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Energy Conservation

Why Conserve Energy?

Individual students, faculty and staff members play a vital role in the success of the University of Minnesota Energy Conservation Campaign. Energy conservation has been called the "least-cost" energy strategy, and for good reason. At the University of Minnesota, the simplest energy conservation measures could save millions of dollars in energy costs annually. This equates to jobs and impacts student tuition.

But energy conservation does more than just save money and jobs. It reduces environmental and social costs as well.

Energy conservation mitigates the numerous adverse environmental and social impacts associated with energy production and consumption. These include air pollution, acid rain and global warming, oil spills and water pollution, loss of wilderness areas, construction of new power plants, foreign energy dependence and the risk of international conflict over energy supplies.

Many actions taken at the University of Minnesota to save energy are invisible to occupants of facilities. Examples of such actions are efficient operation of the central power plants, installation of high-efficiency lights and motors, installation of digital control systems on heating and ventilating equipment, and the quick repair of malfunctioning steam valves. For more information on current Energy Conservation projects visit (www.facm.umn.edu/energy.html).

The individual role in energy conservation features adjustments in personal behavior (only small changes in work habits or accepting minor changes in the work environment), especially in lighting and equipment utilization, computer use, and fume hood operation. We - and the environment - continue to need your help.

Here’s how YOU, can be part of the community committed to conserving energy at the U:

• Turn off the lights! in classrooms, offices or restrooms when the rooms are not being occupied.
• Offices with dual light controls are asked to turn half the lights off.
• When leaving for lunch or an appointment, turn off computer, lights and any other small appliances in individual offices.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy saving compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Use natural day light, instead of electrical lighting, when you can.
• Look for opportunities to reduce lighting levels in areas that seem to be over lighted (without creating safety or security problems).
• Turn off PCs, monitors, printers, copiers, and lights every night and every weekend. If you cannot turn off the whole computer, turn off the monitor and the printer.
• Wait until you are ready to use your PC or other equipment before you turn it on each morning.
• Use flat-screen LCD monitors rather than CRT monitors. They use less energy.
• Do not turn on the printer until you are ready to print. Printers consume energy even while idle.
• Do not print out copies of e-mail or other documents unless necessary.
• Purchase equipment with the "Energy Star" logo.
• Implement paper reducing strategies such as double sided printing as a default.
• Use e-mail instead of sending memos and faxing documents.
• Use shared LAN laser printers instead of individual laser printers.
• Use central departmental coffee makers and refrigerators instead of personal units.
• Eliminate personal energy consuming items such as fish tanks, decorative lighting, etc.
• Do not use electrical space heaters. Electrical space heaters are prohibited in University facilities. They can overload circuits; they are a fire hazard; and they are "energy hogs" (one electric space heater uses as much electricity as 45 fluorescent light fixtures).

• Where you have control of your thermostat, set the heating set point no greater than 68 degrees and cooling to no less than 76 degrees.
• Use blinds to control solar heat gains.
• Make sure all heating and air conditioning systems under your control are turned off every night and every weekend.
• Dress appropriately for the seasons and the comfort level of your work area. Keep a sweater in your office instead of adjusting the thermostat.
• If you use a building after-hours or on weekends, do not expect the heating/cooling systems to be in full operation.
• Keep doors closed in air conditioned and heated areas.
• Use automatic door switches for handicap use only.
• Avoid using elevators; take the stairs.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
• Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.

Laboratory and fume hood operation

• Research laboratory buildings use at least twice as much energy as an office or classroom buildings. Although much of this energy usage is dictated by health and safety requirements, it is still possible for occupants to reduce energy use in these facilities:
• Conserve energy by lowering the sash (the glass window). This reduces the amount of air being exhausted from the building. Fume hood sashes should not be left wide open in any circumstance.
• Turn off all equipment when not in use.
• Keep the hallway door shut as much as possible. This is not only a safety measure; it helps balance the building air system.
• When using automatic glassware washers, wait until you have a full load before running.

Approximately one third of the University of Minnesota’s (U of M) power usage is under discretionary control of building occupants. If we faithfully use these energy conservation measures, combined with personal efforts and ideas, we can conserve up to ten percent of the energy used on the campus of the U of M.

Trying to reduce energy costs should be a concern to all members of the University of Minnesota community. As an educational and research institution serving a worldwide clientele, we should set an example of conscientious and cost-effective use of non-renewable energy resources. Moreover, the reduction of energy costs enhances the University's ability to compete for research funding and to contain tuition costs. We hope that this tip sheet has been helpful in explaining the role that energy conservation plays at the University of Minnesota and how students, faculty, and staff can assist with our energy conservation efforts. The simple suggestions in this sheet may not seem significant by themselves but, with everyone's participation, they can make a big difference.

Please contact Facilities Management with any questions you may have, 612-624-2900.

THANK YOU!