It is interesting to note that with today’s rising energy costs, in conjunction with steady increases in global demand for fossil fuels and increasing pressure to curb greenhouse gas emissions, have made energy conservation a key topic at every dinner table, board room meeting and government level. Increases in population and energy consumption across the board in every sector from the residential market to the industrial market are being felt all across Ontario where electricity demand continues to outstrip supply, especially on the coldest and hottest days of the year when energy consumption tends to surge on an upward trend. In order for us to improve our environmental situation, energy conservation has to be implemented in our everyday lives at work and at home. Energy conservation sounds and looks easy but in truth, it is one of the hardest tasks to accomplish. This is due to the fact that energy conservation incorporates lifestyle changes not only for us individually but also for everyone around us.
Below are some energy conservation tips that you can immediately take advantage of, to stay cool, keep the Base electricity consumption low and reduce strain on the electrical grid:
- Please shut off your computer monitors during break times and lunch time. If everyone on base shut off their monitors during their breaks and lunch time, CFB Borden would save an estimated $11,000/yr. These energy savings would be equivalent to the CO2 emissions from 217 barrels of oil consumed.
- Avoid using incandescent task lighting (desk lamps). Ask your building manager for a compact fluorescent or LED bulb to replace the incandescent bulb in your task light.
- Turn off or program your office equipment to power down when not in use. Turning off one computer and monitor nightly and on weekends can save up to $80 a year.
Below are some home energy conservation tips that you can immediately take advantage of to conserve electricity and keep money in your pockets:
- Check the accuracy of your thermostat by placing a thermometer next to the thermostat and comparing the readings for room temperature. You may be cooling your home more than you think. For example, an inaccurate thermostat may indicate 78° F/25.5 C when the room is really 72° F/22.2 C, increasing your cooling cost by 30 percent or more.
- Lighten Up! Use fluorescent or LED bulbs to help reduce your electricity usage dramatically. Turn off the lights when leaving a room.
- Ensure that your interior blinds or shades are closed during the day in order to reduce heat gain. Interior shading can reduce your overall solar heat gain by 30% – 50% depending on the exposure of your home.
By: Alex Savu, RP Ops Det Borden, Energy Manager
