ecoversity energy efficiency on campus · lux meter a tool used to measure lighting levels, also...

Ecoversity

Energy Efficiency

on Campus

Contents

Definitions ................................................ 01

Introduction ............................................. 02

Our commitment ..................................... 03

Take action .............................................. 03

Getting started ........................................ 05

Office space ............................................ 06

Kitchens .................................................. 09

Tutorial rooms, lecture rooms and meeting rooms ................................. 10

Laboratories ............................................ 11

Computer suites ...................................... 12

Further advice and information................. 13

Case studies ........................................... 14

The power of behaviour change .............. 15

ii Energy Efficiency on Campus

Definitions

Carbon offset These are units purchased by individuals or companies and are used to cancel out or ‘offset’ the emissions they generate. Carbon offsets are units which represent reductions or abatement of greenhouse gas emissions.

EcoleadersA network of staff representatives who receive training and support from the Office of Sustainability and their Managers to pursue local energy/waste and water efficiency tasks and lead behaviour change.

De-lampingThe process of removing one lamp (e.g. florescent tube) from a fitting that contains multiple lamps, usually accompanied by the installation of a reflector to boost the output of the remaining lamp/s.

Lux meterA tool used to measure lighting levels, also known as an illumination meter.

Greening of the grid“Greening of the grid” refers to a progressive increase in the percentage of power that is generated through renewable energy (such as solar, wind and geothermal) through the state’s electricity grid. South Australia leads the nation in terms of renewable energy investment, and therefore, has a comparatively “greener” grid than other states. As the grid becomes greener, the grid emission factor decreases.

Scopes 1, 2 and 3A measure of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Greenhouse emissions occur directly - e.g. through on-site fossil fuel combustion - or indirectly, through their consumption of electricity or other products which resulted in GHG emissions during production.

Scope 1Scope 1 accounts for direct GHG emissions from sources owned or controlled by the University. Examples of Scope 1 emissions include stationery and transport fuels, natural gas and synthetic gases.

Scope 2Scope 2 accounts for GHG emissions associated with the generation of electricity, heating/cooling purchased for consumption. Scope 2 emissions occur at the facility where the generation of electricity, heating/cooling, or steam takes place. An example of Scope 2 emissions is electricity purchased by the University to power buildings.

Scope 3Scope 3 accounts for all other indirect GHG emissions associated with products and services the University uses, e.g. waste and flights.

Energy Efficiency on Campus 1

1. IntroductionThe Space Charging Model, through the Space Utilisation Project, has been implemented across the University as part of the Infrastructure Strategy 2013-2017. The model aims to:

> improve the efficiency of space usage through the University without adversely affecting student experience or research productivity

> transparently report the direct and indirect costs associated with occupying space within the University

> encourage sustainable practices regarding our consumption of facility related costs.

The model provides faculties, schools and branches with the ability to better understand their own electricity use and action efficiency measures. As long term building occupants, areas can reap the financial benefits of short and long term energy efficiency measures.

This booklet has been provided to assist staff improve energy efficiency and reduce budget impacts.

1.1 How is electricity use calculated?Smart Meters have been installed on the North Terrace Campus to capture electricity use. Where Smart Meters have been installed, more information is available to determine the allocation of electricity charges. Other areas (including all areas located at Waite, Roseworthy and Thebarton campuses) are charged based on each electricity meter’s cost allocated to the occupants who are serviced by each meter, based on square metres of occupied space. Smart Meters only record tenant electricity and do not cover areas such as air conditioning plant or lifts. These types of expenses will be allocated to areas based on a usable floor area calculation. Therefore, where occupants share a meter, sustainable practices need to be adopted by all occupants for a reduction in energy costs to be realised.

