Energy Saving Tips
TCNJ's students, faculty and staff can help the energy conservation effort by following these tips -
Appliances & Other Equipment:
- Purchase only energy-efficient models.
- Turn off all energy consuming office and research equipment when not in use, e.g., copiers, refrigerators, environmental rooms, fume hoods, etc.
Computers:
- Screen savers do not save energy but giving your computer a nap does. Enable power management features so your computer monitor and hard drive will go into a low power (blank screen) "sleep mode" when not actively in use.
- Keep all computer equipment off unless in use – especially at night and on weekends.
- Turn off your monitor when you go to lunch or to a meeting.
- When purchasing computers and peripherals, buy low wattage equipment certified by the EPA's "Energy Star" program and be sure to enable power management features when setting up equipment
- If your computer and other peripherals are connected to an accessible power strip, please turn off the power strip once your computer has finished shutting down. Keep in mind that turning off the power strip before the computer has finished the shutdown process may result in data loss or hardware malfunction.
Copiers & Printers:
- Enable power management features on laser printers and/or turn off laser printers when not actively printing.
- Think before you print! Print and copy as little as possible.
- When you must print, do it double-sided.
- Edit on screen, not on paper.
- Save to disk instead of printing on paper.
- Use e-mail to minimize paper use and don't routinely print e-mails.
- Send and store documents electronically instead of on paper.
- Designate a box for scrap paper and use it for printing all drafts or unofficial documents.
- Circulate documents instead of making an individual copy for everyone.
- Reuse envelopes by placing a new label over the old address.
Heating and Cooling:
- Dress appropriately to the season and keep thermostats set at 68 degrees.
- During the heating season, open blinds, drapes and curtains to let sun in. If cloudy, close them to keep the heat in especially at night.
- During the cooling season close blinds, drapes and curtains to block direct sun.
- Use hot water sparingly.
- See Guidelines for electric space heaters.
Lights:
- Turn off unused or unneeded lights.
- Use natural lighting instead of electric lighting whenever possible.
- Try task lighting and reduce overhead lighting.
- If you have a desk lamp, make sure it uses a fluorescent bulb.
- Don’t use table lamps unless illumination from the lamps is actually needed.
- "10 Min Rule" Please use the 10 min rule: If you do not plan to be in your room, or office for more then ten mins. turn off your lights.
- See Guidelines for good lighting.
Windows and Doors:
- Keep windows and doors closed in heated and air conditioned areas.
- Close vestibule doors when propped open.
- Keep rollup doors closed in shipping / receiving area closed when not in use.
Report Energy Waste
Please report instances of energy waste to the Office of Facilities Operations 609.771.2353
