Findings & Analysis
Key Insights and Global Evidence for Energy Optimization Strategies at Seneca College
This report evaluates various energy optimization options for Seneca College, focusing on cost, energy savings, and feasibility. The analysis suggests that implementing SEOF in 50% of the campus offers a balanced approach, achieving 35% energy savings at a moderate cost. Insights include the potential for solar panel integration at Markham Campus to reduce grid dependency and the role of behavioral changes in optimizing energy use. Global evidence shows that IoT systems can cut HVAC waste by up to 30%, and energy optimization, combined with renewables, can reduce CO₂ emissions by 35-50%. The phased implementation plan aims to reduce energy consumption by 35% and cut emissions by 1,200 MTCO₂e annually by 2027.
| Option | Cost | Energy Savings | Feasibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEOF in STEM Buildings | $100k | 15% | High |
| SEOF in 50% Campus | $250k | 35% | Moderate |
| Campus-Wide SEOF | $600k | 50% | Low |
| Do Nothing | $0 | 0% | N/A |
Key Insights
- Option 2 (50% Campus) balances cost and impact, with a projected 35% energy reduction.
- Renewable Integration: Solar panels at Markham Campus (Seneca College, 2024, p. 10) could offset 8% of grid dependency.
- Behavioral Change: 68% of students use public transit (Appendix D, p. 30); SEOF can reduce HVAC waste in high-traffic zones.
Global Evidence for Energy Optimization
- IoT-driven systems reduce HVAC waste by 20–30% (Hasan et al., 2023).
- Retrofitting buildings yields a 7–10-year payback period (Filardo, 2016).
- Energy optimization paired with renewables cuts CO₂ emissions by 35–50% (Shah et al., 2019).