Dear Illinois Tech Community Members,

Illinois Tech spends an average of over $700,000 per month on energy. Winter break is an excellent opportunity to reduce that cost and conserve dollars that can be used for other needs. Just a 10 percent reduction in energy use while we’re on break can save tens of thousands of dollars, enough to provide substantial savings for the university during a normally high energy usage time of year. This is also an easy way to further our sustainability goals and limit the impact of our energy use on the environment. Let’s all do our part this holiday season! Here are some actions you can take:

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 buildings will be available and addressed by Facilities maintenance staff.

Unplug Space Heaters

Make sure that space heaters are unplugged (not just turned off) when you leave for break. Almost anything that is plugged in can still draw power when it is not in use. Leaving your heater on when you’re not in the office is also a fire hazard. If others in your office have already left for the holidays, please check theirs too.

Turn Off and Unplug Computers 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 so that when you are not accessing the computer it uses as little energy as possible.

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.

Pull Down and Close Window Blinds and Shades in Offices, Hallways, etc.

Shutting and closing window blinds and shades when you leave for the holiday can provide energy savings by adding a measure of insulation to the windows. This will block heat from exiting our facilities and reduce the requirement for more energy needed to maintain safe space temperatures.

Please use a Post-it note, a calendar reminder, or anything else you need to remember to do this. If any office or individual has questions or needs help, contact the Facilities Operations and Maintenance service desk at facilities-helpdesk@illinoistech.edu or call 312.567.3320.

All of us in Facilities wish you a safe and happy holiday!

Kevin Gallagher
Associate Vice President for Facilities
Illinois Tech