Lunch-hour shutdown saves energy at VIU

Simple and small actions can save significant amounts of energy.

Just ask Vancouver Island University Energy Manager Daryl Amos.

Data released by BC Hydro from the Power Down Nanaimo Hour held over the lunch break on Friday, Oct. 22 shows that the VIU community conserved 4.07 per cent of electricity when compared to the consumption of the previous Friday.

“That works out to be about 1200 kilowatt hours of energy, which is roughly equivalent to the amount of energy used in an average Nanaimo home for one month,” said Amos.

Power Down Nanaimo Hour was the final event in a week-long series of energy conservation awareness activities at VIU’s Nanaimo Campus. On Oct. 22, Amos threw the giant light switch (borrowed from BC Hydro) in the outdoor plaza just outside the Library, signaling the shutdown of all unneeded lighting and “vampire power” loads on the campus.

“The concept was that while faculty, staff, and students were on their lunch break, each individual was to turn off all of the unneeded electrical devices at their respective workstations, and enjoy time with friends and colleagues at minimal consumption of electricity,” said Amos.

VIU also invited the City of Nanaimo and citizens of the central island area to join in on the Power to Change Week activities and Power Down Nanaimo Hour. The City of Nanaimo conserved 0.4 per cent of electricity.

“The data demonstrates that through some very simple and small actions, people at VIU and the City of Nanaimo can save significant amounts of energy without significantly altering their lifestyle,” said Amos.

Mayor John Ruttan of the City of Nanaimo proclaimed Power Down Nanaimo Hour for the lunch period, encouraging citizens and businesses alike to reduce consumption for that one hour. Energy managers throughout other organizations in the region encouraged their workmates, family, and friends to join in as well.

Power to Change Week was just one awareness campaign during October which is the official BC Hydro Power Smart Month throughout BC. The annual event is designed to raise awareness about energy conservation and sustainability in a fun, friendly and informative way.

“VIU is pleased to be a recognized Power Smart Partner with BC Hydro in our efforts to conserve energy,” said Amos.

Meanwhile, Vancouver Island University Payroll and Benefits employee Glen Hasslinger won the signed Ryan Kesler Canucks hockey jersey during this year’s Power to Change week activities. Employees names were entered in the draw if they signed a sustainability pledge or suggested a way the campus community can save power. BC Hydro donated the jersey to VIU as a prize because Kelsler is a member of BC Hydro’s Team Power Smart.

Planning for next year’s Power to Change Week is already underway. VIU Sustainability Manager Michele Patterson is researching a number of activities to encourage behavior change amongst students, staff and faculty that would help conserve even more energy.

For more information, visit VIU’s Sustainability website at www.viu.ca/sustainability. For more energy saving tips visit www.bchydro.com/guides_tips/