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Let’s save energy together - how can YOU help?
SFU has a target of reducing energy by 2% year over year. Help us by integrating these easy behaviors into your daily routine.
Turn down thermostats & put on your sweater
SFU reduced the temperature by 2oC on the National Sweater Day in 2014 and saved about 130 GJ of energy and 6,500 kg of carbon dioxide in one day. The greenhouse gas reduction is equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 5.3 acres of U.S. forests in one year.
Close your windows on cold days
In winter, windows are a major source of heat loss in most areas. Opening the windows on cold days will allow heat to escape from the buildings. As a result, more energy is required to compensate for the heat loss.
Turn off lights
When a light is turned off, it stops using energy. If each office at SFU has a 60-watt desk lamp turned off for an hour each day, it would save the university about 60,000 kWh per year, which could power five households for one year.
Turn off computer monitors and other electronics when not in use
Screensavers do not save energy. A computer monitor can use almost full power even when the screensaver is running. If you must leave the CPU on, turn off the monitor. You can also enable the power management settings on your computer.
Turn off personal heaters and or fans
Most portable heaters use a lot of energy. When you turn on a 1,500-watt heater, it's equivalent to turning on 15 100-watt incandescent light bulbs. If you feel chilly, try to first seek for low-carbon options such as wearing a sweater or closing the windows. If those won't help, please contact Facilities Services Service Desk.
Close office drapes and blinds
On cold days, heat is lost through windows. Closing the blinds can add some insulation to the windows, thus reducing heat loss. South-facing windows can be a source of heat during sunny winter days. However, on overcast days or at night, closing the blinds will help reduce heat loss.
Do not block air supply vents
Air supply vents provides heat and conditioned air to the area. Blocking the vents will affect the air circulation of the space, adding an extra load to the cooling or heating system.
Use LEDs in desk lamps and personal task lights
LED consumes less power (watts) relative to the amount of light generated (lumens). It uses 75% less power than incandescent lighting and also lasts longer. Light quality is often improved while saving energy at the same time.