Image

As many buildings will be partially or completely unoccupied during certain hours of the day over winter intersession, the university has implemented a plan to lower energy use where possible, effective through Jan. 23.

The plan’s success will require the understanding and cooperation of faculty and staff to help the university reduce its carbon footprint and energy consumption at the same time. The plan includes heating the buildings and spaces to maintain a comfortable temperature during occupied hours and lowering the heating temperature set points, when and where possible, during unoccupied hours.

This plan does not include laboratories and research areas, the Campus Center Parking Garage, the Police Station, the University Health Services and other buildings or spaces which require continuous operation.

Facilities and Campus Services strongly encourages the university community to help conserve energy with the following practices while away from the office:

• Shut off all electric equipment that does not need to be on while you are away
• Turn off all the lights when you leave 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
• Keep windows and exterior doors closed
• If the fume hood in the lab is not in use, close the sash completely
• Turn off any other equipment that may use energy unnecessarily
• Be aware of campus security and keep areas locked
• Turn off your computer and monitor and shut down other office equipment like copiers while away from your office

For any building issues, the 24/7 Facilities Service Center can be reached at 413-545-6401.

For more information, contact Ray Jackson, executive director for facilities management, at [email protected].