Energy Saving Ideas

  • Report water leaks, overheated or overcooled spaces, and windows or doors not functioning properly to maintenance personnel.
  • When installing servers or temperature sensitive equipment, work with the Office of the University Architect to ensure this equipment can be cooled with existing building cooling systems.
  • Combine usage of energy consuming appliances, such as coffee pots, microwaves and refrigerators. Keep refrigerators defrosted. Defrost when ice builds up to 1/4 inch. Keep foods covered in the refrigerator and keep the area behind the refrigerator clean and dust free.
  • Limit the use of appliances as much as possible; for example, coffee could be put in a thermos after brewing and the coffee maker turned off.
  • Turn off electrical equipment when not in use.
  • Turn off your computer when you will not be using it for long periods of time. If this cannot be done, utilize power management software to reduce the power consumed by your computer when not in use. If your computer does not support power management, turn off your monitor.
  • Ensure copier machines are set to energy saving settings. Turn these copiers off when not being used for long periods of time.
  • Utilize network printers instead of one printer per computer. Utilize ink jet or dot matrix printers for rough drafts as they use less power than laser printers.
  • Share fax machines wherever possible.
  • Turn off lights in any room you're not using, or consider installing timers, photocells, or occupancy sensors to reduce the amount of time your lights are on. Shut off lights in classrooms when the room is empty.
  • Only turn on lights that are needed for the activity in the room. Use task lighting instead of lighting an entire room; focus the light where you need it. For example, use fluorescent under-cabinet lighting for countertops or desk lamps instead of lighting the whole office.
  • Consider three-way lamps; they make it easier to keep lighting levels low when brighter light is not necessary.
  • For spot lighting, consider compact fluorescent lamps with reflectors instead of standard incandescent lamps. These lamps range in wattage from 13- to 32-watts providing more directed light.
  • Take advantage of daylight by using light-colored, loose-weave curtains on your windows to allow daylight to penetrate the room while preserving privacy. Also, decorate with lighter colors that reflect daylight.
  • Report energy waste, such as outside lighting that is on during the day, to maintenance. The lights may be on due to a faulty photocell or timer.
  • Lower base temperature in rooms in winter and raise the base temperature in summer. Alter dress accordingly to compensate for this temperature difference.
  • Limit use of water, particularly hot water, as much as possible.
  • Wash only full loads when using your clothes washer and dryer. Be sure to clean your clothes dryer's lint trap after each use.
  • Ensure windows and doors are closed when the building is being heated or air conditioned.