Power Down and Unplug Over Fall Break

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August 27, 2015

Are you leaving your office or living space over fall break? Remember to unplug and power down to reduce campus energy consumption.  Here are some ways to power down and help the University of Iowa save energy:

--Unplug all things electrical. That means copiers, printers and fax machines, monitors, speakers as well as TV monitors, microwaves, phone and device chargers, coffee makers and other appliances that use energy even when turned off. Before turning off or unplugging your work computer, talk with your local computer support staff.

--Turn off lights. Close all outside doors and windows.

--Draw curtains or close blinds to help retain building heat, but you can open south-facing curtains or blinds to allow sunlight to naturally heat your area.

--Shut fume hood sashes in labs.

--Report any maintenance problems such as leaky faucets, windows that won't close, or extreme room temperatures to the Work Control Center at 335-5071, 24 hours a day, seven days a week or dial 159 internally for University Hospitals and Clinics.

These energy conservation efforts are part of the University of Iowa's Vision 2020 Sustainability Vision, which includes a goal consuming less energy on campus in 2020 than consumed in 2010 despite projected growth.  See http://sustainability.uiowa.edu/campus-life/office-classroom/ for more energy-saving tips.

Download a version of this checklist and post it in your office or living area.

You can also print out this flyer and post as a reminder to power down over break.