Energy Saving

The greenest energy is the energy that you do not use !

Virtualisation of servers

As part of the integration of systems between Greenlands and the University of Reading IT Service, we are either planning to or actually ‘virtualising’ many of the servers that are in use at Greenlands. This process involves the creation of a virtual Server within a much more powerful machine environment, and enables several servers to share the same infrastructure, cutting down on Hardware and maintenance costs, as well as the simple economics of reducing the count of how many actual servers we have deployed and their associated power consumption and cooling requirements.

 

New Air Conditioning in Greenlands Server Room        

The system in the Server room was renewed earlier this year due to consistent failures and old age. This offers much better environmental impact through reduced power consumption and less maintenance calls.

 

PowerOut Software

Most of you will already be familiar with the effects of the PowerOut Software that has been deployed at Greenlands now for nearly two years. This software puts a computer into standby after 20 minutes of inactivity, as well as forcing the shutdown of machines after 7pm. This has been configured to take into account the specialist requirements of areas such as teaching rooms and the Library

Central Heating/Boiler/Fuel
All boilers across site now fuelled by Kerosene instead of Gas Oil - a cleaner, more efficient & cheaper fuel. New more efficient boilers installed at Main Boiler House and at Thames Court to replace ageing plant. We are currently looking at proposals to introduce additional satellite boilers across site to improve local building management/control & reduce running costs/emissions.

We have a dedicated Hot Water boiler for summer use - cheaper and more efficient than running all boilers.

Temperature controls
We have an ongoing programme of upgrade of radiator valves to TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves) to provide efficient local control.

Alternative fuels for vehicles
We are now considering Bio Diesel for College vehicles and garden machinery.

Light bulbs
Ongoing programme of replacement with low energy lamps & fittings; movement sensors installed into new and refurb facilities

Car Pool
We operate a ‘Car Pool’ where anyone can specify where they live, on the assumption they would be interested in car sharing.

Energy Meters
We use energy saving meters.

LED Lights
We are switching from halogen to LED lights.

PC Standby
We use PC and Peripherals - Energy standby modules.

Photocopiers/Printers
Automatic switch off if unused for certain period

Paper
Printing done double-sided wherever possible

Cooking equipment
‘Powered down’ whenever possible