Lighting
Flip the Switch
If you are going to be leaving a room for more than 5 minutes, or are the last person to leave a meeting, class, or conference take a moment to turn out the lights. A sign or other prompt can help people remember to turn out the light.
Last to Leave
Find a willing volunteer who can ensure lights and equipment are off at the end of every day, especially on Fridays. By making this a rotating or shared responsibility, it helps get the word out to the whole department about this important action.
How to get started
(As with all initiatives, be sure to check with your department chair or director before you begin taking action.)
- 1. Determine the people in the department who typically leave last everyday (or most days).
- 2. Ask the people/person if they would be willing to check at the end of the day for equipment and lights that have been left on, especially on Fridays. Make a checklist of the equipment and rooms for them to visit, and walk through the department with them to identify where to check and where on/off switches are located. Be sure that only community equipment, such as copiers, or non-work related machines, such as coffee pots, are targeted. Research computers or other essential equipment should not be included.
- 3. Check with other department members to ensure they are aware that there will be an energy sweep at the end of the day. This may prompt others to remember to turn off their own lights and equipment.
- 4. Realize that people may take a while to transition into new behaviors. Be patient and supportive. Send an email or poke your head in the Last to Leave volunteer’s office and thank him/her in advance for turning of the lights and office equipment, which will also serve as a reminder.
