Science World is committed to energy conservation, which means we are ready and excited to adopt new technologies, ideas and strategies that will help us cut down on energy usage and be more sustainable wherever we can.
Last year was a very successful year for energy reduction under the dome. In 2013, Science World’s Building Engineering team, managed to reduce our BC Hydro energy consumption by 12%—and we thought that was pretty great. Now, the numbers for 2014 are in, and we were able to reduce our energy consumption by another 9%. According to Science World’s Facility Manager, Chad Washington, "We are averaging approximately $144 per day savings over our 2012 costs...that’s over $52,000 per year."
We’re on a roll and it’s only going to get better.
How did we do it?
- Regular maintenance: Chad says that the efficient operation of our Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning system (HVAC) programing greatly contributed to this year’s energy conservation. “We increased our preventative maintenance focus, which ensures each piece of equipment is thoroughly checked and maintenance tasks are completed on a regularly scheduled basis. Filter changes, coil cleaning, lubricating and checking for valve leaks can all make for more efficient equipment. All of the small things can add up to big savings in a large facility like TELUS World of Science.”
- We changed our lightbulbs: We installed Encilium lighting controls and did some re-lamping projects, which means that we installed more energy efficient lights throughout our third floor. We also changed the gallery track lights from incandescent to LED.
- Neighbourhood Energy Utility (NEU): Have you ever wondered about the building at the foot of the Cambie bridge? The one with the steamy pipes and violet lights? That’s not an art installation, it’s a Heat Recovery Plant that transforms the heat energy collected from sewage and uses it to heat water. The NEU supplies us with hot water that is used to heat both our building spaces as well as the domestic hot water that is used in our washrooms and kitchens. Chad says that the NEU contributes a lot to our energy supply. “In 2012, Science World’s consumption was 1514.4 MWh. In 2013, the Building Engineering team managed to reduce the consumption to 1055.70 MWh. And in 2014, we reduced it still—down to 793.4 MWh. We almost cut our consumption in half over the two years. This is over $31,000 saving per year, thanks to the NEU.”
Can you do some of these things in your home?
The first step to conserving energy at home is setting a reduction goal and finding ways, big and small, to meet that goal. Perhaps you have an appliance that needs a repair or an upgrade to run better. Maybe you could invest in energy efficient light bulbs. Have you tried unplugging things like hair dryers, TVs and toasters when they're not in use?
Your choices and actions will not only benefit you and your energy bill, when you stay educated about conservation, you are bound to influence your family, friends and neighbours in the process!