UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State is again pursuing the reduction of energy use over the Holiday Break in accordance with Administrative Policy AD64.
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 between Dec. 21, beginning at 5 p.m., and Jan. 1, 2018.
At University Park, special requests for exemptions to this procedure will be considered under the following guidelines and must be received prior to Friday, Dec. 8:
- 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 and forwarded to the responsible facility coordinator.
- The facility coordinator will submit the requests to Clayton Powers at the Office of the Physical Plant.
Heat reductions help conserve energy, reduce emissions and generate savings for the University. This initiative also helps the University meet its commitment to the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge of reducing energy usage by 20 percent over the next 10 years.
At locations other than University Park, the campus executive officer or administrative officer will determine the extent of the setback program, review requests for exceptions and render decisions locally.
The official holiday break this year will be from Dec. 22, 2017, through Jan. 2, 2018. It is expected building occupancy during this period will be minimal. At University Park, space temperatures will be set downward on Thursday, Dec. 21, at the close of business and will be restored to normal operating temperature by Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018.
Energy costs for University Park will once again exceed $25 million this year. The holiday heat reduction program at University Park has averaged about $225,000/year thanks to your efforts. Your cooperation in helping to reduce our energy expenditures and supporting our environmental stewardship initiatives during the holiday recess is greatly appreciated.
Further information may be found on the Office of Physical Plant website.