Objective

To suggest innovative ways of energy production/conservation and use this energy in electricity driven activities in the ecosystem of a university without compromising on the functionality or the existing usage patterns.

Introduction
Universities and educational institutions are the birthplaces of next generation minds. Its also an environment where innovations and experiments are accepted and encouraged. Hence, it would be meaningful to apply unconventional means of energy management here as it gives us a thriving model of both residential and commercial environment. In a university environment most of the energy consumption is the form of electricity. Most of this electricity is used for space and water heating (~45%), Lighting (~15%) and other appliances. Also there is a lot of used water that could be recycled or means could be found to directly recycle this water into the atmosphere.

Solutions
Solar Heater integrated into the building structure
The concept of solar heater has been around for years. A solar heater primarily includes a mesh of pipelines which is exposed to sunlight which in turn heats the water. Integrating this mesh of pipelines into the exo-skeletal structure of the buildings increases the exposed surface area of the water which in turn increases the heat absorbed. The system of crafted pipelines themselves can also add to the aesthetic value of the premises. This circulated water can be stored and/or used for all purposes such as bathing, floor heating, cleaning, etc. wherever it may be required with the cost of production being nil.

Heat insulation using rooftop gardens

Rooftop gardens act as natural insulation towards heat and even cold. They are extremely easy to maintain and also project as a means to replenish used water to the environment. Rainwater harvesting and water recycling is easily implementable using this technique and it would drastically reduce the use of air conditioning. It also serves the purpose of air purification.

Using kitchen Heat for space heating

Most of the heat generated in a regular kitchen dissipates into the atmosphere unused. University campuses may also have large kitchens to serve a large number of people. The exhaust coming from these kitchens contain a large amount of heat which can be diverted to residential or academic areas to be used for space heating using ducts. This works in a manner similar to traditional room heaters with just a change in the source of heat.

Building Integrated Photovoltaics

Most of the contemporary building structures use glass as a major component for the exterior. Instead of using the traditional method of tinted glass building integrated Photovoltaics can be used. A translucent photo electric cell used on top of glass produces energy directly in the form of electricity which in turn can be stored and used in place of regular electricity. Even though it is expensive to install such systems but these tend to repay back any times over in the form of electricity savings.

Structural Additions
Before air conditioning was invented, people living in hot climates developed many different strategies for coping with heat, many of which have been forgotten or ignored. In ancient India, most of the structures had a perforated screen exterior to filter the sunlight to desired amounts. This enabled temperature control inside the building. If layers of these screens are implemented then the insulation effect can be compounded and the temperature can be checked. Another way of cooling common spaces is to have a water body in the middle. These common spaces need to have an open roof for the evaporated water to dissipate and fresh water to enter. The evaporating effect of the water body functions in a similar way as perspiration to humans and animals.

Temperature Control
Temperature control in the form of air conditioners does not take into account the conditions outside, i.e. it will maintain the same cooling irrespective of the temperature in the open. Cooling system can be designed using air circulation and humidity control systems to take into account the conditions outside to appropriately take action indoors and thus adapt likewise. Due to its adaptive nature a considerable portion of power is saved.

Conclusion

Using these methods a university can reduce its carbon footprint as well as save on the electricity used in general. These methods help in increasing efficiency and hence reduce cost. It would also increase awareness among the residents about the environmental aspects of living in this technology centric world.