Electricity charging methodology

Scenario 1One electricity meter for

one building

Scenario 2Two electricity meters for

multiple buildings

Scenario 3Multiple electricity meters for

multiple buildings

Electricity Meter 1 Electricity Meter 2 Electricity Meter 3 Electricity Meter 4

S+R70%

Sci30%

Electricity meter 1 allocated over building 1

occupancy (UFA)

Prof20%

Electricity meter 2 allocated over combined building occupancy

(UFA) of building 2 and 3

S+R8%

DVC(A)72%

HS90%

Electricity meter 3 and 4 allocated over combined Building Occupancy

(UFA) of building 4 and 5

DVC(R)1%

AVS8%

Building 1 Building 2 Building 3 Building 4 Building 5

2 Energy Efficiency on Campus

2. Our commitment By switching to low carbon energy sources, utilising renewable energy solutions, improving efficiency and choosing low carbon transport options, we will decrease our carbon emissions.

The University’s Sustainability Policy (www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/2103/) and Sustainability Plan 2013-2020 (www.adelaide.edu.au/ecoversity/commitment/plan/) outlines the University’s commitment to address the challenges facing our environment now, and reduce impacts on future generations. The plan outlines a number of targets, in particular, 25% carbon reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2020 (from 2008 baseline). In order to reach this target, everyone on campus will need to be more careful about how they use resources such as electricity.

There are significant opportunities to improve energy efficiency on campus through building upgrades, procurement savings and changing behaviour of staff and students.

3. Take actionThis booklet has been split into 7 sections, each focusing on a different type of space on campus with related advice on energy efficiency. Each section contains a checklist with a variety of actions to improve efficiency, which in some cases may also reduce maintenance and help extend the life of equipment. A traffic light system has been used to categorise the effort and expense of energy efficiency actions.

Further advice and information about available resources is provided in chapter 4. Please contact the Office of Sustainability at [email protected] for more information on building-specific energy efficiency.

Simple actions, no or low cost. Do this now to make an immediate difference.

More effort required and some cost. Consider implementing what you can from this list.

High level of effort and cost. Seek out resources (see chapter 4), to assist you with these initiatives.


3.1 Typical energy consumptionBelow is a breakdown of typical electricity use in an Adelaide commercial building. This data has been adapted from the Australian

Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating and while the University’s building stock is varied, the chart below is useful to help understand the typical split of energy use and direct resources accordingly.

2%

17%

25%

5%

51%

Best practice energy use in commercial buildings

Hot water (direct elec) 2%

Plug in appliances 17%

Lighting 25%

Lifts 5%

Heating, cooling and

ventilation 51%


3.2 Getting startedUse this guide to implement effective energy efficiency measures. Some of the recommended initiatives will have an immediate impact on your energy consumption and cost. Three of the most effective energy saving initiatives listed in this guide are:

> Simple changes to behaviour can affect energy consumption. A range of studies show that changes to behaviour e.g. switching off lights, equipment and appliances more often, can provide a 4-5% reduction in overall electricity use at no cost. Some of the more common barriers to switching off are inconvenience (plugs in the wrong place), incorrect myths (switching off could reduce lifespan of appliances/lights), time constraints and lack of accurate information (what can/cannot be switched off).

> Turning off computers at night is simple and free. Switching off 20 computers and monitors overnight could save you close to $500 a year in electricity costs – not to mention savings from reduced replacement costs as items are not left on for extended periods.

> Carrying out a Sustainability Assessment to determine specific energy use profile. Contact the Office of Sustainability to assist with this.

Here is a list of actions to get started. Approach all energy efficiency measures with enthusiasm and a sense of urgency to increase saving potential.

Getting started checklist

Understand space allocation and which electricity charging methodology applies to your area.

Create a baseline of energy consumption and expenditure to monitor and track progress.

Discuss energy efficiency intent/actions at regular team meetings.

Identify one or more staff members (Ecoleader/s) to assist with carrying out actions (see Chapter 4).

Approach the Office of Sustainability for a Sustainability Assessment (see Chapter 4).

As heating and cooling is typically a large portion of electricity use, consider if the existing system is operating at maximum efficiency, or if there are opportunities to retrofit. Contact Campus Services for advice on 8313 4008.

Consider if renewable energy may be an option for your building. Contact the Office of Sustainability at [email protected] for help in exploring renewable energy options.


3.3 Office space Offices are well-used spaces, containing many electronic devices and therefore are a good place to start improving energy efficiency. Electricity is often wasted when devices are left on when not required. For example, 20 electronic whiteboards, left on 24/7 would waste up to $260 per year in electricity costs1.

