ETSU ENERGY CONSERVATION PLAN
We have developed an energy conservation and reduction plan as part of continuing efforts to address budgetary
shortfalls due to reduced operating revenues. The concept of this plan is simple. It aims to ensure that we use only
what we need, and only for as long as we need it. The plan will put the following steps in place for all academic and
administrative buildings as quickly as possible:
1. Thermostats will be adjusted to a new daytime (occupied) setting of 68 degrees in winter and 74 degrees in
summer. The thermostats have a (+-) 2 degree band from setting.
2. Where building automation systems or programmable thermostats exist, temperatures will be adjusted to a
new nighttime (unoccupied) setting of 65 degrees in winter and 78 degrees in summer. (Temperature
sensitive areas such as animal labs, musical instrument rooms, computer server areas, etc, will be maintained
at the appropriate temperatures and may not be subject to night, weekend, or holiday setbacks.) Where
nighttime settings are feasible, they will also be in place during any unoccupied daytime events such as
holidays or weekends and all extended breaks. Generally speaking, if the University is not operating you
should not expect the heating and air conditioning systems in academic buildings to be “running as usual.”
3. Where technically possible heating systems will be turned off whenever outdoor air temperatures are above
60 degrees except in temperature sensitive areas listed above.
4. The use of portable space heaters will not be allowed unless an exemption for extenuating circumstances is
granted. The exemption includes medical, instructional, research or other special requirements. A work order
should be submitted to determine if space temperatures are within parameters. See appendix II for space
heater information.
5. A request for exemption to the policy and use of portable heaters is included as Appendix III.
6. Refrigerators as well as all appliances will be turned off and/or defrosted over the winter holiday break, spring
break, and summer break; it is a great time to clean for health.
7. Newly obtained refrigerators and other appliances must meet Energy Star standards. Existing appliances are
acceptable and considered grandfathered as of the implementation date of this policy.
 It is recommended that faculty and staff share common break rooms to reduce the need for
appliances in private offices.
 Please see Appendix I for typical appliance cost information.
In order to meet these guidelines, Facilities Management will monitor energy consumption and provide progress
updates in the sustainability news letter. Please remember to:



Turn off the lights when leaving office areas during extended periods of time, e.g. when leaving the office
during the lunch hour or leaving for a meeting in another area. Use natural lighting when feasible.
Turn off all classroom lights when not in use.
During installation OIT configures computer hardware to go into a low power mode when they are inactive for
a period of time. However, they still use power. When your computer is not needed, you should
consider powering off peripherals such as printers, monitors and speakers. Your computer can be
shut down as well but please note, your software updates that have been released during your
shutdown will load immediately at the next boot. You will also not be able to use remote desktop
tools if your computer is shut down.




Close laboratory exhaust hoods when not in use.
Dress appropriately for the lowered temperature settings.
When you see energy waste, speak up! Remind your friends, co-workers, or fellow students to conserve
energy.
If you have questions about details of the plan please contact: Facilities Management at 439-7900 or e-mail
James Newland at Newlanjm@etsu.edu.
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Appendix I
1. Typical Appliance Cost Information
Item
Space
Heaters
Coffee
Maker
Fans
Computer
Monitor
Toaster
Computer
Refrigerator
Small
Refrigerator
Incandescent
Bulbs
Fluorescent
Bulbs
Quantity
Wattage
Hours/Day
KWH
# of
Months
Used
1
1500
8
12
8
$207.86
1
1
800
60
8
8
6.4
0.48
12
12
$166.29
$12.47
1
1
1
1
150
1500
120
509
8
0.5
8
24
1.2
0.75
0.96
12.216
12
12
12
12
$31.18
$19.49
$24.94
$317.41
1
226
24
5.424
12
$140.93
1
75
8
0.6
12
$15.59
1
20
8
0.16
12
$4.16
Projected Annual Cost
2. Energy Conservation Submission:
Please submit your ideas for possible energy savings and/or conservation to Gary Bishop at bishopg@etsu.edu.
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Appendix II
East Tennessee State University
Portable Space Heater Policy
Purpose
The purpose of the following is to set forth a policy on portable space heaters in campus facilities.
General
Electric space heaters can cause inherit problems when used.
1. They can cause fire if used improperly or not meeting proper safety standards.
2. Their power demand can cause problems with electrical circuits and damage computers as well as
other equipment.
3. They are not intended for continuous use.
4. They waste energy and work against energy saving controls; i.e. thermostats.
Portable space heaters shall only be permitted in office areas of non-residential buildings for temporary use
and only after the following conditions are met.
1. Before use, any portable space heater shall be inspected for the following
a. Portable space heaters will bear a UL listing label.
b. Portable space heaters shall not have worn or damaged electrical cords, and plugs will be in
good condition.
c. Portable space heaters shall have a low center of gravity and contain a mechanism whereby the
heater shuts off automatically if tipped over.
d. Portable space heaters shall be placed a minimum of 3 feet from any combustible material (e.g.
curtains, papers, cloth etc.) and in a well ventilated area.
2. Employees requesting space heaters for medical reasons shall provide proper medical documentation
for a reasonable accommodation from the energy conservation policy.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Prohibition
The use of any portable heaters fueled by any source that produces open flame is strictly prohibited.
The use of any portable heater for permanent heating is strictly prohibited.
Portable heaters shall not be placed underneath desk, in any means of egress (exit path), or high traffic
areas.
Space heaters shall not be used in bathrooms, laundry rooms, or other areas where water is present.
Space heaters are prohibited when space temperatures comply with energy conservation guidelines;
680 for heating and 740 for cooling.
Heating Problems
3. Portable space heaters are not for use as permanent heating appliances. Approved portable electric
space heaters are only intended to supplement an office area’s heating need until a permanent solution
can be found to correct the heating problem or as an authorized emergency use due to heating system
failure.
4. Employees experiencing heating problems should call Facilities Management at 9-7900 or e-mail
newlanjm@etsu.edu.
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Appendix III
EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVIERSITY
REQUEST FOR WAIVER TO ENERGY CONSERVATION GUIDELIINES
Requestor:
Department:
Building and Room:
Date:
Item Requested:
Number of Items and or type of item:
Is the item for Educational/Research/Instructional purposes? Y ____ No_____
Justification for use of the item (please explain in detail):
If this request is related to a medical condition or disability, send the form to Linda Gibson, University ADA
Coordinator, P.O. Box 70605.
Requestor’s Signature:
Department Head Signature:
Other Comments:
Facilities Management Approval:
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