- Be a Green Pioneer ---- HKBU Library
- Since its establishment in January 2010, the Campus Green Ambassador Network extends to every branch of the University. One of newly appointed ambassadors, Mr Li Yiu On, Senior Assistant Librarian (Systems), is pleased to share the energy and paper conservation measures which have been successfully initiated and implemented in the library.
- Energy Conservation Measures saved 62 tonnes of CO2 Emissions
- “In our library, over a hundred-sets of online public access catalog computers were used to switch on by library staff when the library opens each day. However, most of them were actually idle during non-peak hours,” said Mr. Li. He therefore started thinking how to consume energy wisely. Since 2007, green computer guideline has been set that library public computers should be turned on by users when they need them. Moreover, all idle computers must be switched off two hours before the library closes.
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According to Mr. Li, the estimates of these actions saved 338,191 computer operating hours. About 61.5 tonnes of carbon emissions were reduced during these two years. The amount is equivalent to carbon offsets by about 2,676 trees annually*.
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Energy saving signage -
Auto shut-down after 4 minutes if acomputer is unattended. -
On Demand TV Service at MLC
- Paper Conservation in Library
- In year 2008/09, about 1.39 million sheets of paper (about 2,784 reams) were consumed by students in the library. This quantity represents a 63.7% increased from year 2004/05. With the growing number of students, demand of printing jobs and printers are growing too. Paper conservation was undoubtedly a big challenge.
To solve the problem, the library set up print release stations since year 2004/05. Students are required to activate their print jobs at these stations after they send print to the printer server. Although students are required to take one more step, this creates a cooling off period for them to print pages they really need. As a result, some unnecessary print jobs can be avoided; hence more paper can be saved.
- “Education is the key to environmental protection. It should start with teaching students, especially how to save paper. We have taken several actions including placing collection boxes near copiers and printers to collect recycle paper, and displaying alert message on wallpaper in all MLC’s computers. However, a more cost-effective way is to impose a nominal charge on printing jobs. It can also cover the cost of paper and cartridge, as well as depreciation of copiers and printers,” suggested by Mr. Li.
- Mr. Li not only executes his green measures in the library, but also extends them to his office. He saves all recycle papers into a collection box. Whenever possible, he re-uses the other side of these recycle papers. Furthermore, his computer will be switched to energy saving mode once he leaves his seat. Just a little step in our daily lives and we can make a significant climate change on our earth.
- Mr. Li is glad to see that the University is going towards a sustainable low carbon direction. He is more than happy to share his view on energy and paper conservation with all interested parties. He hopes that our every bit of effort can help building the University into a sustainable low carbon campus.
- * Reference: EMSD,EPD(2008), Guidelines to Account for and Report on Greenhouse Gas Emission and Removals for Building(Commercials, Residential or Institutional Purpose) in Hong Kong
