Saving some energy

This event, hosted by the University of West of England, in the new extension to the Architecture building (R Block 2), focused on the key issues of Staff Engagement, Lighting and Voltage Optimisation. We asked our energy experts (from Business Link, the Carbon Trust and Encore Electrical) to start off proceedings by offering their top tips for cutting energy use.

A summary of their top tips:

• Get data and focus on it (metering, gathering, monitoring, targeting) – build a case for investment using data.
• Engage staff using simple measures first, such as avoiding waste.
• Lighting and heating controls – Low cost measures are the least disruptive, use these first (e.g. turning off equipment,temperature radiator valves etc.) then move on to the more disruptive, higher capital, investment measures (changing fittings, retrofitting, insulation etc.).
• Pick the right product – There are many options (lighting, fittings, daylight sensors, metering) think about what you need first, and research it, then buy it.
• Make sure you negotiate the best price for your energy – go through an energy broker and make sure you are on the right tariff.
• Understand where the energy use is in your business, and then you can see where to make changes. Monitor what you are doing.
• Challenge the experts – make sure the supplier shows you how to use the technology and helps you understand what sort of payback you can expect. Always check their figures with your own calculations, before committing to any new technology (case studies on the Carbon Trust website can help with comparisons and figures).
  

This was followed by set of three workshops which addressed the key issues, and a tour of the great sustainable features of the building. To find out more download the attachment below.