Do Your Part in Conserving Energy on Campus

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 21, 2017) – The beginning of a new academic year is a great time to remind everyone about the University of Kentucky’s energy conservation program. The program serves a critical role in UK's sustainability efforts. Energy conservation reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and at the same time it produces significant energy cost savings. Creating a culture of energy consciousness is an integral part of the conservation effort.

Everyone on campus has a role in conserving energy. In addition to being consumers of energy, everyone can also be an energy conserver by following a few simple guidelines on energy consumption. Simple habits can have a significant impact when applied across campus. Here are a few quick tips on how to develop those habits and create an energy conscious culture:

• Turn off lighting when leaving a space unoccupied and utilize natural lighting or task lighting where appropriate.
• If you have a thermostat or window air conditioner, set the units back at night to allow space temperatures to drift.
• Keep windows and doors closed when HVAC is operating.
• Turn off plug loads such as computers, monitors, fans, coffee pots, and other office equipment at night or when not used. Set computers to enter sleep mode after a period without use.

A complete set of energy policies and guidelines can be found in Business Procedures Manual F-1: Energy Management at https://www.uky.edu/ufs/business-procedures-manual or on the UK Facilities Management web site at http://www.uky.edu/facilities/uem/energyguidelines.

The University’s energy consultant – Cenergistic Inc. –  further fortifies this comprehensive energy program by dedicating eight on-site energy specialists to monitor energy usage in campus facilities and identify opportunities for conservation. The team works closely with UK’s Facilities Management operations and maintenance personnel to optimize building mechanical systems. Additionally, they identify and resolve comfort issues as they occur by ensuring that mechanical systems are functioning as intended. The energy specialists also use metering and utility bills to monitor trends in energy consumption. The specialists analyze progress made across campus and identify areas for improvement. The data is also used to quantify and demonstrate the success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information on UK’s energy conservation efforts contact Rick Krysiak at rick.krysiak@uky.edu.