The following is the email sent to all campus community members on July 8. This marks the implementation of UNC’s new Energy Use Policy. This important policy establishes the framework that will guide our university towards a cleaner, greener future! Forgive the late post – summer always leaves the office a bit understaffed!
To: Carolina Faculty, Staff and Students
From: Richard Mann, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration
Date: July 8, 2009
Subject: Adoption of New Energy Use PolicyIn response to the grave global economic situation, the University’s commitment to climate neutrality by 2050 and state legislation that mandates reductions in energy consumption, the University has adopted a new Energy Use Policy. As a result, the University is implementing campus-wide Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) that will achieve significant and relatively immediate reductions in energy consumption and reduce the University’s utility costs.
Space temperatures in campus buildings will be optimized for energy conservation during the times the buildings are occupied, and will not exceed 78 degrees during summer months or drop below 69 degrees during cooler weather. Further, most buildings will be programmed to relax these set temperatures during times of low occupancy when buildings are unoccupied.
Certain campus facilities such as labs, animal facilities, museums, libraries and computer server spaces that require strict, consistent temperatures may be exempt from many of the planned ECMs. The Facilities Services Division is working to accommodate the needs of facilities in these buildings while identifying other energy-saving measures that can be implemented.
Although building occupants could notice some change in their comfort levels because of the temperature adjustment, the University is committed to keeping facilities within safe and reasonably comfortable temperature ranges at all times. The temperature and humidity standards to be implemented are in accordance with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommendations for occupied spaces.
The technical work involved in reprogramming and adjusting building control systems is complex and can be time-consuming. Facilities Services is making implementation of this policy a priority, and the division has committed Energy Management engineers and maintenance staff to this effort. Most of their work will be done “behind the scenes” and with as little disruption as possible to building occupants, the work environment and building operations. During the process to implement these energy-saving measures, several maintenance technicians will be temporarily taken away from their regular duties, potentially resulting in delayed response times for trouble calls.
University-wide support of the energy policy will save both energy and money, and there are many ways individuals across campus can make a difference. People should always dress appropriately for the weather and for temperatures inside buildings. Because lighting consumes a considerable amount of energy in most buildings, simply turning off unnecessary lights when there is adequate daylight and turning off lights whenever people step out of their offices will help conserve energy. It is critical to turn off all lights and nonessential computers and equipment at the end of the day.
The University community is asked to be tolerant of any discomfort as a result of adjusted room temperatures or other ECMs and to recognize the importance of taking such steps. Beyond reducing the University’s utility bills, careful energy management benefits the environment and preserves natural resources.
Energy conservation is an ongoing commitment. Facilities Services will update the University community about the latest developments in implementing these measures. Information will be posted on a new Web site, www.save-energy.unc.edu, and people can send energy-saving ideas to a specially designated e-mail address, save-energy@unc.edu.
This email is sponsored by: Division of Finance and Administration
You can read the full policy, learn more, and submit feedback online at:
https://save-energy.unc.edu/