Electricity Conservation

Why should you conserve energy and why is conservation important?

Most of our energy use comes from fossil fuels like petroleum and coal that provide electricity and gas to power our growing energy needs. These resources are non-renewable which means that we will eventually run out.

Conserving energy not only helps to conserve resources but also translates into financial savings. When we drive our cars, wash our hands and turn lights on, we usually don’t stop to assess the amount of resources we are using. We also don’t stop to think that we are depleting resources that are not boundless.

We can all conserve energy, save money, reduce environmental pollution and improve the quality of our campus. You can help by putting into practice the following energy conservation initiatives.

Energy Saving Tips

• Turn off lights when you leave the room or an area that is unoccupied, especially at night and on weekends.
• Take advantage of sunlight, if you can. During the day, work in rooms with windows where you don't need artificial light.
• Shut down computers and turn off monitors at the end of the day.
• Set printers and copiers to go into a "Power save" mode after one hour of idle time, and turn off over weekends.
• Consider updating aging computers, monitors and printers with newer versions. Check for EnergyStar® accreditation on new office equipment, especially bulk purchased equipment. Information can be found at www.energystar.gov.
• Use laptop computers and ink jet printers, if available, since they use 90% less energy than desktop and laser printers.
• Limit use of passenger elevators by using stairs when possible.
• Close drapes and blinds to keep heat/cold out.
• Start using e-mail instead of sending memos or faxing documents not only to save energy, but to conserve other resources. Doubled sided print will also save you money in the student computer labs.
• Connect PCs, monitors, fax machines and computer "peripherals" to one power strip, and then turn off that power strip when not in use.
• Adopt a last-person-out policy. The last person to leave labs, lecture rooms and meeting rooms should be responsible for turning off lights and unnecessary equipment.
• Fume hoods are a major source of energy consumption. Lab workers should keep fume sashes at a minimum working height after setting up experiments, and close sashes when not in use.
• Turn off lights in unoccupied offices, classrooms, conference rooms and restrooms. Check these areas as you leave the office for the day, especially before weekends and holidays.
• Keep exterior doors and windows closed in climate controlled spaces. This reduces heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
• Dress appropriately for the seasons and the comfort level of your work area.
• Recycle every chance you get. Click here to learn more about recycling on campus.