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Holiday Energy Conservation 2006

Again this year the University will be implementing additional measures to reduce energy consumption while the campus is closed for the holiday season.  Some of these steps will be accomplished by Facilities Management.  Others will require the assistance and vigilance of the entire campus to achieve the best results.  This newsletter outlines the planned changes and identifies tips for all of us to use at work and at home to reduce our energy consumption over the winter.

This year Facilities Management will start implementing the annual Holiday Temperature Set back schedules after the final class beginning at 5:00 p.m. on December 22^nd.

This will affect most areas on campus but not all. Business is conducted by many departments through the break and people still reside on campus. Although we have made great progress this year converting older buildings to the Energy Management controls system, some are still controlled by the occupants and your cooperation is needed.

1. Facilities Management will set the temperature of the water heaters to 110°F. Additionally, the hot water circulating pumps, common in many buildings, will be turned off when the building is idle thereby delaying hot water at the faucet.
2. All classrooms and unused offices during the Christmas break will experience temperature reductions. All buildings not on the central energy management computer system shall have their temperature settings at 58° F by responsible individuals. Facilities Management will make daily temperature checks to verify the settings and will continually monitor space temperatures from remote locations.
3. Facilities Management and others will close windows and window coverings to help keep the heat from escaping through the windows. Occupants in spaces with windows can assist with this process by ensuring before they leave that their windows are closed and window coverings are down.
4. As classes and other functions in a building end, the building will be closed to prevent inefficient use of the space. The heating system will be turned down to Holiday set-back 58° about 15 minutes before the end of the day.  Likewise, outside air introduced for the occupant will be curtailed during the times when the building is closed or unoccupied (research areas and some wet labs will not have the outside air supply curtailed).
5. Facilities Management staff will also be doing the following:
   
   • Walking through buildings turning off lights, closing doors, closing windows and window coverings, and checking temperatures.
   • Checking heating, ventilating and air-conditioning controls.
   • Responding to calls when spaces are too cool for the occupant to work.
6. The campus community is encouraged to turn off lights and lock doors when leaving offices, classrooms and conference rooms, where safe and practical.
7. Faculty and staff are encouraged shut down your computers when possible or at least enable the sleep settings on your computer monitor. Screen savers do not save energy but sleep settings do.
8. If you have to be on campus during the holiday you are encouraged to wear comfortable and sensible attire. Bring a sweater to the office, or dress in layers to be comfortable at various temperatures and avoid resetting thermostats.
9. The campus population is encouraged to not prop open doors leading to the outside of buildings. Open doors and windows in the winter can and have caused freeze ups in radiators near windows, resulting in broken water pipes. Open windows and doors send erroneous information to the thermostat causing excess energy use.  Interior doors left open will compromise the efficient operation of the heating system. Keep the exterior and freight doors closed as much as practical. This tip is also very sensible for fire prevention and life safety.
10. Turn off all unneeded electrical appliances, equipment, and lights.
11. The campus community is encouraged to report any “hot areas” to Facilities Management for investigation and repair. Call extension 2780 and leave a message.
    
           With your help this will be a great Holiday for everyone.
    
            Thank you for helping.
    
    Energy Management dept.
    
    Facilities Management