Energy Efficient Equipment Policy
- Type
- report
The impact of an energy efficient equipment
Equipment such as appliances, office equipment, consumer electronics, and other hardware comprise a significant proportion of electricity use – and plug load is the fastest growing sector of electricity consumption in buildings [1]. Such equipment is frequently and easily replaced. Local governments can adopt a Energy Efficiency Equipment Policy to purchase only energy efficient products. This mandate will minimize the environmental impacts of energy generation, and reduce electricity bills.
Likewise, retrofitting a building’s water fixtures is relatively low-cost and easy to perform. Reducing the flow rate of fixtures saves on hot water heating, and reduces the energy used in water treatment, distribution and wastewater conveyance. Additionally, improving water efficiency will help BC communities adapt to climate change, which is predicted to bring lengthier droughts .
Implementing an Energy Efficient Equipment Policy
Local governments can implement an Energy Efficient Equipment Policy as part of a larger Civic Green Building Policy to learn more about Energy Star certified products.
Certain types of specialized equipment may not have Energy Star rated models available. In such cases, specify that the energy consumption of equipment be considered.
Making Energy Efficient Behaviour Easy
Besides purchasing energy efficient products, local governments can make it easier for staff to save energy at work. Identify what office equipment can be turned off when not in use. Label these machines. Connect them to a common power bar to be shut off easily during evenings.
By configuring computers to enter low-power modes when not in use, substantial energy savings can be made. Energy Star provides resources to implement an IT power management initiative.
Water Conservation
Local governments occupying older buildings may currently use very high flow water fixtures. New fixture designs allow for substantial reductions in water usage. First, assess water consumption. If deemed necessary, conduct a retrofit of fixtures to low flow models.
Strategies
Local governments should consider the following when developing efficient equipment policies:
- Equipment replacements may either be comprehensive, or be integrated into capital replacement cycles.
- Life cycle cost analysis comparing and contrasting capital investments is a powerful way of illustrating the benefits of implementing an efficient equipment policy. Energy Star Procurement provides sample procurement language and “savings calculator” spreadsheets, a user friendly life cycle costing tool.
- Close coordination between senior levels of government, buildings operation departments, and finance departments, can ensure the best financing for equipment replacement strategies.
- Substantial savings can be realized by purchasing multifunctional devices; for example, those that integrate the functions of printers, photocopiers, faxes and scanners.
Learn more:
- Water Supply and Drought on ReTooling for Climate Change includes data sources and tools to plan.
- Energy Efficiency at Natural Resources Canada provides information on energy efficient products, offers energy saving tips, and allows buyers to assess the “second price tag” of equipment.
- Energy Star also features purchasing and procurement resources and other tools to help develop your energy efficient purchasing policy.
References
- Suozzo, Margaret. Energy-Efficient Office Equipment. American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
