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Facilities lowers energy bill by avoiding overcooling
By: Asher Ball
Issue date: 7/2/07 Section: News
Because of the rising energy costs, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is asking staff to conserve energy this summer by enduring warmer offices and classrooms.
John Marker, associate to the assistant vice chancellor for Facilities and Management Planning, said electronic thermostats have been desensitized so exact temperatures can't be controlled.
Instead, since May 18 thermostats have been fixed at set points to prevent overcooling.
Marker said the higher price of oil is the primary reason for UNL Facilities' policy to save energy in the already stretched utility budget.
"Because the cost of energy has escalated, all the financial resources we have are limited," he said.
"It's the responsible thing to cut costs in utilities wherever we can."
He said controlling the temperature in university buildings is one way to do that."
Marker said for every temperature degree UNL keeps in energy as a whole, the university can save 3 to 4 percent in heating or cooling costs.
Jim Hines, the director of Building Systems Maintenance, said maintenance workers will not respond to temperature problems unless a room is consistently 78 degrees or hotter.
"By establishing that range, it allows us to save energy," he said. "It would be a waste of resources to help a room with temperature in a reasonable range."
For the rest of the summer, Marker said, students and staff will likely notice higher temperatures in rooms.
"As the summer heats up, it's going to be a little more noticeable," Marker said. "Generally, people can expect that offices are going to feel warmer and in some cases more humid."
Marker said the department's policy on thermostats will be indefinite with a revised policy to come when the seasons change.
He said that for the last 30 years, UNL has worked to be more energy efficient and will continue to do so.
UNL's Web site offered more tips on how to conserve energy.
One way is to turn off all equipment when leaving the building. This includes computers, photocopiers and printers.
Turning off all lights and appliances such as coffee pots or TVs will also save energy.
Hines said he didn't think it would be difficult for Facilities to enact its policy.
"I think people are relatively cooperative," he said. "They realize that if we don't curtail energy, it affects tuition and salaries.
"So I would encourage everyone to pitch in and do their part."
John Marker, associate to the assistant vice chancellor for Facilities and Management Planning, said electronic thermostats have been desensitized so exact temperatures can't be controlled.
Instead, since May 18 thermostats have been fixed at set points to prevent overcooling.
Marker said the higher price of oil is the primary reason for UNL Facilities' policy to save energy in the already stretched utility budget.
"Because the cost of energy has escalated, all the financial resources we have are limited," he said.
"It's the responsible thing to cut costs in utilities wherever we can."
He said controlling the temperature in university buildings is one way to do that."
Marker said for every temperature degree UNL keeps in energy as a whole, the university can save 3 to 4 percent in heating or cooling costs.
Jim Hines, the director of Building Systems Maintenance, said maintenance workers will not respond to temperature problems unless a room is consistently 78 degrees or hotter.
"By establishing that range, it allows us to save energy," he said. "It would be a waste of resources to help a room with temperature in a reasonable range."
For the rest of the summer, Marker said, students and staff will likely notice higher temperatures in rooms.
"As the summer heats up, it's going to be a little more noticeable," Marker said. "Generally, people can expect that offices are going to feel warmer and in some cases more humid."
Marker said the department's policy on thermostats will be indefinite with a revised policy to come when the seasons change.
He said that for the last 30 years, UNL has worked to be more energy efficient and will continue to do so.
UNL's Web site offered more tips on how to conserve energy.
One way is to turn off all equipment when leaving the building. This includes computers, photocopiers and printers.
Turning off all lights and appliances such as coffee pots or TVs will also save energy.
Hines said he didn't think it would be difficult for Facilities to enact its policy.
"I think people are relatively cooperative," he said. "They realize that if we don't curtail energy, it affects tuition and salaries.
"So I would encourage everyone to pitch in and do their part."
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