SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy

Room Recommissioning

Kiera Reid — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 16:23:12 +0000

Room Recommissioning Kiera Reid Fri, 09/23/2022 - 12:23

Project Background

Many buildings and rooms at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ are not performing at the level they were designed to operate at. Recommissioning is the process of identifying and addressing systems that are not operating at optimal levels and also includes considerations of how different systems interact to affect overall performance.¹ Recommissioning some of the worst performing rooms can be a cost effective way to achieve quick and easy wins for energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. In fact, 62.3% of the University’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2018 came from the natural gas and electricity used to operate our buildings. Achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and a 17.5% reduction in emissions below 2015 levels by 2025 will require major investments in building operating systems as highlighted by three initiatives in the Shift:Neutral climate action plan:

14. Reduction/Action: Complete an audit of campus buildings to determine a mix of short-term energy efficiency and carbon reduction projects (through 2025)

16. Reduction: Initiate a recommissioning program for top energy-consuming buildings to ensure controls and sequence of operations are operating as efficiently as possible

20. Consideration: Calibration and optimization of building scheduling and setpoints should be considered on an ongoing basis

This work also relates to the UN Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13, for affordable and clean energy and climate action.

Project Examples

Consulting with Plant Operations to identify a room that is performing poorly, and assemble any available information on building design and performance.
Assessing the design capabilities and measure the performance of the room in terms of
- Lighting
- Temperature
- Air flow
- Energy use
- Lighting and temperature controls through the day/week/year
- Acoustics
- Air quality
Identifying problems with the room’s performance.
Performing a cost-benefit analysis of possible solutions to the problems identified.
Recommending improvements to the room systems and project the magnitude of the problems identified in that room for the entire campus.
Estimating the number of rooms that have similar performance gaps and the magnitude of the impact addressing them would have on total campus energy use and emissions.

¹ Mills E. Building commissioning: a golden opportunity for reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Energy efficiency. 2011;4(2):145-173. doi:10.1007/s12053-011-9116-8

Energy Efficiency in IT

Kiera Reid — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 19:00:53 +0000

Energy Efficiency in IT Kiera Reid Thu, 09/22/2022 - 15:00

Project 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 ��ݮ��Ƶ 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.

Information Technology (IT) uses a lot of electricity, and often the computers, servers and supportive technologies are not optimized for energy efficiency. Simple steps, such as increasing the thermostat on peak demand days, turning computers off before the weekend or before leaving for home on peak demand days, setting computers and their screens to hibernate by default when left inactive, and other measures can have a significant effect when applied to server rooms and computer labs. Some of these require a single intervention (e.g. setting computers to hibernate), and some require repeated interventions.

The University of ��ݮ��Ƶ Sustainability Office is looking to develop recommendations for how to reduce electricity use in computer labs and server rooms on peak demand days and throughout the year. This work relates to UN Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13 and to item 33 of the campus Shift:Neutral climate action plan: Stronger guidelines for shutdown procedures of lights, IT equipment, and personal computing equipment will be considered.

Project Examples

Identifying all easy to implement mechanisms that could be used to reduce energy use in computer labs and server rooms.
Consulting with ITS and IT groups from one or more faculties to understand the barriers to implementation of these mechanisms. • Make recommendations for strategies that the University can use to reduce electricity use during peak demand days and throughout the year.
Estimating the electricity and emissions impacts of the proposed mechanisms using
- Marginal emissions factors from the IESO Annual Planning Outlook data tables
- High level electricity cost estimates from the Sustainability Office
Researching further value propositions for the target actions
Developing communications materials targeted at those that can implement the proposed mechanisms

Projecting EV and E-Bike Adoption

Kiera Reid — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 17:48:39 +0000

Projecting EV and E-Bike Adoption Kiera Reid Wed, 09/21/2022 - 13:48

Project Background

In 2021, over 5% of new vehicles sold in Canada were electric.¹ E-bike sales are also on the rise worldwide including in Canada.² The economic, social and policy signals are all pointing toward greater adoption of electric vehicles and e-bikes in Canada. These technologies are also important solutions to the estimated 19% of University of ��ݮ��Ƶ emissions that are attributed to commuting.³ Action item 41 of the Shift:Neutral climate action plan is the development of an institutional Transportation Demand Management Plan in which EVs and e-bikes will play a role. Furthermore, as more of our commuters adopt EVs and e-bikes, there will be increased demand for EV chargers, e-bike chargers and secure e-bike storage options, and this is something that the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ must plan for.

