Monash Energy Smart: Set Points
The warmer months are on their way, which means building air-conditioning and cooling will be back in use.
In support of Monash's commitment to the environment and the goal to reduce the energy used on campus, this summer a slightly different approach will be taken to the airconditioning and cooling of our buildings. Historically our airconditioning systems are set to cool a building to 21oC regardless of the temperature outside. We even get reports of staff and students having to wear coats or jumpers inside on days when it is over 30oC outside.
This summer, to ensure our buildings with air-conditioning systems are running efficiently and effectively to cope with the summer temperature demands some small changes will be made. The biggest change will be the temperature at which the air-conditioning tries to cool the building to. Instead of trying to cool an airconditioned building to a chilly 21-22oC, when it is 30oC+ outside, the set-point will be changed to cool to 24-25oC. This change will help our cooling systems cope better during periods of high external temperatures and mean that you won’t need to bring a jacket to work just to wear inside because the air-conditioner is set too low!
From an energy point of view this small change to temperature will produce tremendous energy savings. Airconditioning makes up approximately 50% of Monash's electricity consumption and this initiative will make a big difference to the university's overall environmental footprint. More information about this program will be available as it is rolled out in October/November.
Stay tuned.
