Social responsibility