Did you know that a typical single-occupant office could use more than $35 worth of energy if office equipment, lighting, and a space heater remain on during the winter break while Illinois Tech is closed for business? Up to 75 percent of that energy consumption could be from a space heater alone. Multiply that amount by hundreds of offices around campus and the result is thousands of dollars that can be saved by simply turning off and unplugging equipment during the break.

The Facilities Operations and Maintenance Department will be placing unoccupied buildings into a “setback” mode during the winter break that keeps the buildings safe and minimizes energy consumption. To make this effort successful and benefit the university both environmentally and economically, we need all members of the Illinois Tech community to do their part. Here’s what you can do:

• Unplug Space Heaters
If you have an electric space heater in your office, you must register it with Facilities (email facilities-helpdesk@iit.edu noting “Space Heater” in the subject, or call 312.567.3320). Make sure that it is unplugged (not just turned off) when you leave for break. The building temperature will be dropped to a setback level that keeps the building safe, but if you leave your heater on, it will actually cost the university more since it will remain on all day and night. Leaving your heater on at any point when you’re not in the office is also a fire hazard and these should not be left unattended.

• Unplug Computer and Monitors
Unplug every electricity-using piece of equipment in your office. If you access your computer from home using remote access, then you may leave the computer on and plugged in, but make sure that the standby settings are set accordingly so that when you are not accessing the computer, it uses as little energy as possible. Also, unplug your computer monitor.

• Unplug Large Office Equipment and Desk Accessories
Look around the general office area for devices that are plugged in and make sure they are unplugged as well. This includes copiers, microwaves, coffee pots, shredders, pencil sharpeners, etc. Almost anything that is plugged in can still draw power when it is not in use.

If any office or individual has questions about items included in this plan or needs help turning something off, contact the Facilities Operations & Maintenance Department at facilities-helpdesk@iit.edu or call 312.567.3320.

Happy Holidays!