Leaving a multi-function device on overnight will waste about $42 a year in stand-by energy2. A computer left ‘locked’ overnight, rather than shut down will consume

around $20 per year in wasted energy (see graph page 7). Stand-by energy on these and other devices adds up quickly in an office, particularly for large groups.

Typically, heating and cooling consume a large proportion of total energy consumption (approximately 50%, see chapter 3.1). Blow-fan heaters use more than 10 times the electricity of all the devices listed below and are costly to run. Just one small blow heater will cost around $113.40 to run over the winter months.

Encourage others to dress appropriately for the season and avoid the use of personal heating devices where possible.

1 Based on Panasonic UB-5815 white board model2 Based on Cannon iRADVC 5035 multi-function device model.

Average electricity consumption of office devices (W)

iPhone charging

iPad charging

Laptop

Small PC

Monitor (22 inch)

Electronic whiteboard

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45


Unless work tasks require computers to be left on overnight, they should be shut down to avoid electricity waste. Modern computers take less than three minutes to start up and are in no danger of being worn out through rebooting. They are much more likely to be damaged through heat generated when left on 24 hours a day.

University computers are set to a ‘balanced’ power mode on default. This setting controls the time elapsed before a computer automatically switches off the display and moves into sleep mode. These settings can be easily changed to improve energy savings by going to Control Panel\Power Options, and refer to settings in Table 1 of this document.

Annual cost of a computer left on overnight

25

20

15

10

5

0

Lenovo M93p Tiny Lenovo T420 LaptopC

ost

per

dev

ice,

per

yea

r ($

)

Desktop computer energy use (Lenovo M93p Tiny) compared with laptop energy use (Lenovo T420)

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

On Locked/Stand-by Sleep Off

Wat

ts

Lenovo M93p Tiny PC

Lenovo T420 Laptop


Leaving chargers plugged in and switched on (e.g. Laptop, iPad and iPhone) consumes energy even when the device is not plugged in. Each laptop charger plugged in overnight can consume up to $14 per year in wasted electricity.

Improving switch-off practices will help to foster energy conservation in your area. Often when spaces are shared, responsibility for switching off devices and lights may be unclear. Regular reminders and collateral encouraging switch-off practices gives permission to switch devices and lights off in shared spaces. Any devices that need to be left on e.g. fire detection systems, security systems, prescribed exit and emergency lighting, fridges, computer servers etc. should be identified and marked to be left on at all times.

Refresh IT equipment to ensure items have good energy performance. The standard catalogue of equipment is regularly updated and tested by Technology Services. The models on offer are chosen on balance for work tasks, price and energy performance.

Office checklistOptimise natural light and ventilation where possible using blinds, curtains or window film to insulate, block or direct light appropriately.

Make the most of the current lighting system by having fittings cleaned.

Put reminder stickers near lights, computers and other devices to encourage others to switch off after use or when leaving for a meeting.

Allocate responsibility for switching off lights/devices e.g. ‘if you are the last to leave the room, please switch lights off’.

Remind others to switch off all devices at the powerpoint before weekends or extended leave breaks.

Provide power boards with individually controlled sockets and a remote control master switch. Place in convenient locations i.e. not under the desk. This allows each workstation to be switched off with ease.

Undertake sporadic night audits to understand if any devices are left on that shouldn’t be.

Remind others to dress for the season and discourage use of personal heating/cooling devices where possible.

Where possible, optimise air conditioning by setting the temperature for efficient use (e.g. 22°C in winter and 25°C in summer) and switch it off when the area is vacant.

Install timers at power points to automatically switch off shared devices such as printers/multi-function devices.

Remove desk-top printers and encourage use of centralised network printers. If security is of concern, contact Technology Services to install ‘Follow You’ printing on 8313 3000.

Ensure all computers are set to energy efficient power saving modes (refer Table 1).

Undertake a lighting audit (using a lux meter, refer Table 2) to understand if any offices or corridors can be de-lamped.

Consider if sensor lighting is appropriate for areas such as print rooms, store rooms, corridors and bathrooms. Contact Campus Services for a quote on 8313 4008.

