As the saying goes, “A man must drive his energy, not be driven by it”, energy efficiency is a goal suggesting to apply less energy to deliver the same performance through reducing energy waste. Though it has many advantages, lots of barriers may prevent an institution from becoming energy efficient.
Challenges as behavioral and technological factors affect the improvement of energy efficiency in university Campuses.
1. Behavioral factors
Behavioral awareness could be a key feature in boosting energy efficiency in educational institutions. University campuses have several obstacles in controlling energy consumption. However, choices or initiatives in this matter are not taken, why? Energy efficiency management usually needs a significant capital investment on new equipment. For that, institutions may be reluctant to current primary investment expenses to the detriment of future profits. They believe that investments with shorter payback intervals, lower prices, and larger profits are more productive.
This high uncertainty and shortsightedness on the future profit from pro-environmental behaviors present behavioral factors influencing both energy usage and investment.
However, a radical event can make people perceive the necessity for serious repair. As the pandemic situation that caused individuals to alter their energy use behaviors.
2. Technological factors
The role of technological innovation in sustainable development has been doubted. For instance, energy-savings solutions may continuously compete with new technologies. As technological innovation completely affects and increases energy consumption growth.
On the other hand, technological progress may advance energy efficiency and decrease energy waste in the short-term, but boosts it in the long-term. This contrasts with the fact that sustainability is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations”.
Technologies that make buildings healthier and more energy-efficient are increasing in demand. To limit the rebound effect, we should rely on technological innovation to develop energy efficiency.
Benefits of energy management
University campuses are burdened with managing time, resources, and expenses, and at the same time the obligation to provide a good student experience. Yet, energy efficiency decreases energy waste, maintenance effort, the investment of time, and any other action for preserving a high-performing building.
Automated energy-savings solutions can preserve resources, as well as the safety and comfort of students. We can confidently say that the investment in energy-saving is worth it, for many reasons:
#1 Providing Healthy Environment
Room-Automation proved its effectiveness in preserve students’ health as well as boosting their productivity.
It can help prevent the spread of contamination. For instance, viruses and bacteria rely on indoor humidity. Yet, the ThermAssure item in the BMS-3000 solution ensures maintaining the suitable temperature automatically, depending on data analysis. It can provide a healthy indoor climate with reduced air contamination from viruses and bacteria.
#2 Better Student Experience
The BMS regulates a building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, which interconnect to become key elements for a better student experience.
Room automation can boost the overall quality of the learning process. For instance, studies proved that air quality indoors and CO2 levels in educational institutions can decrease higher cognitive skills by half. But with room-automation students will feel more comfortable and energetic.
Thus, the ThermAssure guarantees delivering the appropriate comfort level automatically without user interaction. It will provide a comfortable atmosphere for students and staff, therefore their level of concentration and performance will double.
#3 limits energy waste
Furthermore, identifying and controlling energy waste is an essential matter for a facility. With leak Mapper, facility managers can spot poorly working units and detect the potential source of waste.
Electricity: The APM-3200 solution allows facility managers to identify the total electrical consumption. The 3D Sense feature builds an accurate energy usage report. Therefore, it’s the best way to identify energy waste to decrease consumption.
Water: As water is one of the most essential resources for campuses, yet badly-working and leaking water taps can rise waste. Hence with a leak Mapper solution, we can prevent this problem.
On the other hand, implementing touchless taps is a way to reduce waste and protect students from viruses at the same time. This way, they do not touch the taps after washing their hands, which limits any exposure to the virus.
Conclusion
Energy efficiency is both resource and people-oriented. More campuses are using local energy solutions to create the electricity they lack and become more autonomous.
Also, the digitalization of water processes within a smart campus allows us to manage costs effectively and sustainably. Thus, it guarantees the preservation of supply as well as the health of students.
These sustainable practices help managing spendings, preserving student’s health, and creating added value to the campus experience without limiting the quality. A smart campus engages students and staff and helps to place a university as responsible, modern, and safe.
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