Most of the energy consumed in the United States is produced from non-renewable and increasingly scarce fossil fuels. Our energy dependency can be costly in both economic and environmental terms. With energy prices on the rise, a more energy efficient apartment can mean significant savings on your electricity and/or heating bills. Environmental problems associated with the burning of fossil fuels range from smog pollution and acid rain to global warming due to rising CO2 emissions. In 2006 the University took a major step toward reducing its environmental impact by signing a contract to buy 10% of the energy for its dorms from renewable wind sources. But there is still a lot that you can do to reduce your own energy consumption.
[Lighting]
Turn out the lights when you leave a room, whether it's your own or a common space like a lounge or shared bathroom.
Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). A CFL can be used anywhere that a traditional bulb can, consuming less than 1/4 of the energy and lasting 10 times as long (which means buying less replacements). If you live in the Shoreland, Snell-Hitchcock, or any dorm that provides desk lamps in every room, the front desk should be able to give you CFLs for your lighting fixtures. If the front desk does not have CFLs, file a work order. Otherwise, the University of Chicago Environmental Center (UCEC) may be able to either give you a bulb, or at least direct you to a local retailer that sells them.
[Heating and cooling]
Keep your thermostat as low as possible. Before you are tempted to turn it up, try putting on another layer of clothing.
Turn radiators or air-conditioners down or off when you are not in your room/apartment. It actually takes less energy to quickly heat/cool a space when you return than it does to keep it at a constant temperature throughout the day.
Tell someone. If you believe that a dorm or academic building is being consistently overheated, get in touch with someone from facilities or Residence Halls and Commons (RHC); see the web resources section for contact information. RHC is generally happy to turn down the heat and save a little extra money.
Don't open windows in overheated rooms. File a work order or Contact facilities or RHC and ask them to reduce the heat.
[Appliances]
Energy Star ratings. When purchasing appliances, look for this logo:
This label indicates an energy efficient product. For more information on the Energy Star program, see www.energystar.gov.
Share a fridge. Mini fridges consume a lot of energy and are generally not full.
Turn off electronic devices (computers, printers, etc.) when not in use.
Computers: set computers to automatically enter sleep mode after about 15 minutes of inactivity.
Unplug electronics. Appliances with built in digital clocks (like microwaves and VCRs), remote controls (TVs and radios), and appliances with transformers continue to draw energy as long as they're plugged in, even if they are supposedly "off." If you are not planning on using these appliances for a while, unplug them.
[ Web Resources ]