Energy Checklist:

• Replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) for desk lamps. Using CFLs instead of comparable incandescent bulbs can save about 50 percent on your lighting costs. CFLs use only one-fourth the energy and last up to 10 times longer.
• Turn off lights when you leave the room for more than 15 minutes and at night.
• Use natural lighting or day lighting. When feasible, turn off lights near windows.
• Use task lighting; instead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it, to directly illuminate work areas with CFL’s.
• Use energy efficient ENERGY STAR® products.
• Close or adjust window blinds to block direct sunlight to reduce cooling needs during warm months.
• In the winter months, open blinds on south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your workspace. At night, close the blinds to reduce heat loss at night.
• Unplug equipment that drains energy when not in use (i.e. cell phone chargers, fans, coffee makers, printers, radios, DVRs, etc.).
• Turn off your computer and monitors at the end of the work day, if possible. If you leave your desk for an extended time, turn off your monitor. (See Office Equipment.)
• Turn off photocopier at night or purchase a new copier with low standby feature. Purchase printers and fax machines with power management feature and use it.
• Save paper and energy . Photocopy only what you need. Always use the second side of paper, either by printing on both sides or using the blank side as scrap paper.
• Carpool, bike, or use mass transit when commuting to work and around campus.
• Maintain air-conditioning set points. Report overcooled (below 74 degrees) and overheated (above 72 degrees) spaces to the building representative. Heating and cooling represent over half of all energy use on campus.
• Reduce/Eliminate space heater use, the majority of space heaters are not needed because the buildings do provide approved temperatures (very few exceptions).
• Vestibule doors should not be propped open and should always close and latch behind you.
• Appliances: Turn off coffee pots and similar appliances when they are not in use. Radios and TVs should be turned off when out of the office.
• Personal Dress:  Wear clothing appropriate to the season and weather – lightweight clothing in summer and warmer clothes in winter. Wear layers so you can adapt to varying conditions in your workspace and still be comfortable.
• Close laboratory fume hood doors whenever the hood is not being used (and whenever possible, even during use).

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