Minimizing Wellesley’s Energy Consumption

To: The Wellesley Community
From: Robert Lamppa, Director of Energy, Infrastructure & CSO
Re: Minimizing Wellesley’s Energy Consumption
Date: December 19, 2018

As we prepare for winter break from December 23, 2018, to January 2, 2019, we would like to let you know about some important energy reduction initiatives. While the College will not be shut down completely during this time, with your help we can conserve as much energy as possible to save on campus operating costs and reduce the generation of greenhouse gases.

The easiest energy to save is the energy we don’t use, commonly known as the “nega-watt.” Because electricity use is something over which we have some direct control, we can all make efforts in this area. Turning off all lights when not needed saves energy and money, and cuts down on greenhouse gas production. LTS has modified its process so that computers don’t need to be left on during software upgrades, so we can turn off computers when they’re not in use, especially nights and weekends. In addition, let’s power down copiers, printers, scanners, and other hardware at the end of the day, over the weekends, and especially during winter break. We should also unplug our office and personal “plug-ins,” i.e. anything that can be plugged into an outlet, when not in use, or plug them in to a power strip that can be turned off. Taking all of these small steps will add up to significant savings.

Before you leave campus for the break, please follow this checklist:

• Shut windows and lock them if possible, and close window coverings.
• Shut exterior doors.
• Turn radiator valves back to #2.
• Set thermostats to 62 degrees.
• Turn off all computers, lights, power strips, and all other plug-ins.

By following these guidelines, you will help make the College a more sustainable community. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call maintenance services dispatch at 781-283-2767. If it is an official holiday, a recorded message will instruct you to call Campus Police at 781-283-2755.

Have a good winter break, and best wishes for 2019.

Thank you!