Turn off the light when you leave the room.
The largest percentage of energy used in a clinical setting is for heating and cooling, approximately 45% of a hospital's energy budget1. Decreasing demand for heating and cooling is key in minimizing spikes in power consumption, meeting critical power needs during times of power curtailment, and can go a long way in reaching our overall goal of a 15 percent reduction (or more) in power usage.
ThermostatsAir Vents and Space Heaters
Shades, Windows, and Clothing
The End Result
Thermostats
If you can control the thermostat in your area, the suggested thermostat settings are 75°F in summer and 68-70°F in winter. A setting of 73°F in the summer uses 50% more energy than a setting of 78°F2.
If you can control your thermostat, adjust it more radically when everyone leaves for the day (assuming you are the last shift of the day and the area is unoccupied). If you have a programmable thermostat, take advantage of its capabilities to generate energy savings. If you have a manual non-pneumatic thermostat, consider investing in programmable thermostats for your area. Plant Services can install a programmable thermostat for your department if you place a work order.
Thermostat Management Tip: cranking the temperature down to a very low temperature doesn't cool an area faster. Thermostats and cooling systems work together to cool an area based on a fixed time to reach the setpoint temperature - same goes for heating3. Avoid the thermostat yo-yo effect. If you think the indoor temperature seems extremely cold or hot, call Plant Services (322-2041) and alert them to the temperature extreme. A simple repair can save a lot of energy and improve comfort.
Can you really feel a difference of two degrees on the thermostat in your office? Watch this video from ABC News on winter thermostat settings.
Some buildings are heated and cooled by steam and chilled water (instead of directly by electricity or natural gas). And in some buildings, Plant Services can centrally control the temperature set point. Thus, it is important to let them know if the building seems unusually cold or hot, instead of opening windows, bringing in fans or space heaters to regulate the temperature (which uses even more energy), or turning on the heat in the summer.
Don't block air vents with paper or cardboard or accidentally block vents with bookcases or other items. As much as 25% more energy is required to distribute air if your vents are blocked4.
Do not use space heaters. They are dangerous, waste energy, and are not allowed by Medical Center Policy.
Close shades and blinds during the hottest period of the day in the summer to keep heat out and cool air in. Open shades during the winter to take advantage of the natural heating. A major source of heat gain (increasing cooling demand in the summer) is the sun5.
Avoid opening windows in air conditioned or heated areas. If you need to open the windows, it could be a sign that the heating and air conditioning system is not working properly.
Accept more seasonal indoor temperature settings to avoid expensive (and sometimes wasteful) settings, especially during curtailment periods or energy spikes. Dress for the season and in layers to help moderate your own personal temperature.
If Vanderbilt decreases its electricity demand for heating and air conditioning by 15%,
it could avoid consuming up to 3.6 megawatt-hours of electricity in a day on peak demand days!
But what does this mean?
3.6 megawatt-hours of electricity is the same amount of power consumed by 83 average-sized homes in Nashville in a day.
Check The Math
40% of power for heating and air conditioning x 60 megawatt-hours consumption per day (on peak days) =
24 megawatt-hours, and
15% of 24 megawatt-hours = 3.6 megawatt-hours
Energy consumption of one average house in Nashville for a day = 0.043 megawatt-hours6
References
1 Consortium For Energy Efficiency, Inc. "Commercial Building Performance: Health Care Facilities", 2005.
2 Nashville Electric Service PowerNotes, July 2008.
3 Energy Star web page "Proper Use Guidelines for Programmable Thermostats", 2008.
4 Energy Star web page "Energy Star at Home and at Work" August 2007.
5 ACC Environmental Consultants, "Energy Saving Measures for Office Building Tenants".
6 Nashville Electric Service web page "Residential Rates", 2008.
Patient Care Areas
Heating and Cooling | Lighting | Computers and Equipment | Miscellaneous Items
