Conservation is key at McMaster, and we all have important roles to play.

Now entering its second year, the University’s Energy Management Plan is the guiding document behind a proposed 20 per cent reduction in overall campus energy consumption.

The goal is to hit that target by the year 2018, and establish McMaster as a national leader in green-friendly initiatives. Students, staff and faculty are also encouraged to get involved in everyday conservation efforts.

“We want to help educate the campus community, and let them know that even a small change in their daily routine can make a big difference,” said Shahid Naeem, energy management and sustainability engineer at McMaster. “Whether it’s turning off lights and electrical devices, powering down office equipment, turning off faucets or closing residence doors and windows during the winter, it all helps.”

Conserving energy ultimately helps the University save money, reduce McMaster’s carbon footprint and enhance overall campus sustainability.

“I can give you a hybrid car, but if you drive it irresponsibly with the pedal to the floor it kind of defeats the purpose,” explained Naeem. “The point is to engage the campus community, and help them make informed and responsible decisions as we move forward.”

The roots of the Energy Management Plan stretch back to 2005, when McMaster became the first university in Ontario to develop and implement a sustainable building policy. Expanded in 2008, the policy now states that every new building on campus must meet or exceed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (L.E.E.D) Silver Certification.

In 2010, McMaster President Patrick Deane signed the University and College Presidents’ Climate Change Action Plan. The plan mandates that all participating institutions must strive to reduce emissions in collaboration with their communities, determine reduction targets and develop initiatives to reach those targets.

At McMaster, 18 major initiatives are currently underway to help meet the University’s energy reduction targets. All are part of the Energy Management Plan.

Those initiatives include: increasing the efficiency of air circulation systems in campus laboratories; implementing an innovative grid balancing system in support of the provincial electrical grid; and “retro-commissioning” several campus buildings to identify possible areas for energy savings; among others.

View all 18 initiatives

Energy Management Plan administrators are also considering the use of photovoltaic and thermal solar panels to help produce electricity on campus.

“We’re like a small city here at McMaster, and we want to be ranked as one of the most sustainable ‘cities’ in Canada,” added Naeem. “The larger sustainability initiatives will help us reach our goals, but we need everyone on campus to do their part.”