Carbon Net Zero by 2035

In October - December 2023 we reduced our energy use by 113,750 kWh (£6,825) compared with the same period in the previous year.

Some of our energy-saving measures are as follows:

• Eyesense, a smart distributed Energy Management System specifically designed to manage energy usage in student accommodation, has been rolled out across the main College site and the Dorothy Wadham Building following a trial in several staircases and offices. Wadham is leading the roll-out of this smart energy management system within Oxford with over 300 devices fitted. We use the eco-sync platform to ensure that rooms are not heated when not in use. We were pleased to receive Highly Commended, with EyeSense, in the UK Green Business Awards 2025 in the Green Heat category. These awards highlight some of the most inspiring and innovative projects and campaigns in the UK today.
• Gas for hot water accounts for half of the gas we use, so we are changing hot water gas boilers to electric sunamp cubes to remove the gas. We have installed sunamp cubes in Staircases 20 and 23.
• We have reduced our water usage. We installed flow monitors in Staircases 10, 11, and KA, which tells us how much water is used there. Dual flush toilets are replaced with single flush toilets with water-saving devices during staircase refurbishments. Water-saving devices are being fitted to showers as part of our maintenance programme.
• We no longer use electric heaters in our Library's reading rooms; instead, blankets are available for students who prefer to work in temperatures above 18⁰C.
• We use a lot of paint at the College, so we researched and engaged with Graphenstone, a company that makes natural and breathable paint. Their zero-carbon is made out of graphene and lime, which takes carbon out of the air as it dries.
• We are replacing our lighting with LED bulbs. These automatically dim when not in use.
• New energy-efficient appliances replace end-of-life equipment. For example, hot and cold counters in the refurbished Refectory are energy efficient.
• We have added secondary glazing to listed buildings where conservation approval allows. New building developments are double glazed.
• Sustainability was central to the construction of the William Doo Undergraduate and Dr Lee Shau Kee Buildings, which were completed in 2021. They were designed to maximise natural light and have solar panels on their roofs.

We promote energy-saving actions and correct recycling in communal staff and student areas. Our students are encouraged to get involved with the Student Switch Off. This is a not-for-profit campaign encouraging student action on climate change in university halls of residences.