introduction
The University of Reading is one of the UK's top universities and has a track record for innovation and pioneering new ideas. Like most largeorganisations, it is always searching for new ways to noticeably reduce its bottom line by reducing energy consumption. With this in mind the University chose to trial the building optimisation solution at one of its buildings. The results were significant, with targeted energy usage lowered by 25% and out of hours energy usage reduced by as much as 40% in some areas. The University is now expanding the project to achieve further reductions in other buildings on its estate.
challenge
The three storey student services centre, was completed in 2006 as a new energy-efficient building. However, the energy and building management team was concerned that the building's in-use operation did not meet design expectations and wanted to address this.
solution
The building optimisation solution finds energy wastage and addresses it. It considers the three inter-related elements of information, technology and behaviour and it is this combination that enables such large, long term savings to be achieved.
Information
Energy information was collected from specific areas of
the building using existing sub meters and additional wireless
current transducers. A reading was collected every minute and
transmitted using a GRPS connection to an internet based dashboard
available to staff and building users. This high granularity data
showed exactly where and when energy was being used and, with
interpretation, highlighted the opportunities for reduction. These
opportunities were both behavioural and technical. The ongoing
collection of the data provided evidence of the real savings that
were achieved as a result of the interventions.
Behaviour
The information from the data stream revealed consistent
usage of high levels of lighting, regardless of ambient light
conditions and that office and desktop equipment was frequently
left on stand-by overnight. A number of simple feedback mechanisms
were used to provide end users with easy to understand information
and increase awareness of this energy waste. With the support of
these feedback mechanisms, the on site team worked with colleagues
on a daily basis to inspire long term behavioural change. This led
to lights being used more sparingly and lights and equipment being
consistently turned off at night.
Technology
The information from the data stream immediately
identified some technical interventions that saved energy. For
example it revealed several electric water heaters that were
running continuously regardless of demand, these were brought under
time clock control. It also showed under-utilised vending machines,
these were removed without any complaints from staff.
outcome
The building optimisation solution combined detailed information on energy usage with changing the culture of the building's end users and technical interventions to achieve long-term reductions in energy usage. On this project it lowered targeted energy usage by 25% and out of hours energy usage by as much as 40% in some areas. The University is so pleased with its success that it is now using it on other buildings in their estate.
The Building Optimisation service was recognised by independent assessors who unanimously awarded the project the 'Office Depot Green Innovation Award' - sponsored by the Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC).
"The monitoring and metering exercise has been a huge success
and the University is considering rolling out this approach to
other buildings across the campus."
Nigel Hodgson, Energy Manager, University of Reading
