Reducing energy use on campus
There are many ways we can work to reduce energy on campus.
 Energy Saving Tips |
 How much does my building use? |
 Green buildings on campus |
Where does our energy come from?
At the University of Canterbury (UC), a coal boiler is currently used for centrally heating the main campus and halls of residence. Electricity runs lighting, air-conditioning, and all electrical equipment.
Our electricity comes from Meridian Energy and is certified carbon-neutral. Despite this, it is still very important to cut our electricity consumption. When we reduce electricity consumption across campus we save valuable dollars for better use elsewhere within the University. Moreover, we also reduce our contribution to demands for building expensive and often environmentally harmful new electricity-generation facilities.
What is being done?
UC has had an energy efficiency programme since the mid-1990s. This includes energy efficient design of new buildings and renovations, energy audits and ongoing monitoring, and gradual upgrading of buildings on campus to improve their energy performance.
University of Canterbury is a member of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) Energy Wise programme for government organisations.
The University has recently employed an energy manager. The energy manager's role is to focus on finding ways to reduce electricity and water consumption, and investigate alternative energy supplies for campus heating.
What can you do?
- See the Energy Saving Tips page for how you can save energy on campus.
- Monitor your building's energy consumption and see how much you are saving.