Currently, the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ has 18 EV chargers. Charging is free at these level 2 chargers, but vehicle owners must have a valid parking permit and are limited to 4 hours of parking in charging spots. There are no dedicated e-bike parking or charging stations.

The University of ��ݮ��Ƶ is looking for an analysis of the projected uptake for electric vehicles, e-bikes and the support infrastructure required. This work will support the Sustainability Office’s Transportation Demand Management planning and work toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals 7, 11 and 13.

Project Examples

Performing a literature review to summarize projections for EV and e-bike adoption in Canada and Ontario.
Researching best practices from other institutions on the infrastructure investments needed to support the transition to electric transportation.
Researching best practices from other institutions for how to incentivize a shift to electrified transportation while also minimizing and/or recovering some of the infrastructure costs. This might include:
- Tiered parking rates based on type of vehicle
- Higher parking rates for internal combustion vehicles than for EVs
- Fees for charging
- Rates for secure bike parking
Exploring how the University could capitalize on vehicle to grid technology and what incentives might be required to enable this.
Making recommendations for how the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ can incentivize EV and e-bike use while minimizing the costs to the University.

¹ https://electricautonomy.ca/2022/02/15/ihs-markit-zev-adoption-canada-2021/

² https://www.forbes.com/sites/carltonreid/2020/12/02/e-bike-sales-to-grow-from-37-million-to-17-million-peryear-by-2030-forecast-industry-experts/?sh=53342db22876

³ /sustainability/sites/ca.sustainability/files/uploads/files/shift_neutral_final_aoda.pdf

QNC Air Handling Unit Redesign

Kiera Reid — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 13:55:03 +0000

QNC Air Handling Unit Redesign Kiera Reid Mon, 09/19/2022 - 09:55

Project Background

There are 4 air handling units in the Quantum Nano Centre (QNC) that have a poor design which results in excessive stratification of inlet air. The units cannot operate as needed in the winter because the inlet air is stratified sufficiently that cold outdoor air will trip the freezestat. The mechanical contractor and design consultants have tried to improve the situation using internal baffles, but it has not worked. A need exists to mix incoming and outlet air more effectively. The project could deal with one or more of the units. The approach to solution could be computational or experimental (within financial limits).

Work on this project supports:

Objective 02 of the Sustainability Strategy Implement cost-effective and practical strategies to reduce or minimize growth in energy use on campus,
The Shift:Neutral climate action plan to reduce energy consumption of existing buildings,
Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and 13 (Climate Action)

Project Examples

Reviewing of similar case studies for other buildings and the work that has been done to date in QNC.
Using an iterative modeling or experimental approach to explore possible solutions to stratification of inlet air in the QNC air handling units.
Exploring the feasibility of the recommended solutions that consider economic, safety, regulatory and institutional factors.
Developing a project implementation plan for the proposed solution.
Developing a plan for how to measure the impact of the proposed solutions.

Health-based Communication Strategy

Kiera Reid — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 20:44:12 +0000

Health-based Communication Strategy Kiera Reid Fri, 09/16/2022 - 16:44

Project Background

Too often, important decisions are made based almost entirely on very narrow economic factors: upfront costs, operational costs, payback periods, etc. Yet these decisions often have social, ecological and health implications that are overlooked or under-appreciated in these analyses. Creative and compelling value propositions that showcase these other dimensions can help to drive better decisions that can also be more cost-effective in the long term when the broader and full costs of a decision are considered.

The Sustainability Office is looking to develop new communication tools for the health benefits for a variety of the programs and operations that it influences. These communication tools can help to highlight the multi-dimensional value of sustainable choices and build compelling cases for decisions that may not appear to be the best economic choice at first glance. This work relates to the UN Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, and 15.

Project Examples

Researching sustainability practices promoted by the Sustainability Office in one or more of the following areas:
- Naturalized landscaping
- Other landscaping
- Green roofs and blue roofs
- Sustainable food choices
- Commutes to work
- Water use
- New building standards
- Energy efficiency
- Greenhouse gas emissions reduction
- Other
Researching best practices for communicating health-based benefits or value for sustainable practices related to the areas above. These health benefits may be:
- Qualitative e.g., Exposure to nature can improve mental health
- Quantitative e.g., A 2.5cm diameter oak tree planted on campus will remove 25 g of PM2.5 over 20 years¹
Developing creative and compelling communication strategies for raising awareness of the health benefits of sustainable practices

