Energy Saving Tips

  • TURN OFF LIGHTS. Turn off lights if natural daylight is sufficient and when you leave a room.
  • SWITCH TO CFL BULBS. Compact florescent lamps (CFLs) use 75 percent less energy and last 6-10X longer than incandescent bulbs.
  • TURN OFF COMPUTERS, PRINTERS AND PROJECTORS. Activate power management features to a low power mode when not in use. During the day, use "sleep", "stand-by" or "hibernate" mode instead of a screen saver. At the end of the day, don't just log off, shut-down!
  • MONITORS MATTER, TOO! Use low-wattage LCD flat screens vs. CRT monitors. In some cases, the energy-consumption of an average LCD display can be half to two-thirds of that for an average CRT. Turn off when not in use.
  • USE POWER STRIPS. Electronics still draw "phantom load" electricity when left plugged in, but not in use. These devices include TV's, monitors, speakers, printers, scanners, DVD players, cellphone chargers, etc. Invest in a power strip to control multiple devices with a single switch. Turn the power strip off when devices are not in use.
  • TAKE THE STAIRS. Elevators consume electricity while simply moving our bodies doesn't. Use the stairs as often as possible.
  • OPEN DOORS MANUALLY. Think twice before using an automated entrance or pushing a handicap access button to open a door. Open doors manually whenever possible.
  • ADJUST WINDOW COVERINGS. Make use of window coverings to let light in. Be sure to close them during warmer months to avoid heat build-up when a room is not in use.
  • ENGAGE FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION. Remind colleagues and classmates, tell a friend! Get involved in 彩神vlll争霸's commitment to sustainability!
  • REMEMBER YOUR RESOURCES. 彩神vlll争霸 Information Technology Services is available to assist you in adjusting your computers power management settings to optimize energy conservation at 786-4646. Report excessive energy use and concerns to Facilities Maintenance at 786-6980.
  • Sustainability Club

    The purpose of the club is bring students together for social events and projects to promote sustainability at 彩神vlll争霸 and in the local community.

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     Sustainability Club
  • Top 20 Actions

    Small actions make a big difference. Pick a couple below to get started:

    1. Buy only when you need it, not when you want it!
    2. Turn off lights,TV,radio, Wii, and coffee maker each time you leave the room.
    3. Take the PeopleMover (FREE with your Wolfcard) 1 day per week or more instead of driving your   car.
    4. Walk, ride your bike, or take the Seawolf shuttle to main campus.
    5. Join 彩神vlll争霸鈥檚 car cooperative. 鈥淐onnect by Hertz鈥�.
    6. Use a reusable coffee mug and get a 10垄 discount on campus!
    7. Drink from the water fountain or tap to reduce plastic bottle waste and use a reusable water bottle.
    8. Purchase furniture, clothing, school supplies and books through Craig鈥檚 List Anchorage.
    9. Buy 100% recycled paper and print double-sided. (Available at Costco & Office Max)
    10. Buy 100% biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning products and toiletries. Click . 
    11. Use energy efficient light bulbs in your  room. (CFL鈥檚 MUST BE RECYCLED)
    12. Plug anything that has a display light or a power adapter/converter into a power strip and turn it off when you are not using it.
    13. Eat meat-free meals at least once a week. For your health and the planet.
    14. Buy local and in season food whenever possible. (Check out the UC in the summer and fall for the farmers market)
    15. Ask for local, organic and fair trade food on campus.
    16. Bring your own cutlery/chopsticks/cup/tupperware to 彩神vlll争霸.
    17. Join the 彩神vlll争霸 Sustainability Club. Click for more information.
    18. Support local businesses and US made products.
    19. Wash your clothes in cold water.
  • Local Resources

    Alaska Building Science Network. In professional and voluntary roles, ABSN has been providing Alaskans with residential construction and energy efficient building services for over 20 years. ABSN has useful information for homeowners looking to make energy efficiency improvements to their home. Additionally, the site contains information about training programs and upcoming events for building science professionals in Alaska.

    . AYEA inspires and trains diverse youth leaders to impact environmental issues through community action projects and campaigns; skills training in leadership, environmental education, civic engagement, and community organizing; and green jobs that sustain our communities and future.

    . The Alaska Conservation Alliance is a statewide umbrella group for over 40 member organizations. The group agrees to pursue shared Environmental Priorities. At the site make sure you check out each of the member organizations, sign up for Conservation Watch and get involved in state environmental policy.

    . Green Star is a non-profit organization, based in Anchorage, Alaska, that encourages businesses to practice waste reduction, energy conservation and pollution prevention through education, technical assistance, and an award-winning voluntary "green business" certification program. The website includes links to local training opportunities, access to a wealth of information about local efficiency projects and tip sheets, and contact information for securing green star certification for your business.

    . The purpose of the club is bring students together for social events and projects to promote sustainability at 彩神vlll争霸 and in the local community.

  • Blogs

    . TreeHugger is the leading media outlet dedicated to driving sustainability mainstream. The site is a one-stop shop for green news, solutions, and product information. You can find all you need to go green in their up to the minute blog, weekly and daily newsletters, weekly video segments, weekly radio show, Job Board and user-generated blog, Hugg.

    Ecogeek. Ecogeek devotes its site to exploring the symbiosis between nature and technology. The writers post information about innovative and new environmental technologies daily.

    Worldchanging. Worldchanging.com is a nonprofit media organization headquartered in Seattle, WA, that comprises a global network of independent journalists, designers and thinkers. Their blog covers the world鈥檚 most innovative solutions to the planet鈥檚 problems, and inspire readers around the world with stories of new tools, models and ideas for building a bright green future.

    . The five thirty eight aims to accumulate and analyze polling and political data in an accurate and attractive way. Look for the analysis on Climate Cap and Trade legislation, energy and the environment.

    . This site is home to Harvard Economist Gregory Mankiw鈥檚 personal blog. In this post Mankiw argues in support of increasing the gas tax in the US. A gas tax is a form of pigovian taxation which aims to correct market inefficiencies, internalize what economists call externalities and to improve environmental outcomes.

  • Institutes

    . The Rocky Mountain Institute is an entrepreneurial nonprofit organization that fosters the efficient and restorative use of resources to make the world secure, