Energy Management
Energy Management is about making sure that the lighting, air conditioning, and energy processes meet your needs, without unnecessary waste. Everyone wins with energy conservation! The Academy wins because more resources can be directed to where they should be not into paying for wasted energy. The environment wins because every watt, litre or joule saved on site means lower greenhouse emissions - leaving us with a better future.
Electricity
Timers are used extensively at ADFA. Most equipment connected to the Building Management System e.g. air conditioning, building lighting, water heater urns etc is controlled by timers reducing unnecessary power use outside normal work hours. You can help reduce electricity consumption by turning off power equipment when not in use.
Heating and Cooling
A person's perception of thermal comfort is affected by several factors such as air temperature, air speed, humidity, clothing, activity level etc. Not all aspects of thermal comfort can be controlled by an air-conditioning system although it is the air-conditioning system that usually determines the temperature of the workplace. There is no scientifically correct "best" temperature. The "best" temperature is the temperature that most people find comfortable, without particularly discomforting the few people who have unusual temperature preferences.
The Building Management System maintains the buildings at ADFA at between 20°-26°C; with most people finding 20°-24°C to be a comfortable temperature in winter when they are wearing winter clothes; and 23°-26°C to be a comfortable temperature in summer when they are wearing summer clothes. If you find that the normal temperature range of your work area is not comfortable for you, consider altering your clothing before turning on additional heaters or fans as not only do these have there own energy demands but they can affect the building thermostat which can increase the total energy demands of the air-conditioning system.
Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)
As a University College we make extensive use of ICT. A recent report in the Economist has pointed out that, worldwide, ICT has the same emissions footprint as the airline industry.
Things you can do:
- Turn off your computer and screen when you’re not using them e.g. overnight or weekends.
- Consider power usage when buying equipment. For example, a wide screen TV for presentation use to a group may be cheaper than a projector but may use twice as much power.
- Choose recyclable products where possible. Most well known IT brands now declare their recycling strategies.
- Recycle effectively. You may have to pay more to ensure recycling gets done properly.
ICT is an enabling technology too. Video Conferencing (VC) can be used to avoid actual travel. VC resources exist in ITEE and ETS – book now to avoid that trip to Kensington.