Colleges & Universities

Energy-Saving Tips for Colleges and Universities

Replace incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR^® fluorescent bulbs.
Use windows or skylights for daylight, with ways to control excessive light and/or glare.
Turn lights off when you're not around, and let windows provide light where possible.
Use LED lamps in exit signs instead of incandescent bulbs.
Reduce the use of overhead lighting where possible and use task lighting instead.
Replace T12 fixtures with High Performance T8s (HPT8s).
Replace mercury vapor lights in gyms and outdoors with metal halide, HPT8 or T5 high-output fluorescents.
Install occupancy sensors to shut off lights when rooms are not in use.

Make sure doors and windows have tight seals. Keep them closed when running your air conditioning system.
Turn off fans when the building is unoccupied.
Install ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostats and locking covers to prevent tampering.
Limit after-school activity locations to as few heating/cooling zones as possible and minimize system use in the rest of the building.
Check equipment regularly (burners, coils, air filters, ducts, etc.) for proper operation and maintenance needs.
Use ENERGY STAR qualified roofing material with high reflectance.
When replacing heating or cooling systems, choose ENERGY STAR equipment.

Turn off printers, copiers, and coffee makers, etc., at the end of the day, and turn off desk lamps when not in use.
Activate "sleep" mode on computers and monitors.