Energy Management: “The sum of strategies to use the least amount of energy possible, while maintaining or improving comfort levels and environmental quality”
At UFV, our engagement in Energy Management stems from our ongoing commitment to sustainability and the environment, in line with the desire to reduce utility costs where possible.
The benefits of energy management are well proven at UFV. As an example, in 2002 an energy study was conducted to find ways in which energy consumption could be reduced at the time. In 2005, after the measures identified in the study were implemented, the verified savings showed that energy consumption at the Abbotsford campus had been reduced by 10%. In the 2005/2006 fiscal year this yielded an annual cost saving to UFV of approximately $40,000 per year in utility bills, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of more than 120 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year - that’s equivalent to driving a mid-sized car around the world 15 times!
TURN IT OFF WEEK, March 26 - 30, 2012
The last week of March 2012 was Turn It Off Week on campus. The week was a sucess, with our "Caught Green Handed Campaign" (congratulations to prize winners), "Green Cupcake" event, media communication, and a suprise tour of the campus by none other than our furry mascot, Sasq'ets. Thanks to all of those who got involved, and remember that just because the week is over, it doesn't mean you can stop turning off those lights!! Keep up the good work and let's help make UFV green(er).
National Sweater Day - February 9th 2012
Join UFV in supporting National Sweater Day. On Thursday February 9th wear your UGLY sweater to work, and be prepared for the heat to be turned down slightly in some areas. Launched by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), this initiative raises awareness around the simple actions that can help to save energy and combat climate change every day. After a hugely successful 2011 event, WWF will again celebrate National Sweater Day which calls for all Canadians to turn down the thermostat and put on a sweater for the day to show their commitment to the environment.
While the sweaters represent the fun, turning down the thermostat is the key to National Sweater Day. Space heating is a major contributor to the changing climate. If every Canadian turned down their thermostat by two degrees Celsius each winter, 2.2 megatonnes of carbon dioxide could be saved every year - equivalent to taking 350,000 cars off the road, permanently.
So grab your ugly sweater and pull it on this Thursday 9th February at UFV to show how you do your bit for the environment. For more information look for posters around campus, see www.sweaterday.ca, or email your Energy Coordinator at energy@ufv.ca. Brought to you as part of the BC Hydro sponsored Workplace Conservation and Awareness Program for the UFV Abbotsford campus.
June 2011 - Programming change for gym air handling unit saves $7,000 per year
After a closer look at the programming code of a suspiciously behaving air handling unit for the new gymnasium, Energy Manager, Ken Holdren, identified an error in the outside air damper operation. That is, considerably more outside air was being brought into the gymnasium than necessary, costing UFV an estimated $7,000 per year in additional heating load. After a few programming changes by UFV's building controls contractor, this problem was rectified and the savings realized immediately.
May 2011 - UFV sets energy intensity reduction target of 10% over 5 years
As part of UFVs ongoing commitment to energy efficiency and conservation, the university has recently committed to reducing the Abbotsford campus energy intensity by 10% from 2009/2010 levels by the 2014/2015 fiscal year.
This May, UFV released a Strategic Energy Management Plan (SEMP), which provides information on how and where energy is used on campus, as well as strategies for meeting the energy reduction target. At this point in time the document and the reduction target focus on the Abbotsford Campus and Aerospace Center only, with other campuses to be included shortly. See the link on the right-hand side of this page for a copy of the SEMP.
March 2011 - UFV Baker House takes 3rd place in energy efficiency challenge!
In March the Residents of UFV Baker House entered into a province wide energy efficiency challenge called ‘Do It In The Dark’, organized by the goBeyond Campus Climate Network. UFV placed third out of eight participating institutions with a 20.1% reduction in electrical consumption in comparison to the February base-period (not normalized for weather). First place with 29.4% in reduction was Okanagan College, with second place going to the University of Northern BC with 27.4% reduction.
This is a great achievement, thanks to the efforts put forward by the Residents, Student Staff, and Professional Staff of UFV Baker House. Thanks and appreciation is given to Lyle Yolkowski from Facilities for his assistance with meter readings. A Stair Climbing Challenge was one of the initiatives used to help reduce electrical consumption, as well as reminders to turn out lights and turn down heaters when students leave their rooms. BC Hydro also brought their Outreach program to Baker House at the beginning of the challenge to help spread the word about saving energy.
An online dashboard was set up for the challenge which shows results and standings.
November 2010 - Jackie Hogan, CFO, signs letter of commitment
UFV's Cheif Financial Officer, Jackie Hogan, has signed a letter expressing UFV's commitment to energy efficiency and conservation. Having this support at an executive level is crucial for creating a successful energy management program. Jackie's support is greatly appreciated. A copy of this letter can be viewed to the right-hand side of the screen.
May 2010 - Energy Manager and Energy Coordinator hired by UFV
UFV hired a dedicated Energy Manager, Ken Holdren, and Energy Coordinator, Sam Thomas, both of Prism Engineering. These positions involve finding more solutions for UFV to reduce energy waste and its carbon footprint at the Abbotsford campus and Aerospace Centre, as well as to promote energy awareness throughout the campus community. The role has been funded by BC Hydro under its Energy Manager program - click here for more information.
Energy Coordinator, Sam Thomas, raising awareness about energy efficiency and conservation at the Welcome Back BBQ, September 2010.
How can you make a difference?
Energy Tips: Here are a few ways that you can make a difference:
- Turn the lights out if you are the last one to leave the room, or if the room has enough natural light from outside.
- Turn off your personal computer when not in use – just putting it into sleep mode still consumes energy.
- Unplug cell phone and laptop chargers from the wall when not in use – if they are plugged in and not charging a device they will still consume some energy.
- If you’re cold, put on a sweater rather than turning the heat up.
- Sign the My Green Pledge.
- And encourage others to do the same!!
If you have a suggestion or idea for reducing energy consumption on campus, we would love to hear from you. Click here to suggest an idea.
Contact details for your Energy Coordinator are here.
Keep an eye on this page for more information in the coming months...
