WMU HOME > ABOUT WMU > WMU NEWS Help reduce costs and save the environment June 15, 2004 KALAMAZOO--Hot summer days and periods of low traffic in campus buildings mean Western Michigan University faculty and staff need to be vigilant and help monitor campus energy usage. Just making sure lights are out when work areas are not in use can save the environment and WMU's bottom line. "Every kilowatt-hour of lighting conserved saves money and prevents emission of 1.5 pounds of carbon dioxide," says Carl Newton, campus energy manager. "Users are the key to conservation." There are several ways that nearly all faculty and staff can contribute to reducing energy costs and saving the environment, says Newton. Turn off lights and appliances that are not actually being used. If you are the last person to leave a rest room, turn off the lights. Turn off computers when not in use. If the processor must remain on when unattended, at least turn off the monitor. Turn off photocopiers and printers at the end of each day. Many newer machines will automatically go into "sleep" mode if left unused, but even in this reduced-power mode, they use more electricity than if they are turned off. Check conference rooms, rest rooms and other public areas at the end of each day to make sure lights are turned off. Wear clothing that is appropriate for the season. Even if your area has occupancy sensors, turn off lights when you leave a room. Temperature set points for all WMU buildings are 76 degrees during the cooling season and 70 degrees during the heating season. Media contact: Thom Myers, 269 387-8400, thom.myers@wmich.edu WMU News Office of University Relations Western Michigan University 1903 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA 269 387-8400 www.wmich.edu/wmu/news