EnergyElephant : Libraries

Do You Know How To Save On Energy In Your Library?

Libraries are centres for learning and studies.
But as more information becomes available on the world wide web libraries are faced with combining hard copy knowledge via books with soft copy knowledge via the internet. This has made energy management more complicated.

WE CAN HELP. Just upload a bill for our free smart energy assessment.

Energy costs have risen significantly in recent years and the plethora of ways energy is used in libraries has likewise exploded. Most library buildings only keep a watching brief on their energy bills but this is leading to many missing out on cost savings and carbon reductions as well as educational opportunities in the area.

Where Do Libraries Use Energy?

A typical library uses energy in a range of different areas. Usage can vary considerably depending on location, occupancy, services provided and whether energy efficiency measures have been put in place. Below is a typical breakdown of where energy is used in a library with research facilities and basic catering options.

Graph of typical energy use in a library

Heating

Heating generally accounts for most of the energy consumption in Libraries. But, it does not always account for the majority of costs. Why? Gas used for heating is typically three time cheaper than electricity. So if you use a lot of electricity for pumping this could be where most of your energy costs go.

Lighting

The types of lighting and how it is used in libraries can have an enormous effect on your energy bills. A cheap light bulb costing less than £1 or €1, might end up costing you ten times that per year in electricity costs as well as access costs. So the first thing to consider is can you get an LED or CFL bulb for a reasonable price to replace older incandescent bulbs?

Ventilation

Most libraries use ventilation for toilet areas and general fresh air. But do they need to be kept on 24/7 or when the building is closed?

Catering

More and more libraries are offering food and drinks as part of their service offerings to users. Some simple easy tips can eliminate energy waste in these areas.

Computers/ICT

Most libraries now have sophisticated computer systems to allow visitors surf the web or online catalogues. But most do not know how much energy is used in these areas.

Other Areas

Do you allow visitors to plug in their laptops? Don’t worry, typically these do not use much energy.

How Much Am I Spending

Our fast, friendly analysis gives you an estimate of how much you are likely to spend over the next 5 years on energy. This gives you a nice starting point for validating any energy efficiency investments. You’ll also get a monthly breakdown of how much you spend and on what areas.

Am I Getting A Good Price

Less than 20% of businesses change their supplier annually. If you are getting a good tariff rate, this is not a problem, but most businesses who have not switched in the past 2 years typically are paying over 5% more than their competitors. We’ll ask if you’d like us to check the market for better prices and we can show the expected cost savings based on your previous usage.

Can I Eliminate Energy Waste

Businesses hate waste. Libraries are no exception. Most libraries that have never looked at simple energy management can expect savings of 5-10% on their energy use. Our platform helps identify the areas of waste typically found, including heating left on in warms periods, lighting left on throughout the night and unnecessary equipment left running.

Did you know most libraries leave computers running 24/7 despite the cost?

Libraries can end up spending tens of thousands each year on energy bills. Have you looked at how to smartly reduce your energy costs and save time understanding your electricity and gas bills?