October
is Energy Awareness Month
Every year DOE's
Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) reminds us that October
is Energy Awareness Month. This year's energy awareness theme, as
evidenced by the posters now on display around the Lab, is "Smart
Energy Choices: Support our economy, protect our environment, and
increase energy independence."
FEMP's mission
is to reduce the cost of government by helping agencies reduce energy
and water use, manage utility costs, and promote renewable energy.
FEMP works closely with the Facilities Division to find ways of
reducing Berkeley Lab's energy use.
What can each
of us do to help? The main thing, according to Syed Ali, the Facilities
Division's energy analyst, is to shut down our computers and monitors
when we go home. Computers use from 30 to 60 watts and monitors
average 150 watts, so leaving them on is the equivalent of having
a couple of reading lamps on day and night.
Here are a few
more energy saving tips:
•
Turn off lights when leaving a room for more than a minute
•
Shut off coffee pots, radios, fans, and other appliances.
•
Set thermostats to pre-cool spaces at off-peak times.
•
Close fume hood sashes.
FEMP's website
offers more tips on how to save energy at your facility
and in your home.
Finally, as a reward
for being an energy savings partner, look for FEMP's energy-awareness
giveaways at the Cafeteria entrance, including thermostat cards, key
rings, bookmarks, light switch covers, and refrigerator magnets.
Back to "Today
at Berkeley Lab"
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