Introduction
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable energy practices across all its campuses. As part of this commitment, the university has undertaken a comprehensive initiative to identify, evaluate, and reduce energy wastage. This report outlines the methodology, findings, and action plans derived from recent energy reviews and audits aimed at optimizing energy use.
Objective
The primary objective of this initiative is to identify areas of highest energy wastage across campus facilities and develop targeted solutions to enhance energy efficiency. By addressing these areas, Amrita aims to foster a more sustainable campus environment while achieving substantial cost savings in energy expenditures.
Methodology
To identify energy wastage, the following approaches were implemented:
- Energy Audits and Inspections: Conducted thorough audits across academic buildings, dormitories, labs, and common areas to understand energy consumption patterns.
- Data Monitoring and Analysis: Installed smart energy meters and sensors in high-consumption zones to collect real-time data on energy usage.
- Engagement with Stakeholders: Collaborated with students, faculty, and maintenance staff to identify commonly overlooked areas of wastage and collect recommendations.
Findings
The energy review identified key areas with the highest energy wastage, summarized as follows:
Lighting Systems
- Observations: High energy consumption due to inefficient lighting in classrooms, corridors, and common areas. Lights often remain on even in unoccupied spaces.
- Potential Savings: Switching to LED lighting and installing motion-sensor controls could reduce lighting energy use by up to 40%.
HVAC Systems
- Observations: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems account for a significant portion of the campus energy load. Several buildings exhibit inefficient temperature management, leading to energy wastage.
- Potential Savings: By adjusting HVAC schedules based on occupancy and installing automated thermostats, energy consumption could be reduced by approximately 25%.
Laboratory and Research Facilities
- Observations: Lab equipment is often left running during off-hours, contributing to unnecessary energy consumption.
- Potential Savings: Introducing lab protocols for equipment shutdown after hours can save an estimated 15% in energy use for these facilities.
Residential Areas and Dormitories
- Observations: Students and staff housing exhibit high standby power usage from electronic devices and appliances left plugged in continuously.
- Potential Savings: By introducing smart power strips and raising awareness, dormitory energy usage could be cut by up to 10%.
Recommendations and Action Plan
Based on these findings, the following actions are recommended:
Upgrade Lighting Systems
- Action: Replace all conventional lights with energy-efficient LED fixtures and install motion sensors in low-traffic areas.
- Timeline: 3 months
- Expected Outcome: 40% reduction in lighting energy use.
Optimize HVAC Operations
- Action: Implement occupancy-based HVAC schedules and install programmable thermostats across all campus buildings.
- Timeline: 6 months
- Expected Outcome: 25% reduction in HVAC energy usage.
Energy Awareness Programs
- Action: Launch a campus-wide awareness campaign to educate students and staff on energy-saving practices, such as turning off lights and unplugging devices.
- Timeline: Ongoing
- Expected Outcome: 10-15% overall reduction in energy wastage due to behavioral changes.
Implement Smart Energy Monitoring Systems
- Action: Install smart meters and real-time energy monitoring systems to continually assess and respond to energy usage patterns.
- Timeline: 6 months
- Expected Outcome: Data-driven insights for continuous energy optimization.
