NUIG Surpass Climate Targets and Set New 40% Goal for 2020

NUIG are delivering on their commitment to the climate action plan through the use of new technologies and on campus energy awareness initiatives with staff and students

Through SEAI’s Public Sector Partnership Programme, the National University of Ireland, Galway are supported on their journey to establish the campus as one of the greenest Universities in the world. They are one of the first universities in Ireland to exceed the 2020 target at 36%. Their success and leadership has fed their ambition and they have now set a new target of 40% for 2020.

Key Achievements

• Implemented IS0 50001: To monitor and maintain energy demands
• Renewable Technology Innovation: Use of renewable energy technology solutions to accomplish 'green' objectives
• Installed Extenisive EV Infrastructure: Have seen a 300% increase in EV participation in two years

Results

• 33% government climate target exceeded
• 300% increase in EV participation in two years
• 211kwh reduction in energy consumption per metre squared

The Project

The University is one of the largest employers in Galway and makes a significant contribution to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of the city.

In 2006, the University set up the NUIG Energy Team consisting of the Energy Performance Office (EPO), Senior Management from the University, maintenance and mechanical teams and other specialist consultants. The team give ‘green’ recommendations on new technology being used on campus, to ensure alignment with their sustainability goals.

Energy reduction is achieved on campus with the use of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies such as Solar PV, Biomass Boilers, Combined Heat and Power, LED Lighting, VSD controls on Air handling units and Pumps, and Air/Water Heat pumps. The Universities success comes down to the optimisation of multiple technologies operating at scale in a variety of buildings with many different uses and construction types.The baseline figure recorded in 2006 has reduced from 462kwh per m2 to 2018 baseline figure of 251kwh per m2, a reduction of 211kwh per m2. This has been achieved even though the campus has grown by 85,000m2 to 213,720m2 from a 2006 baseline area of 128,720m2. Investments in new technologies and technical assistance helped the University exceed the targets set for 2020.As part of its sustainability strategy, the Energy Team created a Green Campus Charter, encouraging and providing tools to students and staff on how to reduce energy use on site and at home. This engagement has been key to their success story.

“We implemented ISO 500001 back in 2012, this has helped them monitor and maintain their energy demands by encouraging students and staff on campus to have switch off days”, Michael Curran, Head of Building Services, Energy and Utilities at NUIG says.

A video for this Project is available through the link here.

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