Energy Saving Tips

Office equipment, such as desktop printers, copiers, and lights are often overlooked when faculty and staff leave at the end of the day. Turning these items off at night and over weekends can save up to 75% of the energy they would otherwise consume.

Every one has an opportunity to reduce energy on campus. Here are some ways do it:

Computers

  1. Turn off all computer equipment unless in use, especially at night and on weekends
  2. Screen savers do not save energy. Use power management features so your computer monitor and hard drive will go into “sleep mode” when not in
    use
  3. Turn off your monitor when you leave your desk to go to lunch or to a meeting
  4. Turn off monitors on servers
  5. Enable power management features on laser printers and/or turn off laser printers when not printing
  6. Buy low wattage equipment certified by the EPA’s “EnergyStar” program and be sure to enable power management features when setting up
    equipment

Lights

  1. Use natural lighting instead of electric lighting whenever possible
  2. Turn off unused or unneeded lights
  3. Try task lighting and reduce overhead lighting
  4. Use LED bulbs in desk lamps
  5. Halogen floor lamps are very energy wasteful and may pose a safety risk

Heating and Cooling

  1. Dress for the season and keep thermostats set to achieve 68 – 70 degrees F in the winter and 74 – 76 degrees F for air-conditioned spaces in
    the summer
  2. During the cooling season close blinds, drapes and curtains to block direct sun
  3. During the heating season, open blinds, drapes and curtains to let sun in. If no sun, close them to keep the heat in especially at night
  4. Use hot water sparingly

Equipment

  1. Purchase energy-efficient models
  2. Turn off all energy consuming office and research equipment when not in use, e.g. copiers, refrigerators, environmental rooms, etc.

Last updated: 5/1/2018

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