Energy Green Tips
Saving energy saves money, too.
Does it use less energy to turn off your computer at night or to put it to sleep?
Turn it off; sleep mode reduces energy use by about 70%, but turning it off reduces usage to nearly nothing. Also, screen savers may look pretty, but they don't save any energy. ACU employees should leave on-campus work computers on because technology updates are installed over night.
When you make photocopies, opt to double-side.
This is a simple way to cut your paper usage (and costs) by up to 50%. And the next time your office buys a printer consider getting one that duplexes. They cost a little more, but you'll end up saving money on paper. Try duplex printing, too (instructions for double-sided printing).
Use your own mug.
Styrofoam is one of the few things that can't be recycled here in Abilene, so instead of grabbing a Styrofoam coffee cup in your office or break room, opt to use your own mug. They're nicer to drink from and a really simple way to do the right thing for God's creation.
Gas guzzling?
Did you know your car uses more gas when idling than driving? In fact, it takes less gas to turn off and restart the engine than to leave it idling for more than 30 seconds at a time. Every 2 minutes you leave your car in idle equals up to 1 mile of driving. Also, idling to warm the engine in winter is unnecessary in newer cars.
Try tray-less dining at the Bean.
Opting not to grab a tray means fewer dishes to wash, which uses less water and energy. More (pdf download)
Learn how to print double-sided with this informational video.
Adjust the heat or cooling when you're out for the day.
This one is mostly for home since in many campus spaces, temperature is centrally controlled. Programmable thermostats allow for automatic temperature adjustments while you are asleep or at work. If you can adjust the heat or cooling on campus, consider adjusting the thermostat so energy is not wasted.
Turn off the lights, fans and electronics in unoccupied rooms.
To dispel one common myth, it does NOT require more energy to turn the light back on--always best to turn it off if you leave!
Install compact fluorescent bulbs in task lights.
Incandescent bulbs expend 95% of their energy in wasted heat and they last about 20% as long as compact florescent bulbs. ACU has already replaced most of its bulbs with fluorescents. If you do so at home and in your task lighting, we’ll save even more. You’ll save energy and money if you change to fluorescents immediately rather than wait until your incandescent bulbs burn out.
Wash clothes in cold or warm water (not hot water).
About 90% of the energy used by clothes washing machines is for heating the water. And according to the US Dept of Energy, washing clothes on cold or warm is usually sufficient, and simply using warm instead of hot can cut energy use for that load in half!
Unplug chargers/power adapters when not in use.
According to ENERGYSTAR, charges and power adapters account for about 6% of national electricity use! Unplug chargers when not being used, and keep any eye out for products that are using ENERGYSTAR qualified chargers coming soon.
Close the blinds on your windows each night.
Don't let heat escape through the window! At night, close the blinds, shades, and curtains—they will act as an extra layer of insulation.
Walk or bike to and around campus, or carpool, whenever possible.
Commuting to and around ACU contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. We have to get here and move from building to building, but walking and biking can improve health as well as reduce carbon emissions! If you live nearby, consider walking or biking, or consider carpooling with neighbors.
Avoid using space heaters.
Space heaters average about 1,500 watts which is equivalent to running a dozen desktop computers.
Select home energy from renewable sources.
When choosing an electricity provider for your home, consider green energy produced by solar and/or wind. To compare rates, check out Power to Choose website.
Adapted with permission from the Harvard Green Campus Initiative
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