Meet Colin McHugh – Electrical Energy Sustainability Assistant in Facility Services

Colin McHugh is an engineering student who is about to start his first year at McMaster University. This summer, Colin worked with the Facility Services team as an Electrical Energy Sustainability Assistant. In this role, Colin was involved in developing tools and software programs to assist in managing data related to energy saving across the university.

Colin was tasked with creating tools and software programs that can be applied to data, making processes more efficient and information more understandable. He compiled data from various buildings across campus and made observations regarding the overall energy consumption. The data shows which buildings the most energy efficient and reveals areas that may need improvement.

The data Colin analyzed was collected from several different sources. This included metering data from buildings across campus detailing their energy and gas consumption as well as data from the AC units and boiler rooms at the university. Colin examined this data to recommend ways to reduce the university’s carbon footprint and move towards achieving McMaster’s sustainability goals. It was often helpful to analyze current data as well as information from past years to better understand how we are improving or if there is something we need to change.

Occasionally, Colin would also be tasked with ensuring that the fume hoods and AC units across the university were clean and working properly to maximize energy efficiency.

What is your favourite part about working at McMaster? 

Colin revealed that his favourite part about working at McMaster was the positive work environment he experienced with the Facility Services team. Everyone he collaborated with was inviting and willing to answer any questions he had. He made several friendships throughout his time working at the university. He will continue to work with the Facility Services team on a part-time basis during the school year.

 What surprised you the most about working at the university?

Colin revealed that before starting his position at McMaster, he wasn’t sure what the work environment was going to be like. He enjoyed the flexible work schedule and the freedom he was given to make observations and recommendations about the university.

What would you like to do after you complete your post-secondary education?

Colin revealed that after his time at McMaster, he wants to pursue a job in the engineering field that helps other people. He confirmed that he may seek a career in sustainability after working with the Facility Services team. Through his position, he is now more aware of what happens behind-the-scenes of an institution committed to lowering their carbon footprint.