Upgrade lighting to more energy efficient forms e.g. infrared coated (IRC) halogen downlight with low wattage, GU10 micro compact fluorescent lamps or LED downlights (12 or 240 volts). Contact Campus Services for a quote on 8313 4008.


3.4 KitchensTypically fridges and freezers are large consumers of electricity; just one medium sized fridge will consume around $700 of electricity annually3. The operating efficiency of fridges and freezers can be improved in three ways4:

1. Check the sealsSlide a piece of paper through the door seal, does the paper stay put? If it can be pulled out easily, the seals need replacing.

2. Check the surrounding spaceEnsure there is a minimum 5cm gap at the back, top and sides of the fridge, this will allow hot air to escape and help the fridge to run more efficiently.

3. Check the temperatureThe most energy efficient temperature for fridges is between 3 to 5°C, and for freezers, -15 to -18°C. Fridge thermometers can be purchased for approximately $5 each if required.

Hot water boilers are another large consumer of energy in the kitchen. Smaller appliances such as toasters, kettles and microwaves should be switched off at the plug, and replaced with more energy efficient models when new equipment is required.

When purchasing new appliances look for the Energy Star rating (www.energyrating.gov.au/). The initial purchase price may be greater for highly rated appliances. However over the lifetime of the appliance, energy savings should outweigh the initial cost.

Kitchen checklistPut reminder stickers near lights and other kitchen appliances to encourage others to switch off after use.

Allocate responsibility for switching off lights/appliances e.g. ‘if you are the last to leave the room, please switch lights/toaster off’.

Ask an Ecoleader to sporadically check if appliances are being switched off by others overnight.

Undertake an operating efficiency audit of fridges and freezers. Contact Campus Services for a quote to replace seals on 8313 4008.

Provide power boards with individually controlled sockets for small kitchen appliances. Place in convenient locations to allow items to be switched on and off with ease.

Prior to any extended shutdown or holiday period, take the opportunity to clean out and turn off fridges.

Install timers at power points for hot water boilers to reduce wasted stand-by energy.

Regularly clean out fridges and defrost freezers. If the frost build up is greater than 6mm, defrosting is required. Make this a regular occurrence so the fridge isn’t working so hard to keep temperatures constant.

Regularly review the use of fridges and freezers in your area. If one is not well-used or can be combined with another, switch it off to save electricity.

Consider if sensor lighting is appropriate for your kitchen. Contact Campus Services for a quote 8313 4008.

3 Based on Fisher + Paykel 2 star fridge model4 Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation 2012, Saving energy in your kitchen,

CSIRO, Victoria, viewed December 2013, http://www.csiro.au/Outcomes/Energy/Saving-energy-in-your-home/Saving-energy-in-your-kitchen.aspx


3.5 Tutorial rooms, lecture theatres and meeting roomsSwitching off lights and audio-visual equipment (such as screens, electronic whiteboards, computers and projectors) in tutorial rooms, lecture theatres and meeting rooms, can lead to significant energy savings.

Where possible, optimise air conditioning by setting the temperature for efficient use. If you are concerned your air conditioning is not operating efficiency, speak with Campus Services on 8313 4008.

Tutorial/lecture/meeting room checklist

Put reminder stickers near lights, computers and other devices to encourage others to switch off after use or when leaving.


Ask an Ecoleader to sporadically check if devices are being switched off by others overnight.


Where possible, optimise air conditioning by setting the temperature for efficient use (e.g. 22°C in winter and 25°C in summer) and switch it off when the area is vacant.

Install lighting sensors. Contact Campus Services for a quote on 8313 4008.

Undertake a lighting audit (using a lux meter, refer Table 2) to understand if any meeting rooms can be de-lamped.

Purchase audio visual equipment with high Energy Star ratings. Go to www.energyrating.gov.au for more information.


