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Government task: reduce energy consumption

What is the university doing to reduce energy consumption and reduce energy costs? And what can you do? We describe the measures being taken below.

Task from the Government

The Government has tasked all public agencies that have more than ten employees with reducing their energy consumption and monthly reporting of their energy use and energy-saving measures until March 2023. However, the university considers it reasonable to maintain this and continue implementing measures to reduce energy costs.

“Stiftelsen Clara is the university’s main landlord, and their assessment is that costs for energy consumption will amount to 2.8 million kronor for 2022, compared to about 1.9 million kronor in 2021,” says Per Noresund, director of Campus and ICT Services.

How is the university reducing energy consumption?

The most important measure is adjusting the indoor temperature.

“We will ask the property owner to lower the indoor temperature where this is possible,” says Noresund. This means that we will strive to have a balanced temperature of 19-21°C in the property. However, the temperature may vary from one office to another, so if any employee finds the temperature has dropped too much, please report this via the form on the employee web. The property owner will then measure the temperature in the room and take any necessary measures.

In addition to reducing the indoor temperature, the following measures will be put in place:

  • Computers and displays in general student ICT suites will shut down automatically 22:30-07:00 (computers in subject-specific ICT suites shut down at 00:10 and can be restarted by students).
  • Staff computers on university premises will shut down automatically in the evening (but this can be delayed if you are working).
  • Printers and copiers will enter sleep mode more quickly.
  • More components in server halls and other equipment will shut down for specific periods of time.
  • Automatic lights-off will be earlier.
  • Building ventilation start later and stop earlier.
  • Old lighting will continue to be replaced by LED lighting.
  • Window sealant will be improved where necessary.
  • Saunas will be turned off.
  • Ovens/hobs at the university will be turned off.
  • Checks will be performed for leaking heat and action taken where necessary.
  • Dialogue with other university tenants to ask them to contribute to reducing energy consumption.

Long-term projects to improve indoor climate

Two projects are underway to improve the indoor climate in the Moa Building and in Primus. In the Moa Building, the property owner (Stiftelsen Clara) is planning to install sunshades to reduce the use of cooling in the summer. The intention is to dramatically reduce the effect of the sun and thus the need to lower the temperature.

The most significant measure in Primus is expected to be replacing the windows. However, this is a major investment and Stiftelsen Clara will need to evaluate it more thoroughly.

The university’s energy use and air conditioning

The university’s air conditioning is dimensioned to the cooling system. The cooling system is controlled so accumulated cooling in the buildings is primarily used to provide an indoor temperature of +19°C to +23°C in the winter and +21°C to +25°C in the summer.

The buildings are primarily heated by incoming air and radiators, or underfloor heating. Radiators have adjustable thermostats with a lockable maximum temperature (21°C). The radiators are shut off during the summer and the indoor climate is regulated via the ventilation. Premises with special cooling requirements (ICT suites, laboratories) are cooled via the ventilation (cooled incoming air) and local cooling units.

Heating, cooling and ventilation are what primarily consume energy in the buildings. In addition, lighting requires a relatively large amount of energy. Both of the university’s landlords, Stiftelsen Clara and Akademiska Hus, have already made investments in saving energy.

What can we do to reduce the university’s energy consumption?

Each of us can contribute to reducing the university’s energy consumption. You should:

  • limit the number of print-outs and photocopies you make.
  • avoid using lifts.
  • make sure dishwashers are full and use the eco setting.
  • reduce the use of hot water when washing hands and showering.
  • avoid opening windows.
  • not use electrical equipment other than that provided by the university, such as your own coffee machines, lamps, etc. (you may not use heaters in your room).

Cooperation

Charlotta Warmark, environmental coordinator, and Jesper Alvarsson, adviser to the vice-chancellor on sustainability issues, have participated in discussions with the property owners regarding reductions in energy consumption. If you have any questions, please contact Alexander Madoson, Campus and ICT Services.

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