Buildings and Energy Use
Adopting energy-efficient systems can significantly curb the environmental impact of your facility, lowering its carbon emissions and resource consumption.
Strategies and Practices
Getting Started
- Control computer power-management settings facility-wide
- Reduce heating and cooling requirements in areas that are not being used (cafeterias, educational area, office space)
- Optimize lighting requirements based on usage and install controls with timers and motion sensors
- Provide power strips in easy-to-access locations to facilitate equipment shutdown
- Weather-strip/caulk windows or doors where drafts can be felt
- Pre-cool spaces to reduce peak demand charges
- Install low-flow faucets, toilets and shower heads
Long Term Strategies
- Add continuous roof insulation
- Install low solar grain window films
- Begin a comprehensive water management program
- As contracts are being renewed, pursue purchase power agreements (PPAs): long-term renewable energy contracts
- Reduce facility energy use through efficiency and design initiatives. The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications specify actions for new and existing buildings.
- As equipment is needed, purchase equipment with favorable ENERGY STAR or similar efficiency ratings
- Use drought-resistant plants to minimize water use and harvest rainwater
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