Table 2. Recommended lux levels AS/NZS 1680.1:2006 Interior and Workplace Lighting

Type of room or task Minimum recommended maintenance illuminance (lux)

Toilets, change rooms, cleaners rooms

80

Corridors, passageways, ramps

40

Stairs Internal: 80 External: 20

Entrance halls, lobbies and foyers

160

Waiting rooms 160

Enquiry desks 320

Office work areas General tasks involving typing, reading and writing: 320 Background: 160

Filing areas Simple: 240 Difficult: 320

Cafeterias General:160 Food preparation: 240

Kitchens General:160 Food preparation: 240

Meeting rooms 320

Training rooms, seminar rooms

240

Photocopying 240

Laboratories, areas where fine work takes place

600


3.6 Laboratories Labs are unique spaces that can be very energy intensive. Fume hoods are one of the major consumers of energy in a typical laboratory environment. Better management of sash heights and ventilation rates, can have a big impact on energy savings.

Laboratory checklistUndertake an operating efficiency audit of fridges and freezers (see 3.4). Contact Campus Services for a quote to replace seals on 8313 4008.

Use appropriately sized, more efficient fridges or freezers for specimen or research related storage. Check out the University’s BioBank facility (www.adelaide.edu.au/biobank/) to share freezer space.

Regularly check fridges and freezer seals ensuring sufficient surrounding space, defrost requirements and operating temperature. Refer 11, 3.4 Kitchens.

Prior to any extended shutdown or holiday period, take the opportunity to clean out and turn off fridges where appropriate.

Provide power boards with individually controlled sockets for appliances. Place in convenient location to allow items to be switched on and off with ease.

Put reminder stickers near lights, computers and other devices to encourage others to switch off after use or when leaving the lab.


Ask an Ecoleader to sporadically check if devices are being switched off by others overnight.

Ensure fume hoods are switched off and kept closed between experiments to allow air conditioning systems to work efficiently. Remind others to close the sash immediately after use.

In large laboratories, consider isolating lighting circuits so areas can operate independent of others. Contact Campus Services for a quote on 8313 4008.

Consider if sensor lighting is appropriate for storage areas. Contact Campus Services for a quote on 8313 4008.

Before purchasing new lab equipment, consider if appliances may be shared between groups. When purchasing new lab equipment consider energy performance and ensure the equipment is the appropriate size for the job.

Upgrade Lab lighting to more energy efficient forms e.g. infrared coated (IRC) halogen downlight with low wattage, GU10 micro compact fluorescent lamps or LED downlights (12 or 240 volts). Contact Campus Services for a quote on 8313 4008.


3.7 Computer suitesIn large computer suites, lighting, temperature, computers, monitors and printers are controlled centrally by Technology Services. However, energy savings can still be made by switching off monitors and other equipment when not in use. Modern computers are in no danger of being worn out through rebooting. They are much more likely to be damaged through the heat generated by being left on 24 hours a day.

Computer suite checklistImprove utilisation of computer suites by actively managing peak and off-peak periods and scheduling usage accordingly where possible.

Rationalise devices in computer suites by adopting new Technology Services initiatives such as ADAPT - allowing students to access learning and teaching software applications on personal devices.

Put reminder stickers near lights, computers and other devices to encourage others to switch off after use or when leaving the computer suite.


Ask an Ecoleader to sporadically check if devices/lights are being switched off by others overnight.


Undertake a lighting audit (using a lux meter, refer Table 2) to understand if any meeting rooms can be de-lamped.


On battery (laptops only)

Plugged in

Turn off the display:

2 minutes 3 minutes

Put the computer to sleep:

5 minutes 10 minutes

Table 1. Power saving computer modes

University computers are set to a ‘balanced’ power mode on default. This setting controls the time elapsed before a computer automatically switches off the display and moves into sleep mode. These settings can be easily changed by going to Control Panel\Power Options. Below are recommended settings to optimise energy savings.

Power saving computer modes


4. Further advice and informationThe Office of Sustainability provides a range of resources to support groups to undertake energy efficiency measures, listed below. Contact the Office of Sustainability at [email protected] or go to our website, www.adelaide.edu.au/ecoversity

Ecoleader programA network of staff representatives who receive training and support from the Office of Sustainability and their Managers to pursue local energy/waste and water efficiency tasks and lead behaviour change. Email the office at [email protected] for more information.

