Energy Conservation and Efficiency
Energy use adds up. With its economic, environmental, and social costs, it is important that we minimize our energy usage at the college. Here are some easy DOs and DONTs that help us conserve energy, save money, decrease the college’s emission of greenhouse gases, and live more sustainably.
DO
Use a power strip that you turn off when you leave
Invest in a 'smart' power strip to manage electronics automatically (like a TV and connected devices)
Turn off electronic devices when they are not in use or if you are leaving the room for 30 minutes or more
Use the power management features on your computer for "sleep mode" with a blank screen, rather than a screen saver
Choose Energy-star rated equipment and appliances
Unplug and defrost refrigerators when leaving for extended periods of time such as winter and spring breaks
Wash your laundry in cold water
Only run full loads of laundry
Turn off lights when leaving an unoccupied room, including restrooms
Use natural light instead of lamps whenever possible
DON'T
Leave lights on in an unoccupied room
Leave chargers plugged in after you are done charging
Leave appliances plugged in over break
Use space heaters -- they consume more energy and also pose a fire hazard
Open windows in heated and air-conditioned rooms. For problems with heating or cooling place a work order online or call Facilities at (860)439-2253.
Prop doors open -- it lets hot air in during the summer, cold air in during the winter and can pose a security risk
Use the automatic door opener if you do not identify as physically handicapped