¹https://mytree.itreetools.org/#/benefits/individual

Wastewater Heat Recovery Study

Kiera Reid — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 19:14:52 +0000

Wastewater Heat Recovery Study Kiera Reid Fri, 09/16/2022 - 15:14

Project Background

There is growing interest in wastewater heat recovery as an innovative approach to decarbonizing buildings. The process uses heat exchangers and heat pumps to exchange heat with wastewater, recovering heat in winter and dumping heat in summer. ��ݮ��Ƶ Region Community Energy recently released a report¹ explored the potential for wastewater heat recovery in the region. The report highlighted a main sewer line that crosses through campus with potential for a wastewater heat recovery project. In addition, Enbridge Gas is currently offering incentives² for heat recovery projects as part of their demand side management commitments.

For the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ, wastewater heat recovery has the potential to significantly reduce the energy and fuel needed to operate the district heating system and the system can be reversed to provide cooling in the summer months. The University of ��ݮ��Ƶ aims to reduce its operational emissions by 35% below 2015 levels by 2030 and it plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Natural gas used primarily for space conditioning is the single largest source of campus emissions, accounting for 92% of total emissions (scope 1 and 2). This work supports:

Action 38 of the Shift:Neutral climate action plan: Conduct a feasibility study on renewable energy sources and an appropriate portfolio that would diversify ��ݮ��Ƶ’s energy supply, minimize emissions, and meet suitable portions of campus needs.
Sustainable development Goals 7 and 13, for affordable and clean energy and climate action.

Project Examples

Researching the best practices for use of wastewater heat recovery for space conditioning (heating and cooling) in institutional buildings.
Modeling the heating and cooling loads that could be supplied by wastewater heat recovery from the municipal line running through campus or branch lines connected to individual buildings.
Partnering with Plant Operations to use temporary meters to identify heating/cooling loads that match the wastewater heat recovery potential.
Conducting a cost analysis of wastewater heat recovery including estimated upfront and installation costs, projected maintenance costs, and projected operational costs at current electricity prices.
Detailing any incentives available for the technology.
Calculating the greenhouse gas emissions impact of installing a wastewater heat recovery system.
Outlining any further considerations that should impact a decision to install wastewater heat recovery.

¹ https://wrcommunityenergy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Waste-Water-Heat-Recovery-Report-FINAL.pdf

²https://www.enbridgegas.com/business-industrial/incentives-conservation/energy-solutions-byequipment/industrial-process-equipment/heat-recovery

District Heating in Summer Study

Kiera Reid — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 17:20:20 +0000

District Heating in Summer Study Kiera Reid Fri, 09/16/2022 - 13:20

Project Background

The University of ��ݮ��Ƶ aims to reduce its operational emissions by 35% below 2015 levels by 2030 and it plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Natural gas used primarily for space conditioning is the single largest source of campus emissions, accounting for 92% of Scope 1 and 2 emissions. The gasfired steam-based district heating system on campus operates year-round, supplying steam for dehumidification, hot water, autoclaves, institutional dishwashing, cooking and other uses in the summertime. Shifting these appliances to electrified alternatives has the potential to reduce annual gas use by an estimated 8-10%. This work supports:

Action 38 of the Shift:Neutral climate action plan: Conduct a feasibility study on renewable energy sources and an appropriate portfolio that would diversify ��ݮ��Ƶ’s energy supply, minimize emissions, and meet suitable portions of campus needs.
Sustainable development Goals 7 and 13, for affordable and clean energy and climate action

Project Examples

Identifying the buildings that use steam in the summertime.
Identifying the summertime uses for steam in one or multiple campus buildings.
Researching electrified alternatives to those uses to identify:
- Best practices for adoption,
- Upfront and operational costs,
- Potential financial, energy and greenhouse gas emissions savings,
- Additional considerations (e.g. space requirements, controls metering, maintenance),
- Any additional co-benefits (e.g. space cooling).
Some possible alternatives include:
- Wastewater heat recovery,
- Air source heat pump water heaters,
- Electric resistance heaters.
Exploring the potential for these alternatives to provide heating services in the spring and fall months or to supplement the district heating system in winter thereby reducing demand for steam.

