Why Energy Efficiency?

What You Can Do to Reduce Energy Use in Your College

There are two main reasons why we should all be interested in promoting energy efficiency in our colleges:

Environment Reducing electricity and heat use saves the burning of fossil fuels and reduces harmful greenhouse gas (CO₂) emissions into the earth's atmosphere.

Economy Reducing electricity and heat use saves the college money, allowing funds to be diverted to improved buildings or additional research.

At a national level we are concerned about our dependence on imported fossil fuels and the burden the inefficient use of energy places on the economy. The objective is not to make our environment less comfortable or safe, but to reduce the needless waste of energy.

How Much Can Be Saved?

It is estimated that 5% of energy consumed in the colleges could be eliminated through improved practices, including vigilance of staff and students. In the 30 e3 bureau buildings our objective is to halt the rise in energy use and then reduce it by 10% over 3 years. If we achieve this goal we will:

Prevent the emission of 3,230 tonnes of greenhouse gas
Reduce energy costs by €315,000

What Can I Do?

Staff and students have a direct impact on energy use in the buildings they occupy. You can help by:

Closing the window near you when you leave at night. In winter the saving is obvious. In mild weather the heating may be off in the afternoon but is activated early in the morning to preheat the building. If you leave a window open at night, heat escapes and increases the heat load the next morning.
Switching off lights when not required. Many educational buildings are designed to make use of natural light. Lights are often switched on in the morning but not switched off as the sun comes up. If you see lights on in an unoccupied space, switch them off.
Switching off test and research equipment when not required. Research equipment is often left on at night. If it is not in use, switch it off.
Switching off fume cupboards when not in use. A fume cupboard left on unnecessarily has a double energy impact: the extract fan consumes electricity and the ventilation process draws warm air out of the building.
Turning down the radiator before you open a window. If you feel too warm, open the window, but turn down the radiator first. Remember to close the window when you leave.
Switching off your computer, monitor, printer and speakers when you leave. The International Energy Agency estimates that standby power accounts for 1.6% of all electricity consumed in Ireland.
Optimising the power management mode on your computer and monitor. For a step-by-step guide visit www.eu-energystar.org/en/ — select PC systems > Power Management.
Limiting the use of electric radiators and air conditioning units. Two particularly expensive pieces of equipment to operate. Switch them off whenever conditions permit.
Reporting opportunities to reduce energy use to the Buildings Office. See the Contact page.
Procuring energy efficient equipment. Over an average lifetime of 5–6 years, the most efficient Energy Star equipment could save as much as €150–€200 per PC and printer. Check the Energy Star database when buying equipment.
Avoiding unnecessary air conditioning. Ireland has a relatively benign climate and air conditioning can often be avoided by ensuring adequate ventilation. Contact your college e3 representative to discuss alternatives.