Energy Policy Week

Welcome to the 3rd instalment to RYB Konsult’s blog for the ‘CIBSE 100 days of carbon clean up’.

Having completed CIBSE’s TM22, various measures have been selected by the Carbon Officers. One of which decided an initial energy policy needed to be written to support the efficiency and sustainable measures already achieved in the campaign.

It was decided that a simple plan should be written and discussed first, in-line with the CIBSE Energy management matrix (level 2) and CIBSE’s TM22. Once this stage has been established RYB would seek to advance to level 3 and 4. This was done for several reasons;
To establish, improve and monitor the overall approach to energy management,
Provide goals against which to monitor and;
Identify objectives;

Save energy
Cut bills
Set targets

The first stage involved scoping and exploring the company’s energy use. Four items were identified as items that can be controlled by staff;

· Use of office equipment,
· Use of windows for ventilation,
· Use of local heating controls and;
· Use of lighting/shading to maximise the use of daylight.

These measures were identified because they can be influenced by staff members and recorded by meter readings. Energy targets were then derived from last years energy bills and initially set to not use more energy than the pervious financial year 2006-7. These targets are to be reviewed once monthly meter readings have been taken.

The electrical demand for RYB is 3% worse than good practice hence focus again as been placed on reducing the demand. First results show that since August RYB Konsult’s electrical demand has decrease by approximately 500 units per week, saving approximately £35 a week. This is attributed to the new LCD screens and reduced electrical cooling due to increased use of natural ventilation.

RYB Konsult’s campaign continues with the one week lift ban starting as of the 29th October.