2025 ��ݮ��Ƶ Electrification Study

Kiera Reid — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 16:35:33 +0000

2025 ��ݮ��Ƶ Electrification Study Kiera Reid Fri, 09/16/2022 - 12:35

Project Background

Food services currently uses natural gas for much of its cooking. This use of fossil fuels not only contributes to the greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change, but it is also a major source of indoor air pollution and waste heat, and it poses a significant fire hazard. Fortunately, there are highly efficient electrified alternatives to these cooking appliances such as induction cooktops, convection ovens and others. The University of ��ݮ��Ƶ aims to reduce its operational emissions by 35% below 2015 levels by 2030 and it plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Natural gas is the single largest source of campus emissions, accounting for 92% of total emissions (scope 1 and 2). In the long term, the University must shift away from natural gas use for nearly all applications, and that includes in the kitchens. This work also relates to sustainable development goals 3, 7 and 13.

Project Examples

Conducting a literature review to understand the economic, social, and environmental risks and benefits of electrifying kitchen appliances.
Conducting a literature review to understand the general social and institutional opportunities and barriers to electrification of kitchen appliances.
Conducting a survey or focus group meeting to understand staff attitudes and social barriers to electrifying kitchen appliances.
Attempting to forecast existing gas cooking equipment replacement dates based on average lifespans and known installation dates.
Examining University of ��ݮ��Ƶ policies that may provide opportunities or barriers to electrifying kitchen appliances.
Consulting with Chefs to understand other barriers to switching to electrified cooking equipment. Barriers might include the need to replace cookware and concerns about reliability and repairability.
Identifying any grant opportunities to support a transition to induction cooking.
Conducting an economic and sensitivity analysis of the upfront costs of electrified and gas-based appliances (Canadian prices if possible).
Exploring the potential for induction to reduce insurance costs and improve indoor air quality.
Researching best practices for electrifying kitchen appliances in major institutions.
Making recommendations for the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ’s transition to electrified kitchen appliances.

Building Envelope Study

Kiera Reid — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 15:18:44 +0000

Building Envelope Study Kiera Reid Fri, 09/16/2022 - 11:18

Project Background

Many of our campus buildings were built at a time when insulation, air sealing, and thermal bridging were not major concerns. As a consequence, these buildings waste a lot of energy through the building envelope, and buildings are the single largest source of campus greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, natural gas, used primarily for space conditioning, accounts for 92% of Scope 1 and 2 emissions. The University of ��ݮ��Ƶ’s Shift:Neutral climate action plan provides a roadmap for how to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and includes an initiative for “Recladding of buildings with high-performance envelopes should be considered whenever undertaking large building retrofits”. The University is therefore looking to identify strategies for improving the building envelope performance of some of its worst buildings. This project also relates to the UN Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13, for affordable and clean energy and climate action.

Project Examples

Consulting with Plant Operations to identify a building that has a poorly performing building envelope and assemble any available information on building design and performance.
Researching recladding options for buildings, with a particular focus on cost-effectiveness, ease of application, thermal performance, durability/ maintenance requirements, and other environmental considerations (e.g. embodied carbon). The goal should be to work toward NetZero Energy Ready or EnerPhit standards.
Preparing design drawings, installation instructions and/or schematics for the recommended approach.
Using RetScreen or similar software to model the existing and proposed building envelope performance for energy and emissions.
Researching how occupants might be impacted by the recladding process: can they continue to use the building, only parts of the building, would some uses be affected more than others?
Identifying other considerations that should be included in a feasibility study (e.g. asbestos abatement).
Conducting a high level cost analysis including upfront costs and operational cost savings at current energy prices.
Researching any best practices from other major institutions that have performed recladding work on similar buildings.

The Sustainability Office can facilitate engagement with Plant Operations to access information on buildings, and to access RetScreen software.

Communications Strategies for Saving Electricity

Sneha Praveen — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 17:02:20 +0000

Communications Strategies for Saving Electricity Sneha Praveen Fri, 08/19/2022 - 13:02

Project 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 days, 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 ��ݮ��Ƶ 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 ��ݮ��Ƶ 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 plan:

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.

Project Examples

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.

Outlining the key characteristics of the target audiences and the electricity use that is under their control
Identifying one to three meaningful actions that these members can take to reduce electricity use on campus
Reviewing existing communications strategies for the chosen actions
Researching innovative communications strategies from other institutions that address these actions
Estimating the electricity and emissions impacts of a single action and if the action were taken by the entire target population using:
- Marginal emissions factors from the IESO Annual Planning Outlook data tables
- High level electricity cost estimates from the Sustainability Office
Researching further value propositions for the target actions
Developing new communications materials that address the targeted actions and populations