Summer Energy Reduction Measures

June 15, 2015

Western University Colleagues,

In direct response to rising energy costs and the Global Adjustment (GA) fees, Western is once again reducing the demand for electricity on select days this summer – and we are seeking your support.

Facilities Management continues to lead the initiative, cutting a portion of the University’s multi-million dollar hydro bill. In previous years, this strategic approach has mitigated roughly $1 million in utility fees and we expect our actions to be as successful this year.

With electricity demand closely associated with outdoor air temperature in Ontario, significant focus is placed on temporary and intermittent reduction of air conditioning. This may include slight temperature changes within the buildings at the end of select days. Historically, these small increments have led to big savings.

Getting the campus community involved

Our mitigation effort will be more effective with engagement from the campus community. Small, “green” acts of conservation by our building occupants can impact energy consumption by as much as 15%.

Some simple ways to help:

  • Lower blinds to prevent the sun from beaming into a room;
  • Turn lights off when a room is not in use;
  • Avoid “phantom power” - unplug electronics/appliances when not in use;
  • Set your computers/laptops to energy saving mode;
  • Turn off computers, monitors and printers when you leave for the day;
  • Download the AMPing Down poster for your office and common area(s):
    http://uwo.ca/fm/pdf/AMPDown_Poster2014.pdf

 Western is a leader in demand management

With your help, Western will continue to be recognized as a leader in energy demand management. The following are a few recent accolades of which we are particularly proud:

  • Honoured by the Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO) with the 2013 Quality & Productivity Award-Ontario Regional Prize for our energy-reduction plan.
  • In early 2015, we received the Environmental Award of Excellence from the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Glen Murray for the development of the interactive Energy Dashboard.
  • More recently, Energy Minister, Hon. Bob Chiarelli visited Western to learn more about building automation and our advanced demand management measures.

More information can be found on the Facilities Management homepage at http://westernu.ca/fm. For further questions on our demand management initiative, please contact Brandon Watson at bwatso5@uwo.ca or extension 88736. I appreciate your cooperation as we work together to enhance Western’s conservation efforts.

Lynn Logan
Associate Vice-President (Finance & Facilities)