The UCD Energy Unit would like to raise awareness once again of the benefits of shutting down non-essential equipment this Easter long-weekend and we would like to take this opportunity to provide you with an update on the over-all pattern of electricity usage in UCD.
As you can see in the graph below, electricity usage has been going in the right direction, down! These reductions are due to a number of factors, including on-going energy efficiency upgrades of plant and equipment, lighting upgrades as well as user behaviour. Given that the University is growing both in terms of student numbers and building space, these are excellent results.
The impact that you, the building users, can have on electricity usage should not be underestimated. The shutting down of non-essential lighting, equipment and computers each evening and weekend is very important. The efficient use of research equipment such as fume cupboards also has a considerable impact.
Shutting down non-essential equipment at weekends can mean considerable savings for the University. In fact, typical usage for a weekend day is on average 28% less than a week day, or up to €9,000 of savings per weekend! A particularly successful shut-down weekend such as the weekend before St Patricks Day can be considerably better. For example consumption on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th of March was 32% less than a typical week day and approximately 2.5% less than other weekends in March. This proves that a concerted effort can lead to even more savings in electricity than a typical weekend.
As you can see in the second graph below, the shut down for St Patrick’s Day was also successful, with the University consuming 75,895kWh or a saving of approximately €5,230 compared to a regular Tuesday!
With two public holidays, this Friday and Monday, there is double the opportunity for savings. With an effective shut-down we hope to surpass the excellent results of St Patricks weekend. Let’s work together and aim to get consumption lower that 75,949kWh on both Friday and Monday and save the University over €10,000!
Have a great Easter,
UCD Energy Unit