Kent State University employees are reminded to help
conserve energy during the summer months by turning
off and unplugging all appliances when not in use.

Kent State University’s Office of Sustainability reminds university employees to turn off and unplug all appliances to conserve energy and save money during the summer months.

Electronics like computers, copiers and other office appliances have “vampire” load and continue to draw electricity from an outlet if they remain plugged in even though the device itself is off, says Melanie Knowles, Kent State’s sustainability manager.

“People leave their computers on all the time and let them go to sleep, which is okay during the day,” Knowles says. “But when you leave for the night or for the week, that’s 12 or more hours that the computer is drawing electricity.”

During the summer, many employees take time off for vacation or other reasons. If you plan to be away, please follow the shutdown protocol for your office space.

• Unplug chargers that are not in use
• Turn off power strips and unplug appliances like computers and other office equipment
• Close and lock all windows
• Draw the shades and curtains to keep the room cool
• Turn off lights
• If possible, adjust thermostat to 72 degrees during warm months
• Report any maintenance items that come to your attention
  

Employees also can conserve energy during the school year by keeping the thermostat at moderate temperatures. Knowles suggests employees wear lighter clothes when it’s warm and heavier clothes when it’s cold to reduce cooling and heating costs. Employees also can save energy by making sure all windows are closed when the air conditioning or heat is on.

Summer energy conservation also extends beyond the university. Knowles says you can save energy at home by making small changes like replacing weather stripping around doors and windows, installing insulation around your outlets and pulling the shades on the sides of your home that get the most sun.

Knowles says you should be conscious of what’s outside your home as well.

“Trees provide shade and reduce heat in the summer with their leaves. In the winter, they lose their leaves and allow the sun to warm the house,” Knowles says.

Whether you are at home or at work, knowing your energy expenditure will reduce your effect on the environment and cut energy costs.

“We should be conscious of it because energy costs money,” Knowles says. “If we reduce our energy usage, the university can direct that money toward something else – just like you can at home.”

For more information about Kent State’s sustainability efforts, visit www.kent.edu/sustainability.