Please help reduce energy consumption
Abnormally high temperatures increase the potential of rolling energy blackouts and energy restrictions. Reducing energy usage at both work and home can help reduce the potential impact.
Some potential areas where we all can help:
- Close the window coverings to avoid thermal heating from the sun.
- Stop using space heaters. They are not only a fire risk, but can trick the thermostat into thinking you need additional cooling, potentially making your space even cooler.
- If your area isn’t functioning properly, either hot or cold, report the issue to the Operations Center and request a work order to properly fix the issue.
- Work with Facilities to set the thermostat a couple of degrees warmer. Just 1-2 degrees may make a huge difference in energy usage.
- Many publications now recommend a summer space temperature setting of 78° F. The U.S. Department of Energy states, “Set the thermostat as high as comfortable in the summer, and raise the setpoint when you’re sleeping or away from home.”
- If areas are not being used for long periods of time let facilities know and space temperatures can be adjusted accordingly.
- Shut lights off when not in use.
- Unplug appliances when not in use, such as departmental fridges.
- Unplug chargers and other devices when not in use. A cell phone charging block consumes energy, even when not in use.
- Shut down your computer and monitors when not in use.
- Shut off power strips whenever possible, to avoid unnecessary power usage.
- Consider moving employees to one part of a building, setting thermostats in vacant spaces to conserve energy.
- Ensure appliances are not placed next to thermostats.
- Be sure doors and windows shut properly.
- Expect for building temperatures to raise with little to no notice during energy restrictions.
Please do what you can to help conserve energy. If we all do our part, both at home and at work, it may help lessen rolling energy blackouts.
— Michael Nord, assistant director, energy & continuous improvement services, Facilities Management
