What can I do?

Did you know?

Electric items on standby mode use approximately 30% as much energy as when they are in full use.
Every time you open the refrigerator door, up to 30% of the cold air can escape.

Turn off unnecessary lights when daylight is sufficient or when room is not in use.
Turn off computer monitors, printers and other peripherals when not in use.
Open the blinds to let daylight in and turn off overhead lights.
Use heaters/air conditioners/fans etc. only when absolutely necessary.
Use thermostats on radiators or radiator valves to regulate your office/home heating.

Visit the My Green Lab website.
When lab experiments are finished, turn off power to all ancillary equipment, once you have established the equipment can be safely switched off when not in use.
Lower the sash on your fume hood when not actively using the bench space.
Consider consolidating similar chemicals in one fume hood for leaving overnight to reduce fume hood use.
Leave the fridge door open for the shortest period possible to minimize loss of cold temperature.
Disconnect unused equipment from the mains supply so it is not drawing a phantom load, or plug in benchtop equipment to a smart strip and switch it off when not in use.

Operate dishwashers/washing machines only when full to optimise energy consumption.
Fill kettles only as much as needed when boiling.
Use the stairs rather than lifts.
Use heaters/air conditioners/fans etc. only when absolutely necessary.
Don't cover radiators when in use; it prevents heat from migrating throughout the room.
Use thermostats on radiators or radiator valves to regulate your office/home heating.

Trinity works with UCD, DCU and DIT on a collaborative energy conservation project called e3 which stands for ‘Energy, Environment and Economy’. You can find out more about Trinity’s energy use and efficiency commitments here.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland website has some great resources and information, and Power of One.
The Estates and Facilities office manages energy consumption and energy efficiency projects. You can find out more on their website.
If you are resident in Goldsmith Hall you can email GoldsmithGoGreen@tcd.ie in order to:
- make suggestions on how to drive sustainability in Goldsmith residences
- report energy wastage such as from lights, ancillary equipment or computers being left on
- bring attention to/share any beneficial practices observed
- report any wasteful practices such as running hot water taps, or power supplies left on
Trinity is working with the OPW on energy awareness campaigns in Goldsmith Hall, and Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI) in St. James Hospital. Contact estatesandfacilities@tcd.ie to help out with this endeavour.