Background
We all know that it is bad to waste electricity. Electricity costs money and generating electricity has an environmental footprint (even renewables). On hot summer days in Ontario, we rely on gas-fired power plants to keep the lights on and the air conditioning running and that has a major carbon footprint and consequences for outdoor air quality. On these, and other peak demand days, the financial savings are also greater because, as a large institution, our electricity rates throughout the year are largely based on the electricity used during the five peak demand days (on billing, see IESO Guide to Wholesale Electricity Charges, and Waterloo North Hydro Medium and Large Commercial Rates). Because we know in advance when these peak demand days are likely to occur, we can take steps to reduce our electricity use.
When it comes to saving electricity, however, the role that individual campus members can play is often restricted to the simple things that we all know about but often don’t do. These include little things like turning off the lights, shutting down the second computer screen, unplugging small appliances, closing fume hoods, and more. These may be small actions, but their impacts are additive, especially if habits are changed and social norms evolve.
The University of Waterloo Sustainability Office is looking to develop new communication strategies to reduce the electricity that is wasted in residences, classrooms, labs, and offices. This work relates to UN Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13 and to the campus Shift:Neutral Climate Action Strategy:
32. Action: Develop a visual identity to raise the visibility of energy efficiency and carbon reduction projects, and increase communication to raise awareness among campus stakeholders;
33. Consideration: Stronger guidelines for shutdown procedures of lights, IT equipment, and personal computing equipment will be considered.
Scope of Work
There are four target audiences for this work: students in residences, classroom users, lab members, and office staff. Projects should identify and focus on one of these audiences.
- Outline the key characteristics of the target audiences and the electricity use that is under their control
- Identify one to three meaningful actions that these members can take to reduce electricity use on campus
- Review existing communications strategies for the chosen actions
- Research innovative communications strategies from other institutions that address these actions
- Estimate the electricity and emissions impacts of a single action and if the action were taken by the entire target population using o
- Marginal emissions factors from the IESO Annual Planning Outlook data tables
- High level electricity cost estimates from the Sustainability Office
- Research further value propositions for the target actions
- Develop new communications materials that address the targeted actions and populations
Resources
The University of Waterloo Sustainability Strategy, Shift Neutral Climate Action Plan, and other resources are available on the campus Sustainability Office website. High level estimates for the savings from electricity use on peak days and on regular days are available from the Sustainability Office.
Stakeholders
- Sustainability Office
Proposed Deliverables
The details of the deliverables are flexible but must meet the requirements set out by the course instructor. Some proposed deliverables include:
- A work plan early in the term outlining key milestones and responsibilities.
- Updates on progress at least once during the term.
- A final report outlining the outcomes of the research, communications strategy, and any recommendations.
- A final meeting to review the outcomes of the report and answer questions.