The Resources Research Unit of Sheffield Hallam University offers a range of commercial research and consultancy services to assist forward-looking companies, organisations and communities in fulfilling their aspirations for sustainable development. Special energy surveys and computer-based data analysis enable current patterns of energy consumption and expenditure to be established. This provides the basis for identifying appropriate energy efficiency measures, and evaluating their economic and environmental benefits. This work is funded by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions . Established procedures are available for assessing the practical possibilities for utilising local renewable energy resources in terms of their technical characteristics, economic costs, environmental implications, planning aspects and job-creation prospects.
Feasibility studies underpin commercial project development.
The Unit has undertaken several projects for the Local Authorities Energy Partnership, which has members from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire County Councils. We also undertake joint project work with Sheffield Heat and Power . Environmental auditing and life cycle analysis techniques are used to determine the environmental consequences of any activity or proposed development. Results indicate ways of avoiding environmental hazards, preventing environmental damage and minimising waste. The Resources Research Unit was formally established in the School of Environment and Development at Sheffield Hallam University in 1990 to provide commercial research and consultancy services which support the efficient utilisation and management of natural resources, especially energy.