Help Western save energy during the winter break
Many Western Washington University students, faculty and staff are leaving campus for an extended break through the end of the year. Taking the time to check power-using devices before leaving can make a big difference in Western’s standing energy load, reducing energy consumption and costs during the intersession.
Power Down for Break Checklist
Before you leave campus for the winter break, please take the following actions to reduce phantom energy consumption while you are away:
- Shut your windows.
- Shut curtains/lower your blinds for extra insulation.
- Turn off and unplug your computer and your separate monitor
- Shut off power strips
- Unplug all appliances not plugged into power strips, including speakers, printers, copiers, fax machines, coffee makers, microwave and toaster ovens, water coolers, etc.
- Leave refrigerators plugged in, or defrost and clean before unplugging.
- Shut fume hood sashes (in lab buildings)
- Leave your thermostat at its normal setting. Building thermostats and radiators are monitored by the FM Energy Management Center, no localized adjustments are needed. Thermostat guidelines.
- Tightly turn off faucets and report any leaks to work control 360-650-3420
- Water your plants
- Turn off your lights
- Remind students and colleagues to power down before leaving campus
- Turn off lights and shut windows in unoccupied rooms
The 10x12 Program is a collaborative effort of WWU Facilities Management and the Office of Sustainability, to coordinate, encourage and implement utility reduction efforts throughout campus. The goal is a 10-percent reduction in electricity, natural gas and water consumption and landfill waste production by the end of 2012. We believe small actions make a difference.
Thank you for participating in the WWU Climate Action Plan. If you have questions or would like more information about the Climate Action Plan or the 10x12 program, please go online or contact carol.berry@wwu.edu (x7979), WWU Office of Sustainability.
