January 19, 2001
UW institutes plans to reduce energy consumption by 10%
The University of Washington has begun instituting measures to reduce energy consumption by 10%, in compliance with a directive to all state agencies from Governor Gary Locke.
The thermostat settings for all campus buildings are being lowered to 68 degrees. This change, along with shutting down ventilation systems at night where possible, will yield a five percent reduction in campus energy use.
The remaining five percent must come from individual conservation behavior. “This energy crisis is for real,” UW President Richard L. McCormick said. “It is not going to be transitory, and it already is being reflected in the costs that all of us, including the University of Washington, pay for energy. While there are some reductions possible at the institutional level, some of the most important changes need to occur in the choices that individuals make in their energy uses.”
The UW is urging members of the UW community to take the following actions:
Lighting
– Turn off lights in your office and in common areas when not in use, and when you leave at the end of your day.
– If you are the last person to leave a room, turn out the lights.
– Work with reduced lighting in your office. Take advantage of natural light. Avoid using incandescent task lights.
– Some rooms on campus have two light switches that allow reduced lighting levels. Take advantage of this by turning on only one switch.
– Turn-off lights in sports fields when not in use.
– Turn off advertising signs or display case illuminations at night.
– Avoid use of decorative lighting.
Computers
– Shut down computers and peripherals when not in use for more than an hour. If this is not practical, at least turn your monitor off. Some computers are “Energy Star” compliant and can be set up to go into a “low power mode.” Check with your computing administrator if you have questions about measures to take.
Appliances and Equipment
– Do not use electric space heaters. Space heaters use as much electricity as 40 fluorescent light fixtures.
– Turn-off or unplug appliances that are not in use, such as hotplates, coffee-makers, lab equipment, sound equipment, battery chargers, etc.
– Turn-off copiers and fax machines at the end of the day.
– Close draperies, blinds and other window coverings at night to reduce heat loss.
– Avoid operating laboratory fume hoods with full-open sashes and close sashes when fume hood not in use.
Other
– Curtail use of hot water.
– Avoid use of elevators and automatic doors.
– Keep outside building doors closed.
– If you are a resident on campus:
– Take shorter showers.
– Do full laundry loads rather than partial loads. Use cold water.
– Keep windows closed during cold weather.
– Avoid using hair dryers and other appliances.
“If everyone is committed to taking individual action, the 10 percent energy reduction will occur without significant disruption to our normal campus activities,” says Executive Vice President Weldon Ihrig. “Additional reductions are expected as the University continues to implement other energy conservation projects to reduce and control energy consumption on campus. Please do your part to conserve energy, both at work and at home.”
