Campus Services

Energy

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The University has been running an energy management programme for many years. In 2001 VUW signed up to the EnergyWise government programme run by EECA and continues a commitment to energy efficiency.

Energy Strategy

The University has introduced an energy strategy. Managing energy use is major component of mitigating the University’s environmental impact. The University uses approximately 20 GWh of electricity and 15 GWh of natural gas per year – equivalent to 5,600 tonnes of CO2.

The strategy provides direction for the University’s energy management programme. Specific strategies have been developed for the three key areas of energy management: supply, management and efficiency. Ambitious targets have been set to increase the University’s energy efficiency, with defined actions of how to achieve the savings.

Energy Performance

A comprehensive system of monitoring energy use has been established and energy performance is being reported to the wider University. Most of the large University buildings have been reviewed in energy audits and many energy saving strategies have since been implemented.

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What can you do?

Lighting:

  • If you are the last person to leave a room turn the lights off, even if the room will only be empty for a couple of minutes.
  • If there is enough natural light turn the lights off – daylight is a much higher quality to work by.
  • If you think there are too many lights in your office put a request in to the Campus Services service desk to have some lamps removed.
  • Standard incandescent light bulbs are a thing of the past – if you notice any around campus, please log a request with the Campus Service service desk to have the lamp replaced with a compact fluorescent (CF) lamp.
  • Only turn the lights on in the area you are working in – there is no need to light up the whole floor if there is no one else there.

Equipment:

  • Switch Off
    • Shut down PCs at the end of each day - with Windows 7 ITS can now remotely switch on your PC to install updates
    • Enable Power/Energy Save Modes on electronic equipment - MFD's, Printers, Monitors and other devices with these features
    • Switch off at the wall to save on the Standby Mode power (i.e cell phone chargers)
    • Leave lecture theatres and meeting rooms, with all equipment switch off or in Standby mode
  • If you are finished working at a fume cupboard in a science lab, lower the sash to save on fan power.

Heating and Cooling:

  • Dress appropriately for the conditions – wear warmer close in winter, cooler clothes in summer
  • Close windows and doors to keep out the cold air and open to cool non A/C spaces
  • Be reasonable with setting temperatures. Adjust your radiator or air-conditioner to provide a comfortable but not excessive air temperature. Don't waste energy!

Lifts:

  • Use the stairs if you are only going up one level or down two levels.

Feedback

Any questions or suggestions can be directed to Environmental Manager.