Reducing Energy at Queen Mary: top tips & myth busting

Fact: Many labs leave equipment, such as fume hoods or computers, running constantly due to concerns about disrupting research. However, all of Queen Mary's labs have now adopted "shut the sash" campaigns for fume hoods, which encourage staff and students to close fume hoods when not in use. If left open continuously, a single fume hood can consume as much energy annually as 3-4 UK homes, so closing them when not needed can lead to massive savings without compromising research integrity.

Fact: Water use has a direct energy connection, particularly in hot water systems. Reducing hot water use can lower energy bills, as energy is required to heat water.

Fact: Many universities, including QMUL, are housed in historic buildings, and it's often assumed that these cannot be retrofitted for energy efficiency. However, modern techniques like better insulation, double glazing, and smart energy management systems have made it possible to upgrade old buildings while maintaining their character. For example, during the recent ITL Building retrofit project, windows were enlarged and replaced with high-performing thermal glazing and all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems were updated with modern, sustainable solutions, improving energy and water efficiency.

Fact: While universities are responsible for implementing large-scale sustainability strategies, individual actions also play a significant role. Simple changes by students and staff, such as turning off unused appliances, minimising energy use in labs, and reporting energy waste, can contribute to overall reductions in energy consumption.

For example, during a recent Switch Off Event, Queen Mary students and staff managed to save an impressive 1,300 kWh (equivalent to £333) over just one weekend by switching off unnecessary lights, air conditioning, small appliances, and other equipment. Every switch-off counts.

Fact: Many assume that heating or air conditioning systems must run continuously to keep spaces comfortable. However, modern climate control systems, such as those found at Queen Mary, are designed to work efficiently with scheduling and zoning. Using thermostats with time settings can significantly reduce energy waste, especially when buildings are empty overnight or during holiday periods. Even reducing the temperature by 1°C can reduce heating costs by around 10%.

Fact: Turning off computers at night can save a significant amount of energy. Many believe that leaving computers and monitors on overnight in sleep mode uses minimal power. However, it’s estimated that shutting down a single computer could save up to £50 a year in electricity at a large university. If multiplied across thousands of machines, this represents a substantial energy saving.