Energy Conservation Guidelines For State Employees

Facility Energy Conservation Guidelines

For State Employees

In an effort to reduce energy consumption and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions, the Department of Management Services' Facilities Division has developed the following guidelines for state employees. Please review and follow these guidelines when possible.

· Avoid using incandescent lights when possible. Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) use 1/3 the energy and last 10 times longer.

• Turn off any lights not being used. If you're using incandescent bulbs you begin saving immediately. If you are using CFLs, turn off lights in areas not being used for longer than 15 minutes.
• Turn off all lights at night, including task and office lights. If possible, schedule janitorial hours to overlap some working hours. Lowering the facility's total operating hours can be a great conservation measure. Keep all unnecessary lights off, including decorative lighting, during the day.
• Keep thermostat set at 68°F during the day in the winter and 78°F during the day in the summer. Turn off heating/cooling systems at the close of business.
• Turn off computer monitors or use a low-power standby.
• Close blinds when not using a facility to cut down on heat or cooling loss. In the cold weather, open blinds for light and warmth. In warm weather, close blinds to aid cooling.
• Make sure the office copier is turned off at night. Use new copiers with the Energy Star label.
• Set hot water heaters at 120°F.
• If you have a common break room area, be sure the refrigerator is an up-to-date, energy-efficient model.
• Eliminate unnecessary hotplates, coffeepots and other small electrical appliances. Turn off all tools, office machines and portable appliances when not in use. Remember that not only do appliances have a related cost to operate, they also add additional heat load to the surrounding area that the A/C now has to remove.