The following initiatives represent AU’s efforts to reduce energy use:
- Developing awareness on the part of the campus communities in terms of “why” we need and desire to reduce consumption of energy and water.
- Changing our expectations in terms of building temperatures, lighting, and the amount of water we consume.
- Continuing to implement energy and water conservation best practices.
- Investing in technologies and equipment that consume less electricity, natural gas, and clean water.
- Designing and constructing energy- and water-efficient buildings and facilities.
- Replacing existing conventional bulbs to LED bulbs with sensors.
- Installing building management systems for energy efficiency in existing buildings.
- Investing in a state-of-the-art building management system for the new student community center.
AU’s Energy Conservation Policy requires that all members of the campus community support efforts to reduce the consumption of energy through the following actions:
- Use only the amount of lighting required.
- Turn lights off when leaving offices, classrooms, residence hall rooms, etc.
- Turn off computers, screens, and printers when not in use. Turning computers, screens, and printers off frequently will not damage the devices.
- Take advantage of the power management settings programmed into computers, printers, copiers, etc.
- Unplug electric chargers for devices when not in use.
- Adjust the thermostat to 21 degrees during the heating periods when leaving the space for periods exceeding several hours, or in the evenings, over weekends, and during semester breaks.
- Adjust the thermostat to the automatic setting where possible.
- Keep windows closed during hot and cold periods.
- Keep exterior doors shut to prevent the entry of hot, humid air.
- Facilities staff to turn off lights and fans in areas not in use.
- Dining staff to turn on equipment on a “just in time” basis rather than running on all equipment all day.