Energy Conservation: Cooling Season Curtailment Steps
As part of the University’s on-going efforts to save energy and natural resources, the Department of Facilities and Real Estate Services plans to institute the same curtailments used last summer. Across campus, for the next several weeks, Facilities Services staff will be fine-tuning systems and adjusting temperatures from the heating season set point of 68 degrees to the cooling season set point of 78 degrees.
In many of the newer buildings this may be done remotely, however in the older buildings adjustments are typically made at thermostats throughout the building. Therefore in older buildings, occupants are asked to please maintain the 78 degrees.
In the event of extreme heat–typically when outdoor conditions reach 94 degrees with 50 percent humidity–Facility Services staff will institute an action plan calling for the following:
• E-mail alerts asking the Penn community to turn off all lighting in areas with any natural daylight. In areas without natural day lighting, but with task lighting, only overhead lighting should be turned off.
• Shut down select equipment (i.e. air handling units, general exhaust fans, etc.) in specific buildings and in consultation with appropriate school officials.
• Institute rolling 30-minute shutdowns of some air-handling units with as much prior notification to the appropriate school officials as possible.
In addition, during the extreme heat, people are urged to follow these
safety tips:
• Increase your intake of non-alcoholic, non-carbonated, caffeine-free
beverages, such as water and juice.
• Wear clothing that is light in color and loose fitting.
• Avoid the outdoors during extreme heat and stay out of the sun,
especially at mid-day.
• Stay in air-conditioned environments if possible. Find a cool place for
relief if your home is not air-conditioned.
• Check on the elderly, family members, friends, and neighbors for their
well-being.
• Eliminate strenuous activities such as running, biking, lawn care, or
other physical exertion.
• Do not eat heavy meals; avoid using cooking ovens.
• Take cool baths or showers; use cool towels.
• Do not let anyone sit in a hot car, even for a few minutes.
For more information, please contact Facilities and Real Estate Services
at 898-7208.
Thank you for your attention in reviewing these steps in preparation for the challenges of this cooling season. With your support and cooperation, we will again be successful in helping the University in this critical effort.
—Omar Blaik, Senior Vice President, Facilities & Real Estate Services
Almanac, Vol. 51, No. 30, April 26, 2005
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