Energy and IT
Targets
- GAS and electricity: 5% annual reduction each by 2012/13 from 2008/09 baseline
- IT Action Target: build a centralised IT management network by 2012/13
Our GREEN move on campus
Rolling Green Fund
We are investing £500,000 in a number of projects that are designed to improve our energy efficiency and reduce our carbon emissions. As savings are made the initial project costs are reinvested in the Fund to finance new projects.
Projects have included Voltage Optimisation on three buildings, installation of electronic Thermostatic Radiator Valve heads and lighting upgrades including lighting level controls and occupancy detection.
Wind Turbine
The School of Engineering and Design have installed a micro-scale horizontal axis wind turbine on the roof of Tower D along with an anemometer to measure wind speed and an online monitoring system which will enable us to measure power output and wind speeds via intranet.
This experimental test rig aims to support both research and teaching concerning electrical power network integration of renewable energy sources.
In addition, the School is planning to upgrade the initial 600w wind turbine to a larger 6000w unit when commercially and technically available for rooftop installation.
EnergyWise Project
‘EnergyWise’ project, in conjunction with Cisco will enable us to build an IT management system fully connected to the entire IT network on campus by 2012/13.
Student Switch Off campaign
The University is hosting the Student Switch-Off, a national energy-saving campaign to encourage competition between halls of residence with the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 10%. Follow Brunel Student Switch Off campaign on Facebook.
Check the Computing Centre’s Sustainable IT statement (PDF)
Green tips
At work
- Switch off your PC monitor when you are going to a meeting (monitor uses two thirds of a PC’s total electricity)
- Shut down your computer when you leave the office
- Shut down photocopiers and printers when you leave the office
- Switch off lights when there is sufficient daylight
At home
- Turn your thermostat down by just 1°C: reducing your room temperature by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10% and saves around £55 per year
- Check your water temperature: Your cylinder thermostat should be set at 60°C/140°F
- Don’t leave appliances on standby; turn off the main switch: Standby setting consumes 10-60% of the electricity when it is switched on
- Use energy saving lightbulbs: they last 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs and save you around £40 over the lifetime of the bulb
Try a carbon calculator and reduce your footprint
