| Local Policy Description: | Energy Conservation
Maximizing the efficiency of existing energy-using products in the workplace can also achieve significant emissions reductions in addition to purchasing policies for newer, more energy efficient equipment. The most effective way to maximize energy efficiency is to use less energy. Energy conservation measures are generally small behavioral changes that, cumulatively, can make a big difference. The Local Action Plan recommends encouraging less consumption to reduce 56 tons eCO2 by 2008. This represents less than one percent of current county government emissions.
The key to a successful conservation program is to encourage departmental participation and specifically recognize departmentwide and individual actions. Conservation does not mean deprivation. Everyone needs adequate lighting, heating, and cooling in the workplace. However, there are a number of conservation measures that can be effectively instituted. Some of these include:
• Promote energy education, training workshops, and participation incentives.
• Use natural light whenever possible.
• Turn off unnecessary lights.
• Enable power management features in computers and other office equipment to
maximize savings. (Screen savers do not save energy; complex screen savers actuallyincrease energy use)
• Shut down computers at night.
• In the winter, close window coverings at the end of the day to cut down on heat loss. In the summer, close window coverings during the day to avoid the heat gain of direct sunlight.
• Turn off all lights at night, including task and office lights.
• Turn down heaters when closing for the night.
• Reuse and recycle paper products.
|