Understanding the energy consumption of information and communications equipment: A case study of schools in Taiwan

Abstract

Information and communications technology (ICT) equipment is often used to help conserve energy, but such equipment also requires energy to operate. This study investigated the energy consumption of ICT in 28 secondary schools (SSs) and 98 elementary schools (ESs) in Taiwan. The average annual energy consumption of ICT equipment is 28,162 kWh and 20,888 kWh per SS and ES, respectively; per unit floor area, this is estimated to be 60.5 and 27.5 Wh/m2/year, respectively. ICT accounted for 7.3%–7.7% of the total energy consumption of each school. Projection, computer, and network equipment together account for more than 90% of the total electricity consumed by ICT equipment. The total energy consumption of ICT equipment is positively correlated with school type and size. The study established three multiple regression models to investigate the total energy consumption of ICT equipment per school, per class, and per student, and the models all exhibited statistical significance. The energy consumption is highly correlated with usage time and power dissipation. Equipment procurement and energy consumption management play key roles in the energy conservation. This study may serve as references for school administrators evaluating energy conservation effectiveness.