A review of the University heating policy could lead to a long-awaited change in the system coming into place next academic year.
The current policy runs heating from 7am until 11am and then 2pm until 11pm, and is in place for all but Halifax and Wentworth ensuite accommodation. However, these hours could now be adapted to ensure that the heating is on at times that students are most likely to be in their blocks.
Likely options will be closer to the UPP system used in Halifax and Wentworth ensuites, where heating is on between 5pm and 2am. Further monitoring of the heating system will also take place across all University buildings.
The Director of Estates and Campus Services, Jon Meacock, told Vision that: “Some changes have already been made and monitoring of temperatures will be taking place over the next few weeks to ensure the system is adequately set for the next heating season.”
He continued: “In considering the options the University has to balance the comfort of students with the impact on our carbon reduction plans. Feedback on these matters will be sought through the various college consultation groups.
“In the longer term, the University is looking to extend the District Heating system so that more buildings can be connected to it. This is also part of our plan to reduce our overall carbon footprint by 40% by 2020.”
The changes will come as particularly good news for Langwith College following months of campaigning for improved facilities in the higher-rent accommodation. Vision first reported problems with the heating systems in Langwith in November last year, and in April this year the students finally received compensation for the problems they had encountered.
JCRC Chair Sam Maguire voiced his full support for the changes:
“I think these changes will go a long way to ensure the living temperatures next term are much improved on those that current residents faced,” he said.
YUSU President Kallum Taylor added: “When looking into the problems surrounding heating in halls – particularly in new Langwith – we found out that even when the heating was working, it wasn’t necessarily on at the most beneficial times. We’ve spoken to the College Chairs, and we’ll be asking students to further solidify our stance. Running the heating through the early mornings and having it on until later in the night would make more sense.”