Office Equipment & Computers
Let It Rest
Enable the sleep mode on your computer and peripherals (monitor, printer, scanner, etc.) and all office equipment. This will reduce direct energy use and reduce the heat load generated by the equipment.
How to get started:
(As with all initiatives, be sure to check with your department chair or director before you begin taking action.)
- Work with your IT staff to adjust the settings on your office equipment so that the sleep function is enabled. If you do not have staff to help, see the manufacturer’s manual or website for instructions on how to set your sleep function.
- Work with your IT staff to encourage the rest of your department members to enable the sleep settings on their machines.
- Ensure that new equipment purchased for your department is set to default to sleep mode. Also, be sure to look for Energy Star certified electronics and equipment, following the university’s Sustainable Purchasing Directive.
Stop Phantom Power
Most equipment and electronics use power even when they are in the “off” position. This is sometimes called phantom power. Ensure that your office isn’t a culprit by using a power strip to turn off all machines at the wall with the flip of a switch. There are even power strips, such as the Smart Strip, that can shut down all your peripherals when you shut down your computer at the end of the day.
How to get started:
(As with all initiatives, be sure to check with your department chair or director before you begin taking action.)
- Find or purchase a power strip(s) for your work station.
- Plug all of the office equipment into the power strip(s) so that you can use the switch to turn them off at the end of the day.
- Set a reminder on your Outlook calendar or write yourself a note to remind yourself that you should turn off the strip each day.
- If you are trying to implement this for the entire division or department, do a count of how many strips you will need. Look for areas that contain shared equipment, as well as personal offices/work stations that want to participate.
Last to Leave
Energy is wasted between the time most offices and classrooms close for the evening and the time that the custodial staff arrives to clean in the morning.
How to get started:
- For the public/shared areas, you can implement a Last to Leave program. Determine the people in the department who typically leave last everyday (or most days). 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 and power strips 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.
- 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.
- 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.
