Energy

Things you can do

✓ Check out this list of energy savings pledges you can make for home or work.

✓ Take advantage of natural light when possible instead of using lights, or at least only use as many lights as you need.

✓ If you’re the last to leave a room or classroom — for any time more than 10 seconds — turn off the lights.

✓ Unplug all electronics that are not in use.

✓ Avoid phantom loads. Charging cords for electronics that have a mini transformer on them (like most laptops) use electricity when plugged in, even when they are not connected to their devices. This is known as a phantom load. When you multiply the amount of electricity from devices that are left plugged in like this it can really add up.

✓ Turn off your computer monitor when it’s not used. Some TRU monitors turn off automatically after several minutes of no use, but turning it off before that happens saves energy — and that’s always a good habit. Plus, it only takes one second.

✓ Handicap buttons for building doors — only push them if you need to. Using them unnecessarily let’s more hot air escape outside in the colder months, and air conditioned air in the warmer months — and that means energy is being wasted.

✓ Dress weather-appropriate to moderate energy usage in heating and cooling. See this quick guide on how to dress for winter weather.

✓ Write an energy-related proposal for our Sustainability Grant Fund. If you are successful, you could access up to $100,000.

✓ Lots of these things can also be done at home, so start developing good habits in both places.

✓ Use a smart power bar/surge protector — all you have to do is ask IT Services and they can get you set up.