In 2022, the Dansaert Centre emitted 394 tCO2e. The vast majority of these direct emissions relate to the heating consumption of the building.

The challenge is therefore both economic and ecological to control this consumption.

How is the energy consumption characterized?

Two flows need to be distinguished for energy consumption: electricity for everyday use (lighting, appliances, elevators, etc.) and gas for heating.

Two boilers supply hot water (up to 70 degrees) to the heating appliances to heat the interior spaces. This consumption is logically very seasonal and varies in opposition to the external temperature curve. The Center monitors its own consumption to verify the consistency of temperature variations.

The Center’s 27 electricity meters are also monitored each month. Consumption is characterized by a slight decrease in summer and some stability, while the rest of the year is more variable. Consumption is decreasing year by year, but this is largely due to the absence of catering activity.

How to limit energy consumption in spaces?

The Center is considering several actions it can control to optimize energy consumption. Recently, a progressive relamping of LED lighting has helped reduce the lighting consumption.

Beyond the work and adjustment of settings to save energy, each of us can demonstrate frugality by changing our lifestyle and consumption habits. You can thus participate in directly or indirectly reducing your energy consumption here or at home. Here is a list of tips.

Heating and insulation:

  • Reduce the heating temperature to 19°C (on the temperature sensor/position 2 or 3 of the thermostatic valves).
  • Put on an extra layer if you are cold instead of increasing the heating.
  • Turn off the heating in unoccupied areas.
  • Close the doors of unheated areas to prevent the cold from spreading to the rest of the building.
  • Indicate a need for purging your radiators if the lower part is warm while the upper part is cold.
  • Clear radiators and do not place curtains in front of them; otherwise, you heat the window instead of the interior of the room.
  • Ventilate intensively for a maximum of 10 minutes every two hours rather than ventilating moderately (tilt-and-turn) continuously.

Lighting:

  • Take advantage of natural light by opening curtains and blinds.
  • Avoid lampshades and indirect lighting.
  • Turn off lights when leaving a room.
  • Reduce the lighting power in frequently over-lit passageways.