Sustainability @ the
University of Rochester

A note to students from Lisa Glover-Henderson: Temperature rollbacks

February 15, 2009
For years we’ve all been learning more about how to be environmentally conscious. Now were also reading headlines about the economic crisis—and even feeling the effects. You may be wondering what the University of Rochester plans to do to address both those important issues. Interestingly enough, one response allows us to conserve energy, reduce our carbon footprint, and save money.

University Facilities has implemented a plan to roll back temperatures in academic and administrative buildings across campus to a “pleasant” 68 degrees. Sure, it may mean that you'll have to leave your jacket on in class, but it also means the University will shave $65,000 a year off its utilities bill with each degree the temperature is set back. Overall, this effort, combined with other new energy-saving measures, has the same beneficial effect as planting 22 acres of trees each year, decreasing harmful carbon dioxide emissions by 165,631 pounds.

Also, ResLife is implementing several energy-saving measures, including decreasing the temperature in residential buildings by one degree. So, while you may have to wear long sleeves a little more often than before, now you can enjoy the warm and fuzzy feeling that comes from knowing you’re helping the environment and saving money all at once! And if that’s not enough, just think of all the ways your tuition money could be better spent other than making sure you can wear a t-shirt indoors in February.

If you’ve got more ideas for the University or for fellow students about how to conserve energy and save money, shoot an e-mail to csc@facilities.rochester.edu.

Take heart. Spring is just around the corner!

Lisa is assistant director of central utilities for University Facilities and Services. A mechanical engineer, Lisa is responsible for managing the direct digital system that controls the heating and cooling in all River Campus buildings and the project manager of the energy conservation campaign.