Continuous optimization
We're always looking for any opportunity to reduce our energy consumption
"Camosun College owes it to our community to take a leadership role and make sure our buildings are as energy efficient as possible," says Ian Tol, Camosun College's Associate Director of Physical Resources. "We're always looking for ways to reduce our energy use and improve our sustainability, and make sure our facilities adopt renewable, sustainable technologies as much as possible."
In order to reduce electricity and consumption, Camosun College has partnered with BC Hydro to participate in the Power Smart Continuous Optimization Program.
Using the latest technology to increase sustainability on campus
"The Continuous Optimization Program is helping Camosun improve energy efficiency by allowing us to access new tools and technologies, including new smart meters and software systems, that provide us with more sophisticated reporting," says Tol. "We're able to quickly and accurately assess and fix energy inefficiencies, and we can constantly tweak or optimize the sustainability of our facilities."
BC Hydro pays for the cost of implementing continuous optimization at the college, such as installing electric meter upgrades and implementing cutting-edge energy management software that tracks and analyses electricity usage across all of Camosun's buildings.
Green technologies on campus reduce Camosun's carbon footprint
The Pacific Institute of Sports Excellence (PISE) LEED gold-designated building
Even before the Continuous Optimization program started in 2007, Camosun College had been able to implement sustainability projects that have reduced the college's greenhouse gas emissions by 400 tonnes per year so far. These innovative, energy saving projects include switching to air-to-water heat pumps and new energy-efficient lighting, and installing solar panels and other green technologies. The Continuous Optimization Program is expected to help identify even more energy efficiency opportunities that will continue to reduce energy use at Camosun College.
"Camosun College is committed to creating harmony between the natural environment and any new structures we build, such as the new Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence (PISE) at Camosun's Interurban campus, one of only a handful of Canada Green Building Council LEED gold-designated buildings in Victoria," says Tol. "We're also constantly looking for ways to use technology to optimize the performance of our existing buildings so they use as little energy as possible."
