This is the Energy Saving Week

In 2023, the combined electricity consumption of the Linnanmaa and Kontinkangas campuses was 19,806 MWh, while heat consumption was 29,951 MWh. District heating consumption in 2023 was 13.9% lower compared to 2019, and electricity consumption decreased by 1.7%. 2019 is the reference year in university’s carbon footprint calculation. Both electricity and heat are produced from renewable energy sources and are carbon neutral.

At the Linnanmaa campus, efforts are being made to optimize the timing of energy use and reduce consumption through building technology measures, such as adjusting ventilation times, lighting, and indoor temperatures based on campus usage.

Every member of the university community can contribute to reducing energy consumption by turning off lights in rooms that are not in use and turning off the electrical devices that are not in use.

At home you can reduce energy consumption e.g. by following tips:

Adjusting temperature

One of the most effective ways to save energy is by regulating the indoor temperature of your home. The recommended room temperature is around 20–22°C, but in the bedroom, it can be kept lower, around 18°C. During the heating season, it's also advisable to use thermostats and lower the temperature when away or at night. A one-degree reduction in indoor temperature can reduce heating costs by up to five percent.

Optimizing lighting

It is worth prioritizing energy-efficient LED bulbs, which consume significantly less electricity than traditional bulbs. It's also important to turn off lights in rooms that are not in use. In outdoor lighting, using timers or motion detectors is recommended so that lights are only on when needed.

Using household appliances

Energy-efficient use of household appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators, can reduce electricity consumption. For example, run washing machines only when fully loaded, choose lower washing temperatures, and use energy-saving programs. The temperature of your refrigerator should be set optimally (around 4–6°C for the fridge and -18°C for the freezer). It is also recommended to defrost the freezer regularly to maintain its energy efficiency.

Standby modes of electrical devices

Many electrical devices consume energy while in standby mode. It’s best to fully turn off televisions and computers when they are not in use.

Water conservation

Hot water accounts for a significant portion of household energy consumption, so it’s important to be mindful of water use. Opt for short showers and use water-saving faucets and showerheads. Also, only run the dishwasher and washing machine when they are fully loaded to avoid unnecessary water use.

By implementing these small daily actions, you can make a big impact on your energy consumption. Optimizing energy use at home is an easy and effective way to save money while reducing your carbon footprint.

Source: Energiansäästöviikko (only in Finnish)

If you're interested in sustainable living beyond just saving energy, you can calculate your carbon footprint using the lifestyle test from Sitra.

Learn more about the University of Oulu's action plan regarding sustainable and responsible campus life