Energy Guidelines

for Conservation and Building Management

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Every person is expected to be an “energy saver” as well as an “energy consumer.”
  • Faculty and staff members are responsible for implementing the guidelines while on campus within their classrooms and respective offices.
  • The custodian/cleaners are responsible for the control of common areas, i.e. halls, cafeteria, etc.
  • Since the custodians are typically the last persons to leave a building in the evening, they are responsible for verification of the nighttime shutdown.
  • Physical Plant Services is committed to and responsible for the maintenance of the learning environment.
  • To promote a safe, healthy learning environment and to complement the energy management program, each faculty and staff member shall adhere to the preventive maintenance and monitoring plan administered by the Athens State University Physical Plant for its facilities and systems, including HVAC, building envelope, and moisture management.

GENERAL

  1. Classroom doors shall remain closed when HVAC is operating.  Ensure doors between conditioned space and non-conditioned space remain closed at all times (i.e. between hallways, gym, and exterior doors).
  2. Non-critical or non-essential exhaust fans should be turned off every day and during unoccupied hours.
  3. All office machines (copy machines, laminating equipment, etc.) shall be switched off each night and during unoccupied times.
  4. All computers should be turned off each night.  This includes the monitor, local printer, and speakers.  Network or sensitive equipment is excluded.
  5. All capable PC’s should be programmed for the “energy saver” mode using the power management If network constraints restrict this for the PC, ensure the monitor “sleeps” after 10-minutes of inactivity.

AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT

  1. Occupied temperature settings shall NOT be set below 70°F unless that area is identified as a critical environment that requires cooling below 70°F.
  2. The unoccupied time shall begin when the students, faculty, or staff leave an area.
  3. During unoccupied times, the air conditioning equipment shall be off. It is anticipated that the temperature of the classroom will be maintained long enough to afford comfort for the period faculty remains in the classroom after the students have left.
  4. Air conditioning start times may be adjusted (depending on weather) to ensure student and faculty comfort when classes begin.
  5. Ensure outside air dampers are closed during unoccupied times.
  6. Relative humidity levels shall not exceed 60% for any 24 hour period.
  7. Air conditioning should not be utilized in classrooms during the summer sessions unless the classrooms are being used for instruction or extracurricular activities. Air conditioning may be used by exception only or in those campus buildings that are involved in team-cleaning.
    • Cooling Season Occupied Set Points: 70°F – 72°F
    • Unoccupied Set Point: 78°F
    • Heating Season Occupied Set Points: 68°F – 72°F
    • Unoccupied Set Point: 65°F
    • Setpoints are in accordance with ASHRAE 55 “Thermal Conditions for Human Occupancy”

HEATING EQUIPMENT

  1. Occupied temperature settings shall NOT be above 72°F unless it is a critically controlled environment.
  2. The unoccupied time shall begin when the students, faculty, or staff leave an area.
  3. The unoccupied temperature setting shall be 65°F (i.e. setback). This may be adjusted to a 60°F setting during extreme weather (With exception to some labs,…).
  4. During the spring and fall when there is no threat of freezing, all steam and forced-air heating systems should be switched off during unoccupied times unless required to maintain a sensitive environment. Hot water heating systems should be switched off using the appropriate loop pumps.
  5. Ensure all domestic hot water systems are set no higher than 120°F or 140°F for cafeteria service (with dishwasher booster).
  6. Ensure all domestic hot water re-circulating pumps are switched off during unoccupied times.
  7. In applicable areas with heat pumps, ensure a 6°F dead-band between heating and cooling modes.

LIGHTING

  1. All unnecessary lighting in unoccupied areas will be turned off.  Faculty and students should make certain that lights are turned off when leaving an empty classroom.  Utilize natural lighting where appropriate.  “Lights off in unoccupied areas” is the theme to spread around campus.
  2. All outside lighting shall be off during daylight hours unless required for a university-sponsored event.
  3. Gym lights should not be left on unless the gym is being utilized.
  4. All lights will be turned off when students, faculty, and staff leave the area.  Custodians will turn on lights only in the areas in which they are working.
  5. Refrain from turning lights on unless definitely needed. Remember that lights not only consume electricity but also give off heat that places an additional load on the air conditioning equipment and thereby increases the use of electricity necessary to cool the room.

WATER

  1. Ensure all plumbing and/or intrusion (i.e. roof) leaks are reported and repaired immediately. If possible, grounds watering should only be done between 4 am-10 am.
  2. Try not to water during the heat of the day, typically between 10 am – 8 pm.
  3. When spray irrigating, ensure the water does not directly hit the building.
  4. If possible, ensure water sub-meters are installed on irrigation and cooling tower supply lines to eliminate sewer charges.