Mumbai: The Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B) recently conducted an energy audit to identify effective measures for energy conservation on campus.

The audit was conducted by M.Tech. students from the Department of Energy Science & Engineering (DESE) under the guidance of Prof. Rangan Bannerjee.

Students said that around Rs.1.75 crores could be saved every year if their recommendations were implemented.

Prof. Bannerjee said, "This report is just one step towards our aim of achieving energy efficiency. An energy audit is a continuous process. We have compiled a list of all possible actions to conserve and efficiently utilize our resources. The next step would be to prioritize their implementation."

The M.Tech. students were categorized into 13 groups of 27 students and each group was assigned a particular area or application of energy audit.

"The audit was aimed at giving the students a feel of the practical problems and difficulties in carrying out such exercises. It has a big impact if students are able to apply what they learn in practical life. Also, the idea is to make the campus an open demonstration facility", Prof. Bannerjee further said.

The audit revealed that energy consumption on the institute's campus was mainly in the form of electricity besides LPG as cooking fuel.

Students suggested the use of biogas for food waste processing. They also suggested the use of computers in different settings or modes. "It will save Rs.30 lakhs per annum without any investment", a student who took part in the audit revealed.

The report prepared by students further said that a change in operating pattern and schedule of water pumps, will save Rs.2.5 lakhs and will need no additional investment.

Installation of solar water heaters in hostels and guest houses was also advised by Prof. Bannerjee.

The other suggestions included appointment of an institute-level committee to review the implementation of energy conservation measures, introduction of Electrical Energy Consumption as a subject and making energy performance a basis for providing incentives to hostels and departments.