If you are going to be away from your office or home for an extended period of time over the holidays, remember to power down before you leave. This is a great opportunity to reduce your energy consumption and environmental impact.
- If permitted in your area, turn off and unplug your computer, monitor, printer, microwaves, lamps, cell phone chargers, televisions, refrigerators, copiers, fax machines, coffee makers, etc. that will not be in use while you are gone. Many types of electronic equipment still draw small amounts of electricity even when turned off (“vampire” power), so it is important to unplug them as well. Note: If you work in a clinical space where vital updates are regularly performed to computer workstations, please leave your processor on so updates may take place. You may, however, turn off your monitor during this process.
- Turn off your room, office, desk, kitchen, bathroom and common area lights.
- Check the thermostat setting and set to 65 degrees or lower.
- If you work in a lab, close your fume hood sashes before leaving for the holiday.
- Turn down your electric and gas water heaters to conserve energy and gas.
Visit the ThinkOne website for additional ways you can reduce your energy consumption at Vanderbilt.
For more information about Vanderbilt’s sustainability program, visit SustainVU, become a fan of the SustainVU Facebook page, or contact SEMO at SustainVU@vanderbilt.edu
Contact: Kendra Abkowitz, (615) 322-9022