Energy Efficiency
Consumption of electricity is easily controlled by the users of that energy. Users can, for example, shut down computers, lights, and research equipment when not in use, resulting in immediate savings to the university as well as a reduction in air pollution.
Consumption of steam (for heating campus buildings) and chilled water (for cooling campus buildings) can be reduced by better control of temperatures inside buildings.
Energy Efficiency Initiatives
- Each general university building has published operating hours.
- We adjusted building summer daytime temperatures to 76° F. Systems are shut down at night and temperatures may rise to 83° F.
- We adjusted building winter daytime temperatures to 70° F. Systems are shut down at night and temperatures may lower to 63° F.
- We moved night classes and meetings into night activity areas to minimize open buildings.
Environmental Exemption Request Form
Occupant Participation
There are a number of low to no cost things that can be done by the university community. We will work with departments and building supervisors to assist you in making informed energy decisions.
- Turn off lights, computers, and office equipment at the end of the day.
- Use the energy saving features on computers, printers, and copiers.
- Reduce or eliminate personal coffee makers and refrigerators. Instead, use energy efficient appliances that are shared by an entire office area or floor.
- Turn off the lights when you leave your office - even for as little as 15 minutes. It won't decrease the life of the modern fluorescent lamps.
- Add occupancy sensors for lights in rooms that are often unoccupied, e.g. restrooms, break rooms, and vending areas.
- Do not place heat generating equipment near or below thermostats.
- Do not place furniture or equipment in front of fan coil units.
- Eliminate space heaters and personal fans.
- Turn off or unplug research and lab equipment when not in use.
- Turn off lights in rooms and near windows when there is adequate daylight.
- Consolidate materials and isolate or decommission fume hoods that are no longer needed.
- Become familiar with the operation of your fume hoods and operate sashes at minimum levels whenever possible.
- Reduce or eliminate personal printers, faxes, scanners, and copiers by moving to a multi-function Energy Star rated printer that is shared by an entire office area or floor.