e3: energy : environment : economy
Overview of the Programme
UCD, DIT, TCD and DCU are cooperating in the development and implementation of a programme to reduce energy use. Their energy management bureau, e3, seeks to implement a strategy to reduce energy use so as to reduce energy costs and the emission of greenhouse gas into the earth's atmosphere. While work commenced in 2003, the programme was officially launched in May 2004 and is now in year one of implementation.
As part of the new bureau, a series of energy audits will be undertaken at each university campus to analyse how energy is currently consumed in each building, to identify energy saving measures, and to set targets for future performance. Already as a "watchdog" on energy usage it has highlighted considerable scope to improve housekeeping practices, such as switching off lights and computers when not required and closing windows when ventilation is not required.
As part of the project, training programmes and awareness materials will be put in place for college staff who are key to delivering housekeeping savings. In addition, tenders will be issued to all active energy suppliers in the market to ensure the best price is procured for all energy requirements.
A key element of the programme is an internet-based monitoring and targeting system that allows all building users view how the buildings are performing live. See the Building Monitoring page for details.
Background and Progress So Far
In spring 2003 UCD, DIT, TCD and DCU agreed in principle to cooperate in the development and implementation of a programme to reduce energy use. They applied for funding support from Sustainable Energy Ireland to establish an "Energy Management Bureau" under its public sector programme.
In summer 2003 they assessed technical requirements to install an internet-based building energy monitoring system based on a system developed at UCD and leveraging off the college's existing Building Management Systems (BMS). This system was subsequently installed and went live over the ensuing months.
Simultaneously, the colleges prepared a detailed strategy to achieve energy savings. The stated goal was to achieve a 10% reduction in total primary energy requirement in 30 key buildings over a period of 3 years. If achieved, the goal would result in annual cost savings of €315,000 and carbon dioxide savings of 3,230 tonnes at the end of year 3. This was broken into annual goals: 3% saving in year 1, 6% in year 2 and 10% in year 3.
The 30 Buildings Selected
| Trinity College Dublin | University College Dublin | Dublin Institute of Technology | Dublin City University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usher Building | Engineering | Aungier St | Sports Complex |
| Arts Building | Library | Bolton St | Library Information Resource Centre |
| IAMS | Administration | Linnen Hall | Sciences / Sports Sciences |
| East End Development | Science Biology | Cathal Brugha | Physics Electronics |
| O'Reilly Institute | Science Chemistry | Kevin St | Engineering & Research |
| Hamilton | Science Physics | — | Business School / Administration |
| Biotechnology | Science Lecture | — | Henry Grattan and Extension |
| Westland Row | — | — | Research & Development |
| Aras an Phiarsiagh | — | — | — |
White Young Green, in conjunction with PowerTherm Solutions, was selected as the Bureau Service Provider (BSP) in September 2003. The bureau was officially launched at the Energy Show in May 2004.
[Last updated 18 June 2004]
Bureau Strategy to Achieve Energy Savings
The Bureau's goal is to achieve a 10% reduction in energy use in 30 key buildings over 3 years. All activities are undertaken by the bureau service provider, White Young Green in conjunction with PowerTherm Solutions.
The first step was a project commencement study to establish baselines of energy use. Based on the findings, a league table of building energy performance was established and buildings with the greatest potential were prioritised for early action.
Each building receives one concise energy survey each year. The primary objective is to identify and quantify energy savings achievable by good facilities management and housekeeping practices alone. A secondary objective is to identify potential energy saving measures from new technologies, plant or controls.
The findings of each survey are disseminated to staff through an energy focus group meeting. Energy awareness is promoted to a wider audience through posters, stickers and calling cards. Weekly and monthly energy reports are distributed to relevant staff. An annual review assesses the programme success relative to the baselines established during the commencement study.
[Last updated 18 June 2004]
Monitoring and Targeting System — Functional Description
In order to improve energy performance across energy conversion, building plant and occupant behaviour, the e3 programme uses an internet-based Monitoring and Targeting (M&T) system. This system enables:
- Assessment of the relative energy performance of buildings;
- Ensuring the benefits from energy efficiency measures are realised;
- Identifying and counteracting undue increases in energy consumption;
- Informing departments of their energy usage and costs.
The system is updated every 15 minutes. Targets are established by the bureau service provider during concise energy audits of each building. Building performance may be viewed via the monitoring links in the bar above.