Energy efficiency improvements have brought higher education NIS 1.7m. in savings
Projects included replacing air conditioners, upgrading lighting systems and installing cold accumulation systems.
By SHARON UDASINSolar Energy Development Center at Rotem Industrial Park 311(photo credit: Courtesy Brightstar Energy / Eli Neeman)
Energy efficiency projects at 11 higher education institutions around the country have led to annual savings of NIS 1.7 million at these facilities, the Energy, Water and National Infrastructure Ministry revealed on Wednesday.Energy Ministry grants supported 18 different projects at these 11 institutions, carried out in conjunction with the Council for Higher Education's Planning and Budgeting Committee, are expected to bring about annual savings of 3 million kilowatt-hours worth of electricity consumption, the ministry said. Projects were carried out in institutions from Kiryat Shmona to the Negev, including initiatives such as replacing air conditioners, upgrading lighting systems, integrating management systems and installing cold accumulation systems, the ministry said."Energy efficiency allows us to use our energy in a better way, without detracting from the quality of services provided," said Energy, Water and National Infrastructure Minister Silvan Shalom. "The money saved will enable the investment in tens of thousands of students studying in those institutions."The measures taken to improve energy efficiency at these institutions occurred under the framework of a national program to increase energy efficiency, within the Energy Ministry. The ministry's participation in such projects across various sectors has amounted to NIS 1m. total, leading to savings of about NIS 7m., the ministry said.
