The Ecological Transition Commission is devoted to the analysis and execution of new actions towards the improvement of the ICMM energetic and resources efficiency.
It is integrated by eight permanent staff persons, including six researchers, the maintenance chief and a representative of the maintenance staff. Since its constitution in October 2022, the commission has been very active:
As a first action, an external and independent energetic audit was requested, in order to analyze the current situation of the ICMM as well as possible new actions to be undertaken. This audit has been recently received and it is currently under evaluation. In the meantime, some other actions have been taken. Six charging points for electrical cars have been installed in the ICMM parking and are now operative. Additionally, the central heating system, responsible for one of the higher outlays of the institute is being updated, with the acquisition of a highly efficient boiler for sanitary water, and with the installation of new heating thermostats in every office in order to shut down the fancoils once the desired temperature is reached.
The third action undertaken is the realization of informal posters to raise personnel awareness on the importance to save and be efficient in the energy consumption. Such posters have been placed in access areas to maximize their visibility.
As future actions, the commission plans to change the current suspended ceiling, which is in very bad conditions after 30 years of manipulation, for a highly efficient one. Right now, the bad state of such suspended ceiling is the responsible for the heat leaks. This measure is now in the quotation request phase.
Another action under study is the installation of photovoltaic solar panels in the huge available free space on the institute roof. This action will significantly affect both the expense in electricity and the gasses emissions of the ICMM. Finally, other actions will be considered as a result of the energetic audit and the available funding.
