Power down for spring break

If your office or workstation will be vacant for even one day during the upcoming break or holiday, please take the following actions to reduce “phantom” energy consumption while you are away.

• Shut your windows
• Shut curtains/lower your blinds
• Turn off and unplug your computer and your 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. For thermostat guidelines, go online.
• Tightly turn off faucets and report any leaks to the Work Control Center at 360-650-3420
• Water your plants
• Turn off your lights
• Have a safe and happy break!

What else can you do?

• Remind students and colleagues to power down before leaving campus
• Turn off lights and shut windows in unoccupied rooms

The Power Down initiative is a part of Green office Tools, a collection of actions and toolkits that help students and employees throughout the university support campus sustainability.

Thank you for participating in the WWU Climate Action Plan. If you have questions or would like more information, go online or contact Carol Berry at carol.berry@wwu.edu or 360-650-7979.