Sustainability 103: Energy, Materials, Water and Transportation Conservation

Purpose 

To promote conservation of resources at UAA.

References

UAA Energy Policy

Policy

Energy Conservation:

1] Switch off lights when they are not needed.
2] Call Maintenance to remove excess light tubes and ballasts.
3] Switch off computers when they are not being used within two hours.
4] Upgrade computer displays with LCD flat screens instead of old-style CRTs.
5] Use electronic equipment that goes into an energy saving mode when not being used.
6] Don’t use electric space heaters... call Maintenance to fix heat problems.
7] Centralize and share beverage and food machines (microwave ovens, coffee makers, blenders, etc.) rather than having duplicate equipment in each office.
8] If chilly and the current office temperature is between 68° F and 75° F, consider wearing more or heavier clothing rather than turning up the heat

Material Conservation:

1] Make double-sided copies whenever possible or practical.
2] Use the backs of single-sided copies for scratch paper prior to recycling.
3] Avoid making copies by using electronic distributions.
4] Make good use of scanning technology and e-mail attachments instead of faxing.
5] Use paper with high post-consumer content.
6] Avoid using Styrofoam and plastic products... substitute with green paper or reusable products whenever possible.
7] Don’t print draft materials... proofread off of your computer monitor.
8] Encourage the use of online forms rather than paper forms.
9] Don’t stockpile online forms in hard copy format... only print them as needed.
10] Recycle office paper, cardboard and newsprint.
11] Use re-usable containers and utensils rather than single-use items.
12] Don’t discard paperclips and rubber bands... reuse them or give them to others who might need them.
13] Recycle toner cartridges by returning them to the purchase point or to Cartridge World.

Water Conservation
1] Don’t run water to get a cooler drink... use ice cubes or refrigerated water.
2] Don’t run water continuously when brushing teeth or washing. Only run the water when actually using it.
3] Use cold water instead of hot water whenever possible.

Transportation Conservation
1] Ride U-Pass, Seawolf Shuttle or carpool.
2] Use engine block heaters when the temperature drops below 20° F.
3] Consolidate and coordinate supply trips.
4] Commit to one or two days per week of not using your car.
5] Don’t leave vehicles idling for excessive periods.
6] Walk, bike, skate or ski if practical rather than drive.