Many of us attempt to boost low energy with a cup of coffee, a piece of chocolate or even a run around the block but, in the realm of environmental sustainability, low energy is a good thing . . . and it is the focus of the latest phase of environmental sustainability initiatives called the “Turn it Off” campaign.
The campaign is being implemented once again on the third floor of the Westminster Health Centre at Richmond Hospital to remind staff about what can be done to reduce our energy consumption. The initiative was first implemented here in early 2012.
In 2011/2012, there was a 6.4 % reduction in electricity use across Vancouver Coastal Health as a result of the various energy conservation projects in place, and a 4.9% reduction in natural gas. That is equivalent to 2000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions . . . that’s equivalent to what is produced by over 400 cars for one year!
So thanks to all of you who have been vigilant about switching off lights and unplugging equipment during this past year. Your efforts have contributed to this commendable reduction in energy use! However, we are aiming to achieve an even greater % reduction during this coming year.
Staff are reminded to turn off all lights (including those in meeting rooms) as well as all personal and shared computer equipment and other pieces of equipment when they are not in use for longer than 15 minutes. This includes
- computer monitors,
- printers,
- speakers,
- space heaters,
- fans and
- A/V equipment.
They are also being reminded to unplug any battery and phone chargers, kitchen appliances, laminators, label makers, pencil sharpeners, staplers, radios, calculators, etc., when not in use and where appropriate.
One quick and easy thing many of us can do is turn off our computer monitors when we leave for a period of time or for the day. A computer monitor uses about 26 watts of power when on and almost none when off. Studies have found that between 5 and 10% of total electricity usage is from appliances and electronics in standby and sleep mode. And screen savers can actually increase energy use, especially the fancier ones!
Any “orphan” spaces that don’t actually belong to any one person or department need to be checked regularly, and an effort made to ensure that lights and equipment are turned off when not in use. During the past year, there have been numerous occasions when the lights in meeting rooms throughout the hospital have been left on for hours after a meeting is adjourned.
We are in the process of doing an energy audit and will be going around the floor to put up fresh posters and place reminder stickers on monitors and at light switches/outlets. So don’t be surprised to find lights off in kitchen/coffee areas, meeting rooms, printer/copy rooms, washrooms, etc.!
We encourage all of you to look around and be aware of opportunities to turn off and unplug whenever and wherever possible. We look forward to working with you to meet our workplace energy reduction targets! Thanks to all of you again in advance for participating in this initiative and for your efforts and cooperation in making our organization a cleaner and greener one.