Illinois Tech spends an average of $500,000 per month on energy. Winter break is an excellent opportunity to reduce that cost and conserve dollars that can be used for other needs. We ask for your assistance by checking the following before you leave for the holidays:

Turn off Lights
When leaving for the holiday, turn off all office lights that are controlled by a standard wall switch. General hallway, common space, and emergency lighting within the building will be available and addressed by Facilities Maintenance Staff.

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.

The Facilities Department will be placing unoccupied buildings into a “setback” mode during the winter break that keeps the buildings safe and minimizes energy consumption. 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!