UF urges reduced energy consumption on campus

September 2, 2005

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida is asking faculty, staff and students to help reduce energy consumption on campus as the nation deals with Hurricane Katrina’s effects on energy production and distribution facilities.

The university community is encouraged to help with this effort through the following actions:

• Turn off office lights when leaving at the end of the day, or when an office is unoccupied during the day. Turn off lights in rooms or areas that have only sporadic use such as meeting rooms.
• Do not use space heaters. If an area is too cold, please call the Physical Plant Division Work Management Center at 392-1121.
• Turn off computers at the end of the day if possible. Consult with your information technology staff for any specific procedures for your system.
• Turn off photocopiers at the end of the day. Even an Energy Star labeled photocopier will consume an additional $20 worth of electricity per year if allowed to run continuously.
• Turn off other electrical items when leaving for the day. This includes items such as televisions, radios and desk lamps.
• If you spot energy waste on campus, call the Physical Plant Division Work Management Center .
• This can include items such as parking lot lights that are on during the day, external doors to buildings that don’t close properly, or steam plumes rising from manholes.
• Keep thermostats set at 76 degrees. Do not prop open doors or window in air-conditioned space.
• Car pool to work when possible.
• Use the Gainesville Regional Transit System bus. A Gator One Card allows each employee free access to all bus routes.
• Limit the use of department vehicles where possible.