Energy consumption practices at JAMK logistics laboratory: current state analysis

Abstract

Climate change is one of the toughest challenges the world is facing right now. With over 80 percent of global energy still produced with fossil fuels, reducing energy consumption has become a way to achieve sustainability targets set by many organizations. The study aimed to analyse current energy consumption practices at JAMK logistics laboratory, assess employee attitudes toward energy savings and identify viable improvement areas. A qualitative research approach was implemented, utilizing literature review, semi-structured interviews with laboratory staff, and direct observations in order to collect data. The findings revealed several potential improvements in areas of energy monitoring, LED lighting, automated lighting, and general awareness of energy savings practices. While the employees demonstrated positive attitudes toward energy savings, factors such as operational priorities, time constraints, and financial considerations prevented these attitudes from translating into behaviours. Based on these results, two kinds of improvements were recommended, firstly, one requiring less investment (awareness trainings, shutting the equipment off, designating a person to be responsible for energy savings, laboratory schedule to avoid misunderstandings and ensure correct functionality of automated heating) and one requiring financial investment (monitoring system for electricity usage, LED light implementation, automation of lighting, energy efficient equipment and possible assessment of renewable ener-gies and evaluation of wall and window insulation).