Through a combination of rapid measures, long-term work and successful cooperation with Lund University, Akademiska Hus can now report a record drop in energy consumption.
Due to the strained energy situation in Europe during the autumn and winter, the Government decided that public authorities were to report and implement measures to reduce electricity usage. When a potential energy crisis loomed, Academiska Hus concentrated its efforts and further intensified its work.
Lund University tops the list
Lund University was the higher education institution in Sweden where electricity consumption declined most. Our reduction amounts to just over eight per cent for the period. Akademiska Hus, together with Lund University, succeeded in producing solutions to temporarily reduce power needs over and above the electricity-saving measures that had already been implemented. The measures introduced included the temporary shut-down of heat pumps and reduction of ventilation at certain places on campus. In total, the measures led to a fall in purchased electrical power of 1 MW compared to the same week the previous year.
In addition, there was a focus on finding energy guzzlers at premises and suggesting simple tips for how students and staff could save energy. This concerned pointers such as turning off devices and lights in rooms that were not in use, closing fume cabinets in labs, not opening windows and sitting together with others.
“It is pleasing that we have saved so much electricity. A power shortage would have created considerable difficulties and there is a great determination within the University to save electricity. As well as direct measures in connection with the risk of a power shortage, we have made efforts to both find energy guzzlers and encourage changes in behaviour. That the commitment within the University and cooperation with Akademiska Hus could reduce electricity consumption is an insight we can utilise in our continuing work to improve energy efficiency,” says Åsa Bergenudd, estates manager at Lund University.