Robert Douglass Energy Officer

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1 Completed forms must be received via by noon UK time (or equivalent local time) on 25 March An accompanying hi-res photograph (without any usage or royalty restrictions) and caption for use in Award publicity materials must be received by the same time, either via or uploading to Dropbox (details available later). Please read the Appendix carefully before submitting (but delete it before sending to avoid excessive printing). 1. GENERAL INFORMATION Organisation University of Leeds Name and position of primary application contact within the organisation Address of organisation for correspondence Robert Douglass Energy Officer Estates Department, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane. LS2 9JT Phone no of main contact of main contact Category shortlisted for Laboratory Environmental Improvement Confirmation that Appendix Yes read and Conditions of Entry accepted (enter yes ) URL for supporting materials (optional) 2. SHORT TITLE (IN FORM: ORGANISATION BUILDING/ACTIVITY/INITIATIVE) University of Leeds Chemistry Teaching Laboratory Fume Cupboard Refurbishment 3. SUMMARY OF APPLICATION ( DESCRIPTIVE & SUCCINCT WORDS!) 345,000 was spent upgrading 63 constant volume fume cupboards in the 765m 2 Priestley Chemistry Teaching Laboratory to low energy variable air volume cupboards. In consultation with departmental staff alterations to the existing fume cupboards and chemical storage facilities were agreed. A low volume disabled access fume cupboard was installed. Low energy initiatives included installation of passive infra-red sash prompts, dedicated out of hours fume cupboards, remote monitoring of cupboard operation and a Shut the Sash poster campaign. As a result of these actions and improved operational procedures 1,994MWh of energy has been saved over the 6 month period since completion. 4. DETAILS OF THE BUILDING, INITIATIVE OR ACTIVITY The intention of the project was to reduce the thermal and electrical energy use due to the high ventilation requirements of the teaching laboratory. The scheme involved the reduction of fume cupboard face velocity from +0.5m/s to 0.4 m/s; following SF6 containment testing at the lower velocity by an independent specialist. In addition the extraction rate for each cupboard was linked to sash height so that a constant air face velocity was maintained with the air volume reducing through the use of motorised dampers and external bleed dampers whilst ensuring compliance with environmental and fume cupboard European standards. A specially designed low volume fume cupboard for disabled access was installed as part of 1

2 the scheme and all of the remaining cupboards were re-engineered to remove air bypass paths and promote laminar flow. Further energy savings were made by altering the existing ductwork system and installation of a completely new, fully independent, extraction system for the end of isle and under cupboard chemical storage cupboards. This work has made it possible to fully shut down the 63 fume cupboards, the associated supply and extract system and the large fume dilution system outside of normal teaching periods; general laboratory ventilation being provided via the new solvent extract system. New enhanced controllers were retrofitted to each cupboard and a Modbus communications network installed to enable remote monitoring of each cupboards sash height, face velocity and air volume via the Universities building management system. The latter being used to control the supply air volume provided by the two roof mounted air handling units in conjunction with room mounted differential pressure sensors. Due to the sporadic nature of the fume cupboard usage and following discussions with the laboratory staff it was decided to install a key switch function which would enable the staff to activate the cupboards in banks of eight. This function enables the staff to select the appropriate number of cupboards to match the class size or to operate a limited number of dedicated cupboards for extended experiment periods. As a significant proportion of the identified energy savings relied upon students closing fume cupboard sashes, when not working at the cupboard, each fume cupboard was fitted with a PIR motion detector and appropriate sash position sensing device. These devices provide an audible sash open alarm whenever the operator moves away from the cupboard for a predetermined length of time without first lowering the sash, the time being agreed in consultation with the lab manager. The audible alarm not only saves energy but also promotes good sash behaviour from the beginning of the student s laboratory experience. In addition to briefing laboratory staff additional signage was placed around the Priestley Laboratory advising students of the work being undertaken and the reasons behind it. Furthermore a University wide poster campaign followed entitled Shut the Sash (Fig 4) was launched by the Sustainability Service, the posters identifying the potential energy savings possible from closing fume cupboard sashes when not in use, as well as making the user aware of the Health and Safety benefits of using the sash. 5. BENEFITS OF THE BUILDING, INITIATIVE OR ACTIVITY A 6 month reduction of conditioned air thermal energy of 1647 MWh/Year compared to previous years consumption over a similar period (data normalised against standard degree days). The change in profile can be seen in Figure 1 with the 6 month data highlighted in orange A 6 month reduction in Building Wing level electrical energy of 347MWh. From the electrical energy consumption bar chart (Figure 2) the step change in energy following completion of the scheme use can be observed. The electrical energy footprint for Feb 2014 (Figure 3) further 2

