Unused Energy Saves the Most

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 16, 2009) - Before you leave your residence hall, office, classroom or any other area of the University of Kentucky campus for the holidays, here are a few things you can do to help save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

     1. Turn off lights: Make sure all non-essential lights are turned off. Check bathrooms, closets, desk lamps, hallways, and any other lighting.

     2. Check refrigerators: Empty them if possible. If they are emptied, turn them off and leave the door partially open. Remember to remove all ice.

     3. Unplug coffee pots: If you have a coffee pot that has a water reservoir in it, unplug it. (When you come back from the break, you will need to run a couple pots of water through it to warm the reservoir.)

     4. Unplug water coolers.

     5. Turn off computer monitors.

     6. Turn off computers if they are not needed for e-mail or other access to campus or research.

     7. Turn off copy machines: If possible unplug. (You may wish to check with your copy machine supplier for recommendations.)

     8. Turn off space heaters and fans: UK does not encourage the use of space heaters in any university building at any time. They are energy hogs and can be a safety hazard.

     9. Check all windows and doors to make sure they are tightly closed. This will help cut down on any cold air getting into the building and help protect pipes from freezing.

     10. When you leave your space turn the thermostat down. Set the thermostat to 68 degrees. Do not set thermostats below 68 because it could cause equipment to run more when fans are on night cycle. The Facility Management System will try to hold spaces to no lower than 60 degrees.

For more information on energy conservation, visit http://www.sustainability.uky.edu/node/3026.

If you have suggestions regarding energy and sustainability at UK, please contact Shane Tedder at 257-0014 or shane.tedder@uky.edu.