For several years, our University has initiated a path towards energy requalification aimed at reducing the impact that various activities of the academic community have on our consumption and their environmental consequences. The projects involve improvements to heating and air conditioning systems and electrical systems that control the service lighting of the premises (with timers and presence and twilight sensors). At the same time, it is increasing the share of electricity from renewable sources.

INCREASED ENERGY COSTS DEPRIVE RESOURCES FROM RESEARCH AND TEACHING 

The new state provisions

With Decree 383 of October 6, 2022, the Ministry of Ecological Transition modified the regulation of the temperature and ignition time of the heating of public entities.

The changes related to Uniud are from October 22, 2022, to April 7, 2023:

• reduction of 15 days (8 for delayed ignition and 7 for early closure)
• maximum temperature: 19° +/– 2° tolerance.

Best Practices at the University

Energy expenditure often results from incorrect habits, the improvement of which can be achieved with simple measures, allowing for better use of work tools and equipment for air conditioning and lighting. Here are some good practices and behaviors to follow.

Computers

• enable automatic suspension of the monitor and hard disk (standby), so that it activates after 5 minutes of inactivity;
• enable computer hibernation so that it activates after 20 minutes of inactivity;
• turn off the screensaver, especially if it's 'animated,' as it consumes energy and is no longer useful;
• turn off the computer and all peripherals if you don't use it for a long period;
• unplug equipment that you don't use.

Printer and Copier

• print only when absolutely necessary and, if possible, double-sided;
• activate the 'energy-saving' function so that after a few moments of inactivity, the printer switches to standby mode. If it doesn't have the automatic option, manually insert it after use;
• turn off the printer at the end of the working day.

Lift

• when possible, use the stairs instead of the lift: every time you don't use the elevator, you save about 0.05 kWh.

Lighting

• turn off lights when leaving a classroom, office, or common area (e.g., bathrooms and corridors), or in the presence of natural light;
• calibrate lighting based on real needs: it's not always necessary to turn on all available lights.

Air Conditioning

• with Decree 383 of October 6, 2022, the Ministry of Ecological Transition modified the regulation of the temperature and ignition time of heating for public entities;
• the use of heating is governed by the "National Plan for the containment of natural gas consumption": the temperature must be kept within 19°C;
• do not use electric heaters to heat University premises: in addition to significantly affecting energy consumption, they do not comply with safety standards;
• always turn off the air conditioner or heating when leaving a classroom or office;
• keep doors and external windows of classrooms and corridors closed when the air conditioner or heating is in operation. Also, remember to keep the doors of classrooms closed to prevent heat from spreading to unnecessary areas;
• be careful not to cover radiators: it would obstruct the air circulation;
• do not keep windows open for a long time for air exchange: a few minutes are sufficient;
• turn off the air conditioning or heating half an hour before leaving the classroom or office;
• limit the use of the air conditioner to a few hours a day, maintaining the temperature at 27°C;
• use the air conditioner also in dehumidification mode only (about 50% reduction in electricity consumption).

IT WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE UNIVERSITY

• monitor the consumption habits of the university community, intervening in situations and cases of persistent energy waste;
• verify that there are no energy leaks in the systems;
• adopt dusk sensors (externally) and proximity sensors (internally) for spaces that do not need constant lighting;
• dissuade staff from using personal equipment such as coffee/tea burners, heaters, etc.: besides being dangerous, they consume a lot of energy;
• equip all equipment that remains on standby (as often indicated by an LED) with power strips with switches that continue to consume energy;
• replace, where possible, old machinery with new ones of high energy efficiency.