Campus asked to conserve energy during extreme heat
The facilities department will be taking curtailment measures this week and asks the med center community to help. Energy curtailment is a proactive strategy that the med center uses to reduce energy use during times of high demand — such as extremely hot or humid summer days when power systems are under strain.
The med center implements curtailment days in summer months to protect the reliability of vital hospital and research systems. Patient care and critical research activities are not impacted.
Curtailment efforts across the med center keep essential hospital and research operating reliably. These steps also save utility costs, redirecting funding toward mission-critical initiatives, while also reducing emissions, supporting cleaner air and helping the med center meet sustainability goals.
Here are some ways to help during energy curtailment days:
- Close window shades, blinds and curtains to reduce solar heat gain.
- Lower lighting levels and turn off lights in unused spaces.
- Turn off and unplug unused electrical devices, such as computers, printers, coffee makers and chargers.
- Charge laptops, phones and other equipment after 7 p.m. if possible
- Shut fume hood sashes when not in use. Remember: “Shut the Sash!”
- Use manual door operation instead of using ADA buttons, if possible.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible.
- Encourage coworkers to take the same steps.
Experiencing temperature extremes?
If a workspace is colder than 68° F or warmer than 78° F, report it to these numbers:
• UNMC: 402.559.4050, or 9.4050 on campus.
• Nebraska Medicine: 402.552.3347, or 2.3347 on campus.
To learn more, visit the LiveGreen energy curtailment guidance page.
