Although the academy is heated in a fairly sustainable way with district heating, more can always be done. Climate change forces us to think about how we can use energy more sustainably. In addition, because of the war in Ukraine we want to become less dependent on Russian energy. Energy prizes all over Europe, also in The Netherlands. That is why energy consumption will be reduced at the KABK. This is good for the environment and for the energy bill.
We will reduce the usage of energy at the KABK as follows:
- Temperature of heating will be set 1 degree lower: 19 degrees instead of 20. Temperature of heating in the hallways will be set on 18 degrees.
- Heating will be turned off one hour earlier: 20.30 instead of 21.30 CET.
- All radiators in hallways will be turned off completely during the spring and summer months.
- The facilities department is doing a round the building to make sure all lights are off and that the windows and doors are closed.
- The workshops are among the largest energy consumers within the academy, so they are also doing their bit:
- Textile workshop: the calender only operates on Fridays.
- Wood workshop: the possibility of smartly switching the wood suction on and off is being investigated. Not only on/off but also half-on when using small machine.
- Print workshop: the dryer is only turned on only when there is demand.
Do your bit!
- Turn off the lights when you leave the room.
- Close external doors, such as the ones to the courtyards.
- Don’t put a radiator higher than 2.
- Close windows when you leave your room in summer and winter.
What will you notice?
While the weather is getting warmer, we are taking the actions listed above to reduce energy consumption. Because of the air conditioning cooling down to 22 degrees instead of 20, it could be that it feels slightly warmer in the building.
Another project that will provide significant energy savings is replacing part of the lighting with LED lighting, which we will do in the coming year.
What is district heating (‘stadsverwarming’ in Dutch)?
District heating is one of the most promising options for sustainable heating. District heating typically consists of a network of pipes, distributing heated water from centralised or decentralised heat sources to households and other customers. It’s key to use heat sources that are already present in or around the customer area, as transporting heat over long distances leads to substantial losses.
Do you have any further questions about the use of energy at the KABK? Or do you have ideas about futher lowering our energy usage? Please get in contact with facilities through facilities@kabk.nl