Our campus has embraced sustainability and conservation as a responsible institution and for efficient use of our resources.  Joining the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment was a confirmation of that aim. We have many initiatives underway to accomplish that commitment and I invite you to visit the Green Campus website for up-to-date information about those green initiatives and events on our campus.

One of those efforts is a  “Turn off to turn on savings” initiative.  Under the leadership of Jim Hellums, Physical Plant is instituting a number of cost-saving measures designed not only to help us reach our goal to achieve carbon neutrality, but also to save us substantial dollars – a conservative estimate of $100,000 per year through two small measures:

• Turning off lights in unoccupied rooms and
• Turning off computers and equipment, especially monitors, when not in use

“Turn off to turn on savings” is phase one of an ongoing campaign to encourage faculty, staff and students to help the University save dollars through simple behavioral changes while improving the climate.  It will be followed with other conservation and cost-saving measures.

In addition, Physical Plant has initiated other methods of saving energy such as:

• Raising the thermostat to 76° in the summer and lowering to 68° in the winter in many campus buildings.
• Implementing the Campus Infrastructure Sustainability Enhancement Project, which includes
• Campus-wide re-lamping with 28 watt fluorescent bulbs
• Installation of UV lighting in HVAC systems
• New HVAC systems in Alumni Center, Newport Hall, Billy Mac Jones, Printing Services and Building 2 South Campus.

Small measures can make a big difference, but we need the support of every member of our campus community to be successful. I encourage your participation in these and future efforts. Around campus you will be encouraged and reminded through campaign posters, hang tags on doors and stickers that may be used on light switches and computer equipment.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in practicing environmental responsibility and action. Please visit the Green Campus website often to see how your efforts are making a significant impact.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Cox

Chair, University Sustainability Committee