Energy Conservation Procedures
Refer to our Policies webpage for information on GRCC's Energy Policy.
Doors
- Classroom doors should remain closed when the HVAC (heating, ventilation or air conditioning) is operating.
- Doors between air conditioned space and non-air conditioned space should remain closed at all times. This greatly improves the environment.
- HVAC systems are designed to function optimally as isolated spaces which include closed doors.
Computers and Office Equipment
- All network office machines (computers, copy machines, network printers, etc.) should be in the "energy saver" mode to reduce consumption during unoccupied times.
- All computers should be turned off each night or when use is not anticipated for an extended period of time. This includes the monitor, local printer and speakers. These do not power off automatically when the computer is turned off.
- Ensure computer monitors are set to “sleep” after 10 minutes of inactivity. Screen savers keep the monitor in "active" mode and should not be confused with power management.
Appliances
- Departmental appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators and coffee pots require approval through the Executive Director of Facilities in writing, and should be restricted to common areas only.
- Personal radios or compact disc/tape decks will be permitted for use within college facilities by individuals at their respective work station. All other personally owned appliances such as heaters, foot warmers, etc., are not permitted for use on campus. Realizing exceptions may exist depending on location and usage; a written exception must be requested from the Facilities Department and approved by the Executive Director of Facilities. The Executive Director of Facilities or designee will notify the individual to remove non-permitted appliances.
Lighting
- All lamp bulb replacements will be energy efficient models when changed out.
- All unnecessary lighting in unoccupied areas should be turned off.
- Faculty and students should make certain that lights are turned off when leaving an empty classroom.
- All lights should be turned off when students, faculty and staff leave an area.
- Refrain from turning lights on unless definitely needed.
- Utilize natural lighting where appropriate. “Lights off in unoccupied areas” is the theme to spread around campus.
- Remember that lights not only consume electricity, but also give off heat that places an additional load on the air conditioning equipment, thereby increasing the use of electricity necessary to cool the room.
Temperature Guidelines
- Heating Season Occupied 69°-71° F Unoccupied 55°F
- Cooling Season Occupied 74°-76° F Unoccupied 85°F
- The unoccupied time should begin when the students, faculty or staff leave an area.
- The Energy Project Manager will make every effort to verify occupancy patterns and modify HVAC schedules to eliminate wasted energy in unoccupied spaces. Any room scheduling changes must be communicated to the Energy Project Manager or Building Manager at least a week in advance to ensure occupied settings for the room. Late requests may not be able to be accommodated.
- Exceptions will be made for areas that require specific temperature control (some laboratory areas, animal science, medical, etc.). Approval is required from the Executive Director of Facilities.
- Relative humidity levels should not exceed 60% for any 24 hour period. Notify the Energy Project Manager or Facilities if you suspect high humidity levels indoors.
- Window Air Conditioning Units – Window air conditioning units installed by the College may be in use in buildings that do not have central air conditioning. If you are scheduled in a space that has this type of unit, it is recommended that you turn on the unit at least 15 minutes before class begins. The unit will operate more efficiently if the classroom door remains closed. Please be sure to turn off the unit when leaving the classroom. Operating a unit in air conditioning mode when the outside air temperature is below 45° may damage the unit.
Campus-wide computer changes as part of the GRCC Energy Conservation Program
In accordance with the college's Energy Conservation Policy IT has enabled "power management" on all campus computers.
Since 2008 GRCC has partnered with ENERGY STAR by taking the Low Carbon IT Campaign Power Management Pledge. The ENERGY STAR Low Carbon IT campaign asks organizations to commit to activating “sleep” settings on all their computers. You can find a complete list of those organizations that have taken the pledge at: