The University of Prince Edward Island spent approximately $7 million in 2023–2024 on energy (electricity and heat). The implementation of these guidelines will result in savings that can be reallocated within the University while conserving our natural resources. Although energy conservation is the focus of this policy, comfortable work and study conditions must also be maintained.

The successful implementation of these guidelines can only be done with the assistance of the University community. Please take a few moments to review the guidelines and help us improve energy efficiency across campus. The office of Sustainability and Energy Management welcomes comments and suggestions on these guidelines which can be sent to sustain@upei.ca.

University Temperature Guidelines

To maintain reasonable comfort and lower energy expenditures, the University has established the following standards for comfort heating and cooling based on ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air conditioning Engineers) guidelines: 
 

Cooling and heating temperatures will allow fluctuations of +/- 2°C. In buildings with centrally controlled heat and air conditioning, these temperatures will be set automatically. In areas lacking centrally controlled heat and air conditioning, temperatures will fluctuate beyond those outlined in these guidelines, but every effort should be made to adhere to the guidelines.

Occupied Hours (space is actively in use)

• Thermostats in individually controlled spaces should be set at 20°C (68°F) during the winter and 25°C (77°F) during the summer.
• Classrooms, the library, athletics facilities, the dining hall, and residence halls will be maintained at these temperature standards when open for business or occupied.
• Offices: Occupied hours will include 8 AM to 6 PM on weekdays.

Unoccupied Hours (nights, weekends, holidays)

• During unoccupied hours, including weekends and holidays, the temperature will be set at a level that will allow the University to efficiently and economically conserve energy.
• Individuals controlling their own thermostats should set them at 17°C (63°F) in the winter during nights, weekends, vacations and other times when space will be unoccupied. Air-conditioners should be turned up to 29°C (85°F) or off during unoccupied times.
• To improve comfort, do not block thermostats with wall furniture and equipment. Move any heat generating equipment away from thermostats (lamps, computers, monitors, coffee makers, etc.). This equipment can cause false readings at the thermostat, and inappropriate temperatures in the building spaces.

Due to building characteristics and control limitations, actual temperatures may vary from the target temperature. Air conditioning temperatures may vary greatly depending on the building’s technology and the corresponding system’s most efficient operation.  In some buildings, cooler temperatures in the summer may actually be more efficient since the conditioned air is not being re-heated as much after its humidity is reduced.

Special cases to these guidelines will be in laboratories, experimental areas, animal areas, or other spaces where there is a demonstrated work requirement for maintaining higher or more consistent temperatures. 

Building Resource Management

Windows and doors should be kept closed during the heating season and during the summer in those areas that have a mechanical cooling system. Blinds should be positioned to reduce the requirement for cooling in summer and improve heating efficiency in the winter. Occupants should wear seasonally appropriate clothing to improve comfort. Every member of the University community has the responsibility of closing windows, turning off personal (desktop) computers (including peripherals like printers, monitors and speakers) and shutting off the lights when leaving a room. 

Lighting

New interior lighting will be LED, whenever possible. New energy-saving fixtures, lamps, and ballasts will be used to replace existing less efficient lighting whenever economically feasible and appropriate. New exterior lighting will be LED whenever possible and will meet minimum current safety requirements. Decorative lighting will be kept to a minimum. Lighting levels recommended by the most recent edition of the IES (Illuminating Engineering Society) Lighting Handbook shall be used as guidelines. Where it makes economic sense, occupancy/motion sensors (ultrasonic or infrared) wired to area lighting will be installed to reduce and/or turn off lights in unoccupied, vacated areas. Day-lighting controls will be installed to automatically adjust lighting levels as appropriate. Task lighting, such as desk lamps, is recommended to reduce overall ambient lighting levels, where appropriate. Desk lights should be of the LED type, task lighting should also use LED technology.

Space Heaters

Electric space heaters used to supplement central heating consume significant amounts of electricity and can be unsafe and a potential fire hazard. They are not allowed except as authorized by Facilities.

• Only space heaters approved by Facilities Management should be used on campus. Personal space heaters are not allowed.
• Portable space heaters not authorized by Facilities Management may be removed.

Window / Portable Air Conditioning Units

Window air conditioners are not permitted on campus. Portable air conditioning units are to be used only in exceptional circumstances and must be approved by Facilities Management. These units have high life cycle costs (energy and maintenance). Specific requests for installation of alternative heating/cooling will be reviewed only after Facilities Management has determined that the primary heating/cooling source is not capable of meeting University Temperature Guidelines.

Summer Cooling

Air conditioning may not begin until mid-May and will end no later than October 30. Special requirements outside this time period should be addressed by Facilities Management.

Holiday Periods

A period of closure for the University offers a great opportunity to save money on utilities. History has shown that very few people occupy the buildings for any substantial time during the holidays. Buildings will be heated/cooled according to University Temperature Guidelines during holiday periods with the assumption that buildings are unoccupied. The exception to the policy will be buildings that contain special collections or sensitive equipment, or buildings that are officially open during the holidays. Requests for exceptions to this policy with justification should be addressed to Facilities Management after curtailment plans for the upcoming holiday period have been issued.

Turn off lights, close blinds, and power down equipment and appliances prior to leaving on seasonal breaks, vacations, and holidays.

New Construction

The University will continue to seek to reduce future energy costs in new facility construction and renovation whenever feasible. All government energy code and efficiency regulations will be followed. All planning for major construction and equipment purchase/installation must include energy life cycle costing. UPEI will continue to develop and implement design standards for new construction to include energy efficiency and enhance sustainability.

Updates

These guidelines will be updated as new technologies (lighting, heating, cooling, etc.) to improve energy efficiency become available and are implemented on campus.

Special Cases

Any exceptions must be approved through Facilities Management.

Suggestions

Facilities Management encourages suggestions for additions or modifications to this Energy Guideline as well as other energy conservation suggestions. Please send to energy@upei.ca.