Energy Conservation Guidelines for Employees
- Look for ways to save energy, i.e., shut off equipment when not in use, turn off unnecessary lights when not in use.
- Use lighting only when natural sunlight is insufficient. Supplemental lighting should be Energy Star rated.
- The Physical Plant director will communicate via email when a transition has been made from heating to cooling or from cooling to heating campus-wide or by building. Set thermostat settings at or below 68 during the heating season. Set thermostat settings not below 76 during the cooling season. If your heating/cooling device does not have a thermostat, please request one from Physical Plant. Supplemental heating or cooling should only be used in the case of long-term system malfunctions and as authorized and approved by Physical Plant.
- During the evening (generally after 10pm and before 7am), weekends, and holidays, heating and air conditioning systems must be set at a level that will allow the College to conserve energy (with exception for special events).
- Keep outside windows and doors closed during heating and cooling seasons unless outside temperature reduces the need for mechanical heating or cooling.
Promptly report as a Maintenance Request all items that could be fixed to lower energy costs; i.e. broken/open windows, cracks, leaks, overheated (winter) or overcooled (summer) areas, leaking plumbing. - No decorative lighting in offices.
- Evaluate all new items (buildings, vehicles, equipment) based on total cost-of-ownership by including energy costs.
- Charge facility renters appropriately for additional energy needs for each rental that require additional heating or cooling needs.
- Enable power-saving capability or options on all copiers, printers, vending machines.
- Use Energy Star rated appliances (refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and microwaves).
- Set up computers in the energy saving mode of operation.
- Do not leave unattended vehicles idling.
- Do not use trays in the cafeteria.
- Recycle using appropriate receptacles around campus.
- Presidents Council / IMC / Energy Conservation Committee / Physical Plant items:
Diversify energy types where appropriate to limit exposure to increased costs from one source.
1. Alternative energy options include
- Solar thermal
- Geothermal
- Wood heat/hot water
- Solar voltaic
- Wind
- Hybrid vehicles
2. Recommendations for Illuminance:
| Type of Activitiy | Lighting Levels | Footcandles |
| Classrooms & General Offices | 50 | +/- 20% |
| Specialized Labs, Data Processing | 75 | +/- 20% |
| Work areas infrequently | 15 | +/- 20% |
| Public Areas (hallways, etc) | 5 | +/- 20% |
| Parking | 1 | +/- 20% |
