Snow is flying and we are fast approaching winter break. I wanted to reach out to offer my best wishes to a restful and recharging break. I further wanted to encourage you to power down your residence hall rooms and workspaces for that time away. Please join your campus colleagues in working together to save energy in your rooms, offices, labs and common areas. Simple actions can save a considerable amount of energy and can help reduce a portion of IC’s carbon emissions.
Please consider the following actions as you prepare to leave campus.
- Power off the computers and monitors in residence halls, offices, labs, and classrooms. Shut down computers with the power button or from the Start menu, but please leave the power strips switched on and the computer components plugged into it.
- Unplug any office electronics plugged directly into the wall or power strip, with the exception of computers and refrigerators. Many devices use electricity even when they are turned off, including printers, chargers, copiers, coffee makers, water coolers, microwaves, lamps, and space heaters.
- Turn off lights.
- Close & lock windows.
- Open curtains and shades.
- Shut all interior and exterior doors.
- Please do not turn off heat. This will prevent freezing of pipes and damage to buildings. Set thermostats on the minimum setting (around 65°F), if easily adjustable. Move items so they are not in front of heating units.
- Shut the sash completely on all lab fume hoods.
- Report facilities issues like leaky faucets, running toilets, overly hot or cold rooms. To do so please make a Maintenance Request with the office of Facilities.
If you can please respectfully remind colleagues to take these actions before they leave for break as well. Together we can help to save energy and reduce campus emissions during this end of year break.
Enjoy a restful and recharging break!
Scott D. Doyle
Director, Energy Management and Sustainability