Energy

The power of teaching and learning; the power of thinking and doing. The power to change things for the better; for us, for the future.  

What we’re doing

• We reduced our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2010 by 89 tonnes.
• The solar thermal units on two buildings (Millward and Learning and Innovation Centre) will reduce GHG emissions by 20% over two years.
• The $1.1 million dollar grant will aid in reducing GHG emissions by 20%, effectively reducing utility bills by $55,000.
• We reduced our average kWh/day from 06-Jan -09 to 06-Jan-10 by 796 kWh.
• we reduced our kWh per month from January 6, 2009 (412800 kWh) to January 6, 2010 (374400 kWh). Resulting in a reduction of 38400 kWh in the same month a year later with similar energy demands (Daviduk, Morgan, Mortensen, & Roberts, 2009-10).
• Solar thermal utilisation will save 185 GJ/yr (Avalon Energy Management, 2009).
• 495,831 kWh of electricity was reduced from 2007/08  to 2007/08 (sustainability report).
• Air sealing initiatives on 14 buildings will save over $10,000 by lowering energy consumption.
• Architectural insulation on five buildings will save over $10,000 by lowering energy consumption.
• Switching to all energy efficient lighting at RRU will save over $55,000 by lowering energy consumption.
• According to the BC hydro consumption report, we reduced energy consumption by 48,000 kWh from 2009 to 2010. 
• We have reduced our total electrical consumption from January 2009 to January 2011 by 61440 kWh.

What you can do

• Turn off lights when rooms are not in use.
• Campus buildings take advantage of natural light with large windows; it may not be necessary to turn on a light.
• When you are finished working, set your computer to “sleep”, turn off monitors and work-surface lighting.
• On warm days open a window to adjust room temperature.
• After finished using campus computers put computer on sleep mode and turn off monitor.
• During seasonal transitions limit opening windows to maximize optimal temperature.
• Wear layers of clothing to limit adjusting (+/- oC) thermostat. 

Links:

Use the Appliance and Lighting Calculator, developed by BC Hydro, to determine your energy usages for each of your home appliances, and to identify areas where you can reduce usage and save money: www3a.bchydro.com/appcalc/pg1.asp