ATHENS, Ohio -- Last year's winter break energy conservation efforts resulted in a savings of nearly $180,000. This accomplishment was possible only through the combined efforts of our entire university community. Again, it is our goal, particularly in light of budgetary concerns, to reduce our overall energy utilization. In order to continue this effort, Vice President for Administration Gary North asks that you support the following actions:

• Over the winter break, Monday, Dec. 2, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, all offices and staff are asked to follow the university's Summer Hours, defined in Policy #40.048 (7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a half-hour lunch break).
  
  While the winter hours are the official university hours, individuals and groups who find the hours difficult to follow (i.e., due to childcare) can be accommodated.
• Please turn off all computer monitors, CPU's and other equipment when not in use, especially overnight.

• Please turn off unnecessary lights, all window air conditioners and other electrical appliances, especially in areas that are not occupied. Departmental staff are asked to assure that lights are shut off in classrooms, workspaces and offices when not in use and at the end of each day.

• Due to cost and safety concerns, no portable heating units are permitted.

• During the day, thermostats should be set no higher than 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

To augment these efforts, Facilities Management staff will also undertake a number of energy saving initiatives including:

• Parking Garage Lighting: Lighting levels will be reduced in all residence hall garages on the South and West Greens (safety considerations will be taken into account).

• Residence Halls: Electric, utility service and air conditioning in all residence halls will be reduced to minimum service levels in those halls not occupied. Utilities will be maintained in areas in which Residence Life staff are living or where full-time Residence Directors live. Air handlers and lighting will be reduced to minimum levels in all dining halls.

• Academic Buildings: Lighting in hallways and common space areas will be reduced to emergency lighting levels where possible (every third light will remain on). Building thermostats will be set back to 65° in all buildings at 5 p.m. daily.
  
  Exceptions will be made for buildings or areas identified by deans where such adjustments would be detrimental to ongoing operations. Temperatures will be reset to 70°F at approximately 5 a.m. to allow sufficient time to bring the building temperature back up. Air handlers will be reduced to minimal levels practical to maintain building air circulation and temperature settings. Exceptions will also be made for areas with sensitive equipment, such as musical instruments, and for research that requires special conditions.

• Outdoor lighting: Outdoor aesthetic lighting will be reduced or shut off where practical or possible. All safety lighting will remain on. The West Green "gulch" lighting levels will be reduced. Tennis court lighting will be turned off immediately at the end of scheduled use. Bike path lighting will remain on from sunset to 12:00 midnight daily.

Every member of the campus community can help save energy by following these recommended procedures. Additional suggestions for saving energy are appreciated and should be forwarded to the director of Facilities Management at 593-3932.