November 2015 Newsletter
This month we're featuring ways to save energy. Share this information with your colleagues and become a more avid energy-saver at home too!
Temperature setbacks
Temperature setbacks at the University were implemented in 2009 to conserve energy. Each year, all thermostats (except in patient care areas) are set to 68 degrees in the winter, and 76 degrees in the summer. The result? $585,824 in energy savings.
Temperatures can vary widely from now until the onset of winter. To conserve energy, remember to wear layers and keep an extra sweater around to stay warm. A little forethought and extra layering can lead to large energy savings.
See other milestones in our University-wide sustainability efforts.
Turn off lights and computers
Several years ago, University Facilities and Services identified 250 computers across the entire University that were a source of massive energy waste. By adjusting the settings on those computers, they were able to save more than $8,000 a year.
Simple steps such as these make a significant difference:
- After 10 minutes of no use, computer displays and monitors turn off automatically.
- After 30 minutes, the hard drive shuts down.
- After 60 minutes of idle time, the computer shuts down automatically.
While we do not have a University-wide policy on the usage of lights and computers, check with your local tech support office or contact University IT for some best practices to reduce energy consumption and increase energy savings.
For example, Eastman Computing Services at the Eastman Campus has adopted the following policy:
Computers should be shut down at the end of each day to help conserve energy. Desktop computers are automatically powered on in the morning to ensure any necessary software updates are installed.
Not only does this conserve energy, but it also ensures a level of security.
Turning off lights when you leave a room or shared public space likewise makes a significant difference. Need proof? Read this blog post from one University employee who calculated how turning off the lights in her office when she leaves for meetings saved energy and money.
Tip from Green Rep Kathy Mihal
At home, Kathy saves the cold water that comes out of her shower faucet while waiting for it to warm up.
"I lose two gallons per shower! I use this otherwise 'wasted water' to water my plants and change my fish tank. Since I've started this, I don't need to draw water for these purposes."
Great advice! Thanks, Kathy. |
Your Green Reps Challenge for November
Aim to implement at least one of these action items in your area this month:
- Plan for the changes in season. Wear layers so you can adjust your comfort level without adjusting your thermostat. Set your home thermostat to lower the heat when you're not home. Daylight Saving Time ended on Sunday, November 1, so remember to update the timers on your outdoor lights too.
- Turn off your monitor and lights when you leave your office for more than 10 minutes. Contact your local IT support for more information on energy saving settings that you can apply so you don’t have to remember to physically turn off your monitor. IT can also share best practices for your department!
- Turn off lights in shared spaces. Conference rooms, bathrooms, and other shared spaces often have lights left on. Turn them off if you are able, or contact your local facilities team member to ask whether or not those lights need to remain on for safety purposes.
- Encourage others in your department to adopt these behaviors. Send this information out via email or post it on your bulletin boards. Place signage near outlets or in key areas reminding people to turn off lights, kitchen equipment, and electronics when not in use. Explore the option of getting power strips to reduce phantom load in your department.
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Share your Green Reps efforts with us!
Email us your stories, photos, and tips, and we'll then share on Facebook.
We want to hear about—and celebrate!—what you're doing to spread awareness and make change within your department. Email us your stories and pictures. We'll then share them on the UR Sustainable Facebook page or in an upcoming issue of The Compost. |