Sustainability assessments To assist in understanding electricity charges, efficiency options and other opportunities to improve sustainability (e.g. waste and recycling, water efficiency and procurement practices), the Office of Sustainability offers a Sustainability Assessment service. If you are interested in a Sustainability Assessment for your area, please contact us at [email protected]

Green Office programA checklist of ways to green the office is available on the Ecoversity website, www.adelaide.edu.au/ecoversity/campus/office/ The checklist includes tips for energy reduction, recycling, water efficiency and purchasing.

The Green Project FundThe Green Project Fund is an annual $100k initiative of the Office of Sustainability to provide funding for staff and students sustainability projects. Calls for projects with a maximum budget of $20k per project open in March each year. Previous projects include LED retro-fits and solar PV installations. Visit the Ecoversity website (www.adelaide.edu.au/ecoversity/campus/greenloanfund/) for more information about funding criteria.

Communication materialsThe Office of Sustainability have a large range of posters, switch off stickers, email banners and other promotional materials available to help remind others to switch off. Contact the office at [email protected] for more information.

Ecoversity LOUD - monthly online newsletterEach month, the Office of Sustainability sends out a newsletter, capturing the latest sustainability related projects, events, activities, volunteer opportunities and helpful hints to improve sustainable practices. Email [email protected] to receive a copy. For larger subscriptions (e.g. a whole office), please send an excel spreadsheet with first name and email address fields.


5. Case studies

LED lighting upgrade in mechanical engineering workshopIn 2012, the School of Mechanical Engineering received Green Project Funding to retrofit their workshop with more efficient LED lighting. Electrical lighting circuits were tested before and after installation, which showed a 48% reduction in electricity use through the LED retrofit. Maintenance costs have been significantly reduced as LED lights have a longer life span than older fluorescent technology. Lighting quality in the workshop has improved dramatically, with staff reporting no light flickering and improved brightness. LED lights also produce far less heat during operation, reducing need for cooling in summer.

A short video on this project is available at www.adelaide.edu.au/ecoversity/campus/energy/cs/

If you would like to know more about how to apply for the Green Project Fund, visit www.adelaide.edu.au/ecoversity/campus/greenprojectfund/

Solar PV installation at the Equine CentreThe Equine Performance and Health Centre at the Roseworthy campus has a 30kW roof mounted solar array saving the school approximately $3,700 each year in electricity, with a payback period of 13 years. If would like to know more about this project please contact the Office of Sustainability at [email protected]

The team behind the lighting retrofit in the mechanical engineering workshop.


5 National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) 2012, Energy Management Guide for Tenants, Office of Environment and Heritage, Government of NSW, viewed November 2013 http://www.nabers.gov.au/public/WebPages/DocumentHandler.ashx?docType=3&id=66&attId=0

The power of behaviour changeIt is widely accepted that by simply switching off equipment, lights and devices at the plug and generally being more energy conscious, an immediate 4-5% reduction in energy can be achieved5. This may not seem like a lot to a small operating area, however, in the context of the University’s annual electricity bill, this equates to hundreds of thousands of dollars that could be better spent elsewhere.

Switching off must be easy and convenient to do. There are a number of off-the-shelf products available to assist, including switch extensions (such as the Eco Switch at approx $20 each), power boards to reduce stand-by energy (approx $40 each), foot operated power boards (approx $35 each), remote switches (approx $40 each) and classic timers (approx $10-30 each).


For further enquiriesThe Office of Sustainability Division of Services & Resources The University of Adelaide SA 5005 Australia

Telephone: +61 8 8313 5871

adelaide.edu.au/ecoversity

facebook.com/Ecoverstiy

DISCLAIMER: The information in this publication is current as at the date of printing and is subject to change. You can find updated information on our website at adelaide.edu.au With the aim of continual improvement the University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the degrees, diplomas, certificates and courses on offer. As a result the specific programs and courses available will change from time to time. Please refer to adelaide.edu.au for the most up to date information or contact us on 1800 061 459. The University of Adelaide assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information provided by third parties.

CRICOS 00123M © The University of Adelaide. Published September 2014 2259-1

ecoversity energy efficiency on campus · lux meter a tool used to measure lighting levels, also...

Documents