Energy Consumption Reduction Scheduled for Unoccupied Buildings from Dec. 22 – Jan. 2

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Consistent with prior years’ energy reduction efforts, Facilities & Campus Services will implement a plan to reduce energy consumption in unoccupied buildings from 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22 until 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

The following areas are exempt from the Energy Reduction Plan but are nevertheless encouraged to implement common-sense reductions in energy use whenever and wherever practicable:

• University Health Services
• UMass Police Station
• Research laboratories

The success of this plan requires individual participation in measures that will help  the university reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during this time period.

It is strongly encouraged to conserve energy with the following practices while out of the office:

• Shut off all electric equipment that do not need to be on while you are away
• Turn off all lights when you leave your office
• Turn off your computer and monitor and shut down other office equipment, such as copiers, while away from your office
• Turn the thermostatic knob (where available and accessible) to 2 or 1, or reset the room thermostat (where available and accessible) to 55 degrees F
• Be sure that heating vents and radiators are not obstructed or covered in any way; this also reduces the risk of fire
• Keep windows and exterior doors closed
• If the fume hood in a lab is not in use, close the sash completely
• Turn off any other equipment that may use energy unnecessarily
• Be aware of security; keep areas locked

In the event of any building issues, please call the Facilities & Campus Services call center at 413-545-6401.