The UAB reduces energy consumption by 17%

11/04/2016

The reduction is the result of actions centred mainly on improving energy efficiency. The actions were specifically aimed at improving the efficiency of thermal installations and lighting technology.

Among these actions it is worth highlighting the improvements made to the heating and air-conditioning systems, as well as renovations in some of the boiler rooms and areas by introducing energy saving measures in heating and electricity, progressive introduction of LED lights in the outdoor lighting of the campus and also in the ground floor of the majority of buildings, as well as different awareness-raising measures conducted by UAB's 14 Energy Improvement Groups (formed by workers from each of the faculties and centres).

Actions were also taken to improve the conditions of contract. The UAB's contract policies have allowed the university to save on electricity. Energy supply of the UAB buildings is made up of electricity (60% total in 2015) and natural gas (40% total in 2015). The electricity and gas is bought in electronic auctions through CSUC (Consortium of University Services of Catalonia), in which several universities and research centres participate, including the UAB. This system has allowed the UAB to maintain a stable price in electricity during the past year and reach a better price for gas despite increases in taxes.

Part of the money saved has been reinvested into actions aimed at improvements in reducing energy consumption, which will help save more energy down the line.

Increase in the Past Year
Despite a constant reduction in the past five years, this last year the UAB increased its expenditure on energy due to a growth in air-conditioned areas and weather conditions. With the increase in energy consumption in 2015, UAB's expenditure increased 5.4% with regard to 2014, while energy consumption rose 13.5%. Winter was colder (+2ºC average) and summer was warmer (2-3ºC) than in 2014. Moreover, heating and air-conditioning systems were installed in new areas and facilities in 2015.

University Leader in Waste and Energy Management
The year 2010 was a point of inflection in energy consumption with the start of a reduction plan, given the large amount of energy spent daily at UAB facilities: room lighting, lab equipment, heating and cooling of spaces, etc.

The UAB has surpassed its objectives in this area. The UAB Action Plan for Environmental Sustainability, in accordance with what the Government of Catalonia set down for public buildings, aimed to reach a yearly reduction of 3% in cumulative savings.

The UAB ranks 20th in the GreenMetric Ranking of World Universities, published annually by the University of Indonesia. It is the first university in Spain to figure in the ranking. The ranking compares 407 universities worldwide and classifies their policies on sustainability and respect for the environment. Among other things, the ranking takes into account aspects such as facilities, the use of water and transport.

The UAB, which in two years has moved from position 127 to 20 in the ranking, came in first in the sectors of waste and energy management and climate change. Some of the most valued measures were, for example, the reduction of energy expenditure on campus in recent years and the construction of a building which, thanks to the use of geothermal energy, passive air-conditioning systems and the use of natural lighting, consumes up to 60% less energy than it would if it were a conventional building.
This reduction is the result of actions centred mainly on improving energy efficiency. The actions were specifically aimed at improving the efficiency of thermal installations and lighting technology.