| C) |
Operation of Academic and Administrative Facilities – The following equipment and components will be switched off at the end of each work day when feasible:
- Office lights
- Office computers, printers, and monitors
- Office copy machines
- All other electronically operated equipment.
Generally speaking, all computing equipment should be turned off or placed in some sort of "power saver" mode when not in use. However, during off-hours many computers perform backups or update and patch software (such as antivirus definitions) and the operating system, and it is therefore important to configure energy-saving features so as to not interfere with these critical update processes.
The following equipment should be turned off (or, if possible, put in Sleep Mode) at the end of the day and over weekends:
- Monitors
- Printers
- Scanners
- Powered speakers
Please note that many modern devices, monitors in particular, continue to draw 9-16 watts of power even when turned off. To eliminate this draw, use a power strip that has the ability to switch off certain outlets and not others (or, alternatively, use two separate power strips) so that you can turn off any of the above without turning off devices that need to remain powered, such as your computer's CPU.
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| D) |
Building Resource Management - Windows and doors should be kept closed during the heating and cooling seasons and during the summer in those areas that have mechanical cooling. Every member of the University community should assume the responsibility of closing windows, turning off personal (desktop) computers and other office equipment when not in use, and shutting off the lights when leaving a room for more than seven minutes. One should not assume that someone else will do it. Energy management devices and strategies will continue to be added. Schedulers of classes, meetings, and other campus activities should endeavor to minimize energy use. Evening classes should be concentrated in the fewest buildings possible, and where appropriate, the buildings used should be those that already have late night temperature setback. Use of stairs rather than elevators, except for the physically challenged and persons transporting heavy equipment or materials, is encouraged.
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| E) |
New Construction — The University will seek to reduce future energy costs in new facility construction and renovation whenever feasible. Current standards outlined in ASHRAE Standard No. 90.1 Energy Efficient Design of New Buildings Except Low Rise Residential Buildings will be followed as closely as possible. Additionally, all city and state regulations will be followed. All planning for major construction and equipment purchase/installation must include energy life cycle costing. As resources become available, it is recommended that UAHuntsville develop and implement design standards for new construction to include energy efficiency.
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| F) |
Space Heaters — The use of space heaters introduces two concerns, fire safety and energy consumption. No personal space heaters are allowed in campus buildings. If an area needs temporary supplemental heat, UAHuntsville Facilities will issue and install. All space heaters issued by Facilities must meet safety requirements as classified by the National Fire Protection Association. All space heaters must meet the following four specifications: Heaters must:
- (1) be UL approved
- (2) have elements that are protected from contact
- (3) be tilt-proof (when tipped over, heater goes off)
- (4) be thermostat-controlled
The issue of energy efficiency is also important — electric space heaters are a very costly means of heating. If a member of the campus community feels that a space heater is necessary for adequate warmth, this may indicate that the central heating system needs repair. Facilities’ Work Order Desk should be contacted if an area can not be heated to our temperature guidelines as outlined above. State regulations require that the University follow ASHRAE Standard 90.1, which says that heating and cooling are not allowed simultaneously in the same space for the sole purpose of achieving comfort. Excessive cooling of a space on campus below the summertime University Temperature Guidelines should be reported to University Facilities so the air-conditioning levels can be adjusted.
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| G) |
Holiday Periods — A period of closure for the University offers a great opportunity to save money on utilities that can be spent in other areas. Past history has shown that very few people occupy the buildings for any substantial time during the holidays. With this in mind, buildings will be only minimally heated/cooled during holiday periods except for buildings that contain special collections or sensitive equipment or buildings that are officially open during the holidays. A building will not be officially open just because a few people may want to work during the holidays. Requests for exceptions to this policy with justification should be addressed to the Campus Energy Manager via the Building Representative after curtailment plans for the upcoming holiday period have been issued.
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Suggestions
Energy conservation suggestions and/or ideas should be emailed to UAHuntsville Energy Manager: UAHEM@uah.edu |
