There are many factors contributing to our energy use on campus from our computers to heating our water, preparing food to lighting our buildings. Our personal habits also contribute to how much energy we use.  Do we turn lights off when they aren't needed?  Do we turn off computers when they are not being used?  The most straight forward way to look at our energy use at Trent is to consider how much electricity and natural gas we use. 

 

Electricity

A portion of electricity used at Trent is generated on campus by the Stan Adamson Power House.  This hydro station was donated to Trent early in our history and helps to reduce our overall cost of electricity and, generating no emissions, it helps to reduce our campus carbon footprint. 

In 2008/2009, the Stan Adamson Power House generated approximately 40% of our electricity needs.  As such, conservation efforts are still needed to help reduce our overall electricity use.  Some recent projects intended to reduce the amount of electricity that we use include extensive lighting retrofits, simple re-lamping projects, installation of LED lighting, use of Vending Misers, updates to building mechanical systems and education campaigns. 

When looking at the historical use of electricity at Trent it is important to keep in mind that new buildings were opened in 2004 and 2006.  As well, the equipment in our hydro station is over 100 years old and in need of modernizing for greater efficiency.  As the equipment has exceeded the expected useful life, we are starting to see a decrease in the amount of electricity that we are able to generate.

 

Natural Gas

Another consideration for energy at Trent is the amount of natural gas that we use.  Gas is typically used for heating our buildings and for heating water.  This means that our use of gas is far more sensitive to weather.  If we have a cold year, we will use more gas.  Likewise, a warmer winter will mean we use less gas.  When looking at Trent's annual natural gas use, variation is due to increasing need as we build more buildings as well as fluctuations in annual average temperatures.