Here are some energy saving tips for UT students, faculty and staff. University stakeholder adoption of these measures is strongly encouraged & critical to their success.

Everyone at UT is expected to use resources responsibly.

Heating & Air Conditioning

• • Dress according to the indoor climate.
  • Keep windows closed in temperature controlled areas.
  • Use blinds and drapes to regulate desired heat loss or heat gain.
  • Use rotating doors instead of standard hinged or sliding doors wherever possible.
  • Use laboratory fume hoods responsibly while maintaining a safe environment.
  • Try to refrain from using personal space heaters.

Operating Lighting Equipment

• • Turn off unused or unneeded lights. Don’t assume that someone else will do it.
  • Reduce lighting levels whenever possible.
  • Use natural lighting whenever possible.
  • Use energy-saving light bulbs.

Operating Water Systems

• • Use hot water sparingly.
  • Report leaky faucets or running toilets to the facilities hotline at 512-471-2020 (after 5p.m.).
  • Try to limit showers to four minutes or less.
  • Turn off faucets when possible (e.g. brushing teeth, shaving, washing hands, etc.).
  • Wash clothes using cold water whenever possible. Only very dirty items need hot water cleaning.

Operating Power & Electrical Appliances

• • Unplug (or switch off power strip for) appliances that are seldom used, especially during holidays.
  • Use a power strip to cut all power to appliances whenever possible.
  • Set refrigerators and freezers to reasonable temperatures. Recommended settings are: 37-40°F for refrigerators and 0-5°F for freezers.
  • Unplug (or switch off power strip for) all chargers when not in use.
  • Personal refrigerators are discouraged; instead utilize a community refrigerator.

Information Technology Energy Efficiency Management

• • Keep equipment off unless in use. This includes computers, monitors, speakers, printers, etc.
  • Enable power management features & set screens to turn-off when idling (screen savers don’t save energy).
  • Unplug (or switch off power strip for) equipment that is seldom used.
  • Use a copier, rather than a printer, to make multiple copies of a document.
  • Use e-mail communications as an alternative to paper memos & fax documents.

Other

• • Report observations of excessive energy use and concerns to 512-471-0492 UTakeCharge Hotline.
  • Parking is scarce; students & staff are encouraged to walk, bike and bus whenever possible.
  • Use of stairs instead of elevators is encouraged.
  • Do not idle vehicles for more than 5 minutes in a non-emergency situation.