Energy Management
Conservation Tips
Put your computer on standby
Put your computer on standby whenever you are not using it, and shut it down at night and on the weekend.
Using Electronics
Don’t use the TV, radio, and other electronics all at the same time – focus on one thing at a time!
One good idea is listening to your music on the computer to cut down on the energy used by a stereo.
Keeping Summer Energy Use Down
Summer heat brings with it high electric use. High energy use in the
summer contributes to air pollution and smog formation. In addition,
the peak electric use that we set for the summer increases
electricity costs for the next year. Excessive electricity use in
the summer is one of the main causes of "rolling blackouts."
Conserving energy in the summer reduces pollution, saves money, and
even helps to keep the power on for millions of electric customers.
You can help keep energy use and costs down by taking the following
steps.
Turn off lights
Whenever you leave a room even for a few minutes, turn the lights
off. Classroom, conference room, and office lights are often left on
needlessly when rooms are empty. This increased energy use for
lighting, and it increases energy use for building cooling. Take
advantage of natural lighting Many offices, labs, classrooms, and
hallways have exterior windows that provide ample lighting. Turning
the lights off during daylight periods helps keep electric use down
during critical summer days.
Turn off equipment
Coffee pots, computers, office machines, fans, and many other types
of electrically driven equipment can be turned off when they are not
being used. This saves a lot of energy.
Office equipment such as printers and copiers use almost as much
energy while idle as when they are in use. Turning printers on just
before use and then turning them off when finished drastically
reduces energy use. A computer uses an average of 125 watts and a
17" CRT monitor will use 80 watts. Computers can be set to "sleep"
mode to automatically shut down when inactive. Sleep Settings for
Computer Monitors This website tell you how to set your computer to
sleep mode.
Many cords draw out power even when the appliance isn’t on.
Also, share appliances like microwaves and refrigerators between an
entire office – having one of your own is a waste of energy
(most mini-fridges use as much, or MORE than new full size refrigerators).
Schedule
Meetings and classes scheduled in the mornings when it is cool can
help reduce energy use. Automatic building controls respond to
internal heat loads. Meeting rooms that are used late in the day
increase peak energy use. Please attempt to schedule meetings and
classes to end by noon.
Work Schedule
If you have a job that allows flexible hours, shifting work hours to
cooler periods of the day (coming to work early and leaving early)
is a great way of reducing energy use. Some companies adopt summer
schedules such as 4am until noon to keep summer energy load down.
Electric rates (including the one here at UVa) offer substantial
reductions in electric cost by keeping summer electric use down.
For more information, contact our Acting Energy Programs Manager
