Penn State's Energy Conservation Policy

We are… Going Green!

Last week, my alma mater Penn State announced an Energy Conservation Policy to go green and save money this fall by limiting energy use.

Penn State’s energy consumption is 83% of greenhouse gas emissions at the university – which isn’t cheap. PSU’s cumulative electric bill has doubled to apprx. $2 million per month since rate caps were lifted earlier this year.  To combat a $25 increase per semester for students, Penn State is campaigning to cut energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Guidelines for this plan include staff and students actions including:

• Turn off lights
• Limit personal appliance use
• Change incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs
• Set rooms no higher than 70 degrees in winter or lower than 75 degrees in summer. (Some facilities are high tech enough to do this automatically)
• Limit distribution & use of portable electric heaters
• Operate window air conditioning units only in occupied spaces
• Purchase “Energy Star” computers & office equipment
• Turn off peripheral equipment (such as printers) when not used
• Encourage students to turn off and unplug Wiis & gaming consoles when not playing ‘Rock Band’

Erik Foley, manager of Penn State’s Sustainability office explained the plan, “We believe this policy will result in cleaner air, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a more efficient University.  The simple act of switching off a light bulb may help save jobs in lean economic times. Individual action can truly make a big difference.”

For more details, check out Penn State’s Energy Conservation Policy press release.

Posted by Julie