Together with University Properties of Finland, the University of Eastern Finland will take energy saving measures by participating in the Down a Degree energy saving campaign. Down a Degree is a government-led energy saving campaign to prepare for the shortage of energy in the coming winter. The campaign encourages all Finns to take rapid and concrete measures to save energy. The goal is to get at 95% of Finnish households to save energy and to permanently lower energy consumption in the long term.
On the campuses of the University of Eastern Finland, the campaign involves, among other things, lowering indoor temperatures by one degree, optimising ventilation and lighting, and reducing the flow of taps. As regards room temperatures and ventilation, energy efficiency measures will only be taken in facilities where their implementation has no impact on safety or research. Room temperatures are sought to be kept at 20–21°C. The optimisation of ventilation, on the other hand, focuses on quiet times when there is only limited activity in the university’s facilities. The problems discovered in the automation of lighting will also be addressed.
At the University of Eastern Finland, energy saving measures are seen as an important aspect of social responsibility.
“By reducing our consumption of energy and encouraging all members of the academic community to take energy saving measures, we are doing our part to avoid the need for energy rationing, and possible power cuts. Of course, we hope that these measures will also have more long-term positive effects, contributing to our climate objectives,” says Sustainable Development Specialist Maiju Eskelinen.
Everyone can join the energy saving campaign. Small things matter, and little drops of water make a mighty ocean. People working and studying on the university’s campuses are reminded about turning off lights and switching off devices when not using them. In addition, turning off the tap while washing hands also saves the energy required for heating the water. More tips on how to save energy in the everyday life can be found on the campaign website:
https://www.astettaalemmas.fi/en/
For further information, please contact:
Maiju Eskelinen, Sustainable Development Specialist, tel. +350 50 338 0827, maiju.eskelinen (at) uef.fi
Tarja Harjula, Director of Facilities Management, tel. +358 50 331 0736, tarja.harjula (at) uef.fi