5/28/2002, Energy Conservation Reminder: Cooling Season Curtailment Steps

Energy Conservation Reminder:
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.

Through these measures in 2001, Penn reduced consumption by five percent, thus saving more than 18.5 million kilowatt hours. This is the equivalent of planting 5300 acres of trees or removing 2500 cars from the road.

Across campus, for the past several weeks, Facilities staff have been fine-tuning systems and adjusting space 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 space thermostats throughout the building. Therefore in older buildings occupants are asked to please maintain 78 degrees.

In the event of extreme heat--typically when outside conditions reach 94 degrees with 50 percent humidity--Facilities will institute an action plan that calls for:

Sending out 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.
Shutting down select equipment (i.e. air handling units, general exhaust fans, etc.) in specific buildings in consultation with appropriate school officials.
Instituting rolling 30-minute shutdowns of some air handling units with as much prior notification to appropriate school officials as possible.
Requesting that faculty and staff leave after noon or be directed to work at home since peak demand usually occurs between 1 and 4 p.m. This step requires the approval of the Provost and the Executive Vice President. Announcements will be made through e-mail, voice mail and the MELT line, which is typically used for snow emergencies.

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 be successful in helping the University in this critical effort.

-- Omar Blaik, Vice President,Facilities & Real Estate Services

-- Barry Hilts, Associate Vice President,Facilities Operations

Almanac, Vol. 48, No. 35, May 28, 2002

ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS:

Tuesday,
May 28, 2002
Volume 48 Number 35
www.upenn.edu/almanac/

The Law School awards teaching awards, including some new ones.

Two SAS faculty members will be appointed Annenberg Professors.

As the weather warms up outside, the cooling season energy conservation measures are planned for inside campus buildings.

A search committee is formed for the School of Social Work Dean position.

The Alumni Reunion Gifts will provide funds for scholarships and campus enhancements.

It is almost time for the annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation Picnic.

This call is for you….is your entry in the Telephone Directory correct? How to update records if they are incorrect and out-of-date.

City Year, an AmeriCorps program, will have its annual convention at Penn in early June, with a day of service that the Penn community is invited to participate in along with the 1,000 young people from across the U.S.

New Border Security Legislation, Changes in Student Visa Processing and Bioterrorism Legislation are some of the topics in the The Government Affairs Update.

Penn Perspective is a perfect place to ponder this complex place.

Detecting pain in infants and children; understanding a matriarchy; treating severe depression and preparing troops to train with simulated situations.