Reducing Energy at Queen Mary: top tips & myth busting

Fact: Many labs leave equipment, such as fume hoods or computers, running constantly due to concerns about disrupting research. However, many university labs have now adopted "shut the sash" campaigns for fume hoods, which encourage staff and students to close fume hoods when not in use. A single fume hood can consume as much energy as 3-4 homes when left open, so closing them can lead to massive savings without compromising research integrity.

Fact: Small actions can lead to cumulative benefits when practiced by large groups. For instance, if every student at a London university unplugged their chargers when not in use, the combined energy saving could be significant.

Fact: Water use has a direct energy connection, particularly in hot water systems. Reducing hot water use can lower energy bills, as energy is required to heat water.

Fact: Many universities, including QMUL, are housed in historic buildings, and it's often assumed that these cannot be retrofitted for energy efficiency. However, modern techniques like better insulation, double glazing, and smart energy management systems have made it possible to upgrade old buildings while maintaining their character.

Fact: While universities are responsible for implementing large-scale sustainability strategies, individual actions also play a significant role. Simple changes by students and staff, such as turning off unused appliances, minimising energy use in labs, and reporting energy waste, can contribute to overall reductions in energy consumption. Behavioural change campaigns at universities have shown that individual actions can result in 5-10% reductions in energy use when combined with institutional efforts.

Fact: Many assume that heating or air conditioning systems must run continuously to keep spaces comfortable. However, modern climate control systems, such as those found in universities like QMUL, are designed to work efficiently with scheduling and zoning. Using thermostats with time settings can significantly reduce energy waste, especially when buildings are empty overnight or during holiday periods. Even reducing the temperature by 1°C can reduce heating costs by around 10%.

Fact: Turning off computers at night can save a significant amount of energy. Many believe that leaving computers and monitors on overnight in sleep mode uses minimal power. However, it’s estimated that shutting down a single computer could save up to £50 a year in electricity at a large university. If multiplied across thousands of machines, this represents a substantial energy saving.