COVID-19: Powering Down Campus

COVID-19 has become a serious issue to consider on campus and information is changing quickly. For those of us who will be working remotely or leaving campus for extended periods of time, please consider taking the time to do the following:

• Turn off power strips and unplug any electronics plugged directly into a wall socket. This will help reduce vampire power drain from devices that use electricity even while turned off.
  • Remember that if you are going to be working from home, you should leave your desktop computer plugged in and turned on so that you may still access it via Remote Desktop Protocol.
• Turn off all lights in your area (that are not being actively used by someone else).
• Shut all windows and shades. This conserves heat inside the building rather than lose it to the outside through our windows.
• Close all interior and exterior doors. This helps our ventilation systems work at peak efficiency.
• Completely close fume hood sashes in labs. Please speak to your local lab managers about best practices for your particular fume hoods and take the time to read through our lab shutdown tips if you work in a lab setting.
• Report any facility issues (e.g. leaky faucets, running toilets, overly hot or cold rooms, etc.) before you leave through your "Request a Service" function on PAWS.
• Remind your colleagues and students to take these actions before they leave as well.

Working together towards energy conservation can help campus save an astounding amount of energy over time, which equates to cost savings for the whole university.

For more information on saving energy at home, check out some of our Being Sustainable guides.

Be safe, take all appropriate precautions to reduce the spread of infection, and, most importantly, be good to others. Solidarity, compassion, and hope are our greatest assets. Take care out there.