Exeter College has beaten off the world renowned Eden Project to win the Building Controls Industry Association Awards for Energy Management announced last week at a glittering event in Solihull.

The awards are the highest acclaimed celebration of excellence in the building controls industry attracting some of the most influential names in the industry with 300 professionals at the event celebrating the achievements of the winners in 9 categories covering building controls, building energy management systems, energy efficiency, innovation, training and personal achievement.

The Energy Management Award, sponsored by Priva Building Intelligence was awarded to Exeter College for its new building energy system which has already recorded a staggering success of 40% reduction in energy use through the installation of upgraded plant and integrating the existing air conditioning units across the sites. Calling in energy experts Ability Controls and Energy Management Ltd the college co-ordinated multiple installations across the college’s sites which standardized equipment and also ensured effective use of existing wiring and equipment whilst minimising the disruptive impact on the college.

“The college continues an ambitious building programme and over the last 10years we have not only built new facilities but also refurbished much of the college estate” said Steve Strang, Head of Estates. “Saving energy is always key to our work and we now have a system that easily shows us how much energy each of the sites is using. It is much easier to ensure we provide comfortable working environments for all our students, staff and visitors. By renewing plant and centralizing the monitoring of controls we can ensure the plant only runs when it is needed and does so as efficiently as possible.”

“We are delighted that this work has now gained national recognition,” said Rebecca King, Deputy Principal, “particularly since we had been shortlisted with some real environmental leaders such as the Eden Project. We continue to invest in the college facilities – opening a new gym this Spring and completing the new Technology Centre by Autumn. This impressive accolade is a tribute to the important work that our technical teams do to drive effective practices and efficiency savings across the college.”