PRESS RELEASE: 26 October 2015 
 

   

Minimise Solutions is helping the University of Surrey to better understand how, when and why students use energy in on-campus accommodation. The data will be used to identify and instigate further energy savings opportunities, reducing both fuel consumption and operational costs, while also cutting carbon emissions.

Appointed in April 2015, Minimise Solutions will carry out a comprehensive monitoring programme over an initial two year period. During this time, granular data will be collected continuously from two accommodation blocks using the Minimise Energy Monitoring and Control system.

The monitoring system was installed in June, ready to record data when the new 2015 cohort arrived in September.

The system will produce detailed data, giving a much clearer picture of student energy use. This will supplement the higher level information captured by the University's existing monitoring equipment.

The University of Surrey spends around £5 million every year on energy, emitting over 27,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. The University aims to reduce energy-related carbon emissions by 34% by 2020 and has developed a Carbon Management Plan to support this achievement. The plan includes installing solar panels, improving lighting and upgrading heating. It also includes behaviour change programmes amongst staff and students.

Currently a Silver status EcoCampus university, Surrey aims to achieve Platinum accreditation later this year.

As part of this wider programme, the Minimise Energy Monitoring and Control System will benchmark consumption patterns and influencing environmental and behavioural factors in two accommodation blocks.

To do this, the system will collect data via Radio Frequency (RF) from a range of battery operated wireless sensors which are easily retrofitted without the need for rewiring. These operate on a frequency that does not interfere with the University's existing equipment or IT infrastructure and collect data on a range of conditions including temperature, energy and water usage and physical conditions such as windows being opened and closed.

Most units of this type collect data over a 24 hour period, aggregating it to provide consumption information. However, data aggregation can disguise energy consumption patterns and variations. By monitoring the data at a more granular level, the University hopes to identify new savings opportunities.

The monitoring programme will also provide detailed information for use in student behaviour change programmes. For example, campus managers will be able to demonstrate the real cost of lights left on and machines left on standby - a factor that will certainly stand students in good stead for their move to private accommodation (and bills management) in later years.

Commenting on the launch of the initiative, Jason Plent, Managing Director of Minimise Solutions, said:

"Granular energy monitoring can quickly uncover efficiencies that would otherwise have been missed.

"University estates offer multiple energy efficiency opportunities and as fuel costs continue to soar, it's essential that these are identified and actioned."

He also stressed that using granular data to inform student behaviour change programmes offers even wider social advantages.

"The data will clearly demonstrate the impact of student behaviours. Highlighting this to students will shape more responsible individual energy behaviours for many years to come, in education, in the workplace and in the home," he said. "Encouraging good habits now, when young people are living alone for the first time, is the right thing to do."

Ends

Images can be downloaded using the following links: Minimise Monitoring and Control screen and Surrey University student accommodation

For more information, please visit:www.minimisesgroup.com/minimise-solutions. Email:info@minimisesolutions.com. Phone: 0330 313 3220. Twitter: @minimisegroup.

To find out more about the University of Surrey's sustainability initiatives, please visit: http://www.surrey.ac.uk/sustainability/ecocampus/

Editorial contact: Please contact Adrienne Robins at Green Tiger Communications on 07855 643094 or emailAdrienne@greentigercommunications.co.uk.

Notes to editors

Minimise Solutions is part of the Minimise Group.

Minimise Group helps organisations become more sustainable, increase profitability and meet environmental, corporate and legislative targets. Minimise Group is made up of five complementary divisions:

• Minimise Energy: innovative energy reduction technologies, products and services, designed to help businesses achieve on-going energy reduction goals and enhance bottom line performance.

• Minimise Solutions: a strategic consultancy and advisory team, helping to deliver sustainability, meet reduction targets and comply with legislation.

• Minimise Finance: offers tailor-made financing options, funding energy efficiency and renewable energy schemes from savings made in energy maintenance and related costs.

• Minimise Water (incorporating Green Compliance): offers a complete range of water management and air hygiene technologies and services to help reduce the cost of compliance and save money on operating costs.

• Minimise Generation: maximising businesses' potential to generate and store renewable energy on site, drive operational savings and reduce carbon emissions.

As part of APC Technology Group plc, we deliver an integrated range of innovative technologies, products and services backed by the financial strength and stability of a 33 year-old London Stock Exchange listed company.

www.minimisegroup.com