3 demonstrates the close relationship between building energy usage and Priestley laboratory operational hours, including overnight experiments. A 6 month combined (electrical and thermal) reduction in energy costs of 81, VAT; indicating that the scheme is on course to payback within 2-3 years. 511 tonnes of carbon saved over the 6 month period September 2013 to February 2013 Raised awareness amongst staff and students of fume cupboard operational costs and in particular the role they can play in reducing costs. Behavioural change in use of fume cupboard sashes resulting in safer and more energy efficient operation. Improved reporting, monitoring and analysis of fume cupboard use. A quieter and more comfortable working environment due to the reduction in supply and extract air volumes. 6. WHY IS THE BUILDING/INITIATIVE/ACTIVITY SIGNIFICANT OR DISTINCTIVE AT THE NATIONAL AND/OR INTERNATIONAL LEVEL? The Priestley Lab is a distinctive and significant refurbishment that creates a collaboration between an environmental impact, good lab practise, behaviour change and senior management involvement, leading to significant savings and user involvement The installation teaches good behaviour through the use of PIR s and warning buzzers to prompt good sash behaviour, providing health, safety and energy saving benefit. Auto sash closers were discussed with the laboratory technicians, but were not considered a teaching aid and were considerably more expensive to install than the PIR solution. Sharing of monitoring and consumption data with laboratory staff has raised awareness and enabled cupboard use and operation to be verified remotely. Monthly energy usage reports are now issued to the Head of Chemistry and Laboratory Manager. Significant savings were achieved by separating solvent storage cupboards from fume cupboard extraction system enabling fume cupboards to be switched off when not in use. This function also prompts better laboratory practices ensuring chemicals are stored safely in suitably constructed and ventilated cabinets and discourages fume cupboards being used as adhoc chemical stores. Close liaison with laboratory staff and provision of suitable control equipment and procedures to enable most efficient use of ventilation system. The option to operate cupboards in banks of 8 and the availability of a group of dedicated low energy fume cupboards for overnight and weekend use have proved extremely useful. Make best use of existing equipment and infrastructure; work closely with specialist 3

4 manufacturers to develop and improve equipment to suit the specific project requirements. 7. WHAT ARE THE LESSONS FROM YOUR BUILDING/INITIATIVE OR ACTIVITY FOR YOURSELF, AND FOR OTHER INSTITUTIONS OR INDIVIDUALS? Engage early with laboratory technicians and users to gain a full understanding of the how the laboratory is used and how it may be used in the future prior to implementing changes, is there scope for future flexibility. Consult with the users at the start of the process; explain the reasoning behind the scheme. Take on board, understand and address their needs and concerns. Provide the users with the tools they need to make the best and most effective use of the laboratory and its equipment. Consider and evaluate all suggestions and options, not just engineering ones. Consult with the users regularly throughout the process, from feasibility to practical completion through to operation. Don t underestimate the importance of reliable metering and energy usage data. Install metering at the earliest possible moment, ideally at least one year before the scheme is due to commence. Make full use of the monitoring functions offered by the control systems and integrate into an existing Building Management System or web based system (see Fig 5 BMS display). Regularly review the operation of the installed system and how it is being used by the staff and student and where needed alter the control strategy to suit changes in operation. Promote and educate laboratory users throughout the University of the benefits and reasoning behind the scheme. Adopt and formalise the design strategy and lessons learnt into published guidance 1 to inform new or refurbishment laboratory schemes and use it to review existing fume cupboard installations. Provide ongoing support to laboratory staff following completion of the project and encourage discussion with other laboratory managers and users to develop further schemes. 1. University of Leeds Fume Cupboard Selection, Design and Installation Technical Brief 4

