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! There was a slight increase in March this year, however this can be attributed to the fact that Easter came earlier, in March, last year – so let’s try to make it back in April with this shut-down!
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 can be considerably better.
With two public holidays, tomorrow and Monday, there is double the opportunity for savings. So let’s work together this evening and together cut unnecessary energy usage and associated carbon emissions this weekend by switching off any non-essentail equipment and lighting.
Thank you, and have a great Easter!