Be Cool! Conserve Energy
Kansas can sometimes feel like an oven, and other times feel like a freezer. Whatever the temperature or time of year, we can all take steps to help conserve energy in campus buildings. Working together we can reduce both environmental impact and university expenses. And, many of the tips below are applicable to your home, as well.
- Check that windows are not only closed, but also locked. Locking windows ensures a tight seal and prevents outside air from coming inside.
- Close blinds and curtains to block out the sun on hot days.
- Keep outside doors closed when not in use. Don’t prop outside doors open.
- Shut off projectors, computers, other electronics and lights at the end of the day to reduce loads and protect equipment in the event of electricity disruptions or surges.
- Close the sash on laboratory fume hoods when not in use to prevent cool air from being ventilated outside. When left open and unused, one fume hood uses the same energy as 3.5 homes.
- Consider turning off lights if windows offer sufficient natural light.
- Keep thermostats above 72 degrees Fahrenheit
Extremely hot weather (and extremely frigid weather) makes our building energy systems work harder. KU Operations team members also have to work harder to keep those overworked systems operating properly. With 200+ buildings and more than seven million square feet to manage, the KU Operations team prioritizes classroom and research spaces (largest and/or most frequently used are the top priority) in order to limit disruption of mission-critical activities.
It’s been said: “If you don’t like the weather in Kansas, wait five minutes.” In reality, it can seem like the summer heat (or winter freeze) will never end. Take steps to conserve energy knowing that whether five minutes, five days or five weeks, eventually Kansas weather will offer a reprieve.
Explore this website to learn more about energy and sustainability at KU.