5 8. KEY DATA FOR NEW BUILD/REFURB APPLICATIONS ONLY (NET/GROSS FLOOR AREA, HANDOVER & FULL OPERATIONAL DATES, COST - SUB-DIVIDED INTO BUILD & FIT OUT IF POSSIBLE, NAMES OF DESIGNERS AND MAIN CONTRACTORS) The 765m 2 Joseph Priestley laboratory situated in the Chemistry building provides students with the opportunity to perform inorganic and organic chemistry practical work in an industry standard environment and reflects the research-led approach to learning and teaching within the School. It has 63 fume cupboards, with 55 being used for students on a regular basis during term time, the remaining 8 used for permanent apparatus, and overnight reactions. It can accommodate a maximum of 104 students at any one time, including students with disabilities. The laboratory underwent a full refurbishment in 2006 with new constant volume fume cupboards installed as part of the refurbishment. As part of the University s Carbon Management Plan the laboratory was subject to an energy survey and subsequent feasibility study which identified the significant energy reduction potential of changing the existing constant volume extraction system to a variable volume system. The arrangement of the existing services with each half of the laboratory having its own AHU and extraction system enabled the laboratory to be split in two with one half remaining operational whilst the other was decanted and works undertaken. The first stage started 3 rd June 2013 and completed 29 th July 2013, the second stage commenced immediately afterwards and completed 7 th September 2013, with the fully commissioned laboratory handed back to the users on the 9 th September The cost of the project was 345,000 (inc VAT) and was split into two stages to facility continued external group teaching over the summer term. Payback calculations and savings are based on 7.4p/kWh electrical and 3.36p/kWh thermal, carbon emissions 0.445kgCO 2 /kwh e and kgCO 2 /kwh t respectively, these figures are based on energy supplied from the Universities onsite Generating Station Complex and are net of standing charges which are independent of consumption. The design work and particular specification was produced with the help of Redworth Associates Consulting Engineers. The principal contractor was Illingworth and Gregory with the majority of the variable volume dampers and cupboard controllers provided by Temperature Electronic Ltd. Additional supporting data can be found in the University of Leeds Supporting Data Dropbox and our website: 5

6 Supporting Data Figure Priestley Laboratory Steam Consumption Steam MWh Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Month Variation MWh MWh MWh MWh % Jan % Feb % Mar Apr May Jun Jul 42 4 Aug 2 0 Sep % Oct % Nov % Dec % Total % 6

7 Figure 2 160,000 Chemistry South Wing Electrical Consumption (kwh) 140,000 Project Started June 2013 completed Sept , ,000 kwh 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Month Variation kwh kwh kwh % Mar 127, ,233 1, Apr 121, ,605 3, May 120, ,213-13, Jun 99, ,041-9, Jul 81, ,140-36, Aug 54, ,452-52, Sep 77, ,622-49, Oct 77, ,578-59, Nov 69, ,772-69, Dec 48, ,139-59, Jan 64, ,035-49, Feb 65, ,404-59, Total 1,006,083 1,460, ,

8 Figure 3 Chemistry & Chemistry West Block Electricity Feb 2014 Footprint Chemistry South Wing Kwh Arena AX (Chemistry) /01/2014 Sat Maximum 102 kwh 26/01/2014 Sun m m Minimim 23 kwh 27/01/2014 Mon m m Block Size 8 kwh 28/01/2014 Tue 29/01/2014 Wed 0 kwh 30/01/2014 Thu 31 kwh 31/01/2014 Fri 39 kwh 01/02/2014 Sat 47 kwh 02/02/2014 Sun 55 kwh 03/02/2014 Mon m 63 kwh 04/02/2014 Tue 70 kwh 05/02/2014 Wed 78 kwh 06/02/2014 Thu 86 kwh 07/02/2014 Fri 94 kwh 08/02/2014 Sat 102 kwh 09/02/2014 Sun m 10/02/2014 Mon 11/02/2014 Tue 12/02/2014 Wed 13/02/2014 Thu 14/02/2014 Fri m m m m 15/02/2014 Sat m m m m m m m m m m m m 16/02/2014 Sun m m m m m m m 17/02/2014 Mon m m m m m 18/02/2014 Tue m m M 19/02/2014 Wed 20/02/2014 Thu 21/02/2014 Fri Night Morning Afternoon Peak Evening 8

9 Figure 4 Shut the Sash Poster 9

10 Figure 5 BMS Display 10