Emissions & Effluents

Emissions and Effluents are managed by Cardiff Met's Environment and Estates team. The aspect oversees the release of greenhouse gases, gaseous effluents, effluents through sewage, and Legionella. The University maintains a robust maintenance strategy in line with statutory obligations, while the University's schools independently maintain risk assessments and ensure minimal impact on the local environment.

Emissions to Atmosphere

Air conditioning systems and their associated refrigeration system, exhaust ventilation equipment and gas boilers are regularly maintained and serviced by contractors, arranged by the Estates department, to avoid leaks and regulate the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Gaseous Effluents

The University has reduced the number of 'kinds of' chemicals in use from 4,000 to approximately 2,000 during recent years, replacing solvent based products for maintenance works with water based alternatives. To reduce gaseous emissions, solvents are safely disposed as liquid chemicals and are sourced in compliance with the Chemical and Hazardous Substances protocol, with considerations of end of life.

Effluents in Sewage

The Estates team oversee the disposal of effluents to site drains and work to control spillages of chemicals into sewers. All campus drains, compressors and interceptors are cleaned and serviced as appropriate. Water and oil separators have been filtered to all air compressors owned by the University to prevent oils being discharged into the drains. Spill kits are available at all sites, and relevant staff are trained on proper use.

Legionella

A Legionella risk assessment is in place and managed by the Estates team, and all Swimming Pool related checks are managed by the Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences.