University Park

Building heat reductions planned for the holiday break

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Once again this year, Penn State will implement reduced temperature settings in many University buildings during the holiday break to support energy reduction strategies. All faculty and staff should have already received notice via email.

At University Park, faculty and staff may use buildings over the holiday break, but indoor temperatures can be expected to be at 50°F and ventilation systems will be off. Building temperatures will begin to be set downward on Friday, Dec. 21, at the close of business and will be restored to normal operating temperature by Wednesday morning, Jan. 2.

Special requests for exceptions to this University policy will be considered under the following guidelines and should be received by Friday, Dec. 14, and no later than Tuesday, Dec. 18.

-- Requests will be reviewed only for facilities serving the general public and in laboratories where research projects could be compromised by the temperature setback.

-- Such exception requests, specifying dates and time of day, must be endorsed by the cognizant dean or administrative officer.

-- At University Park, these requests should be addressed to Bob Mulhollem, rem26@psu.edu.

-- At locations other than University Park, the appropriate provost, campus executive officer or administrative officer will determine the extent of the setback program, review requests for exceptions and render decisions locally.

The holiday break this year will be from Dec. 22 through Jan. 1 inclusive. It is expected that building occupancy during this period will be minimal.

Energy costs are continually rising for the University, and Penn State is aggressively pursuing the reduction of energy use where appropriate in accordance with Administrative Policy AD64. Reducing building temperatures conserves energy and generates savings for the University.

-- Energy costs for University Park alone will exceed $40 million this year.

-- During past years, the net cost avoidance resulting from the 10-day holiday heat reduction program at University Park has ranged from $170,000 to $240,000.

-- Reduced steam and electricity consumption saves burning fossil fuels, which in turn eliminates the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

-- Saving energy is not only an issue of cost but also one of environmental stewardship.

The University appreciates your cooperation in helping to reduce our energy expenditures and supporting our environmental stewardship initiatives during the holiday recess.

 

Last Updated December 13, 2012

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