| dc.description.abstract | Dalhousie University is one of the leading institutions of higher learning in
Canada. Over the years, it has taken a leadership role through signing both the Talloires
and Halifax Declarations, committing itself to teach and practice principles of sustainable
development. To truly be a leader, Dalhousie University must match its actions to its
words. With respect to traditional residences, in which a potential 1,937 Dalhousie
students could be housed, Dalhousie is not fulfilling its commitments. Residences are
excessively energy consumptive. This research project aimed to identify ways in which
five traditional Dalhousie residences (Eliza Ritchie, Gerard, Howe, Risley and Sherriff
Halls) could be made both more cost effective and energy efficient. The objective was to
contribute to the Greening the Campus movement, as it seeks to increase environmental
awareness in both the operational facilities and the human community of the campus. The
research process included holding interviews with members of the Dalhousie faculty and
conducting a survey among students living in the five residences. The information gained
was then analyzed so that informed recommendations could be made to improve the
buildings’ energy efficiency. A series of recommendations were made regarding the
physical operations of the buildings. These included: the provision of drying racks to
students, turning down the heat throughout the buildings, the installation of motion sensor
lighting, and the installation of low flow shower heads. Additionally, a series of
recommendations were made to alter the energy consumptive practices found in students’
behaviour within residences. These included: reducing the use of machine dryers, turning
down the room thermostat where possible, setting computers to sleep mode after ten idle
minutes, and reducing the average shower length by two minutes. To promote a change in
students’ behaviour, the research team has also initiated an educational poster campaign
in residences to raise awareness regarding the energy consumption involved in daily
activities. If the recommendations made through this project were pursued, Dalhousie
residences would become more substantial and energy efficient. However, we
recommend that further research be conducted regarding both the physical structure of
residence buildings and students’ behavioural patterns. Many more improvements could
and should be made if Dalhousie residences are to be a successful example of sustainable
living. | en_US |
