Electricity

The University is a major user of energy, below is a snapshot of our consumption over the last few years:

• In 2008/09 we consumed electricity equal to 17,756 tonnes of coal.
• In 2009/10 we consumed electricity equal to 18,813 tonnes of coal.  

That's a LOT of energy!

Our electricity is primarily used for lighting, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and to power ‘plug-ins’ such as computers, multi function devices and other peripherals.

This consumption of electricity and gas, along with the use of stationary and transport fuels, results in the University emitting approximately 45,000 tCo2-e annually. When other carbon sources are added such as flights, waste and water, the total emissions rise to over 63,000 tCo2-e.

Despite our relatively good performance compared to other GO8 institutions, the University is forecasting continued demand for energy, with a number of new developments coming on line, including the Learning Hub and ILLUMIN8. There are also a number of other influences on future energy consumption including energy intensive research, climatic variability and increasing demand for air-conditioned spaces.  

What you can do:

• Turn lights, airconditioning and computer screens off when you leave the room.
• Adjust your airconditioning thermostat to 25C in summer and 17C in winter, or go without and adjust your clothing to suit the weather.
• Use energy efficient light globes.
• Only boil the necessary water for your coffee cup, not the whole kettle.
• Switch off kitchen appliances when not in use.
• Report inefficient appliances to us.
• If you are going on leave or shutting down for Christmas, defost refrigerators and switch off at the power point (leave the door open and a newspaper on the floor to catch any excess water).
• Survey labs and other spaces to determine what equipment can be switched off over night. Timers are a good way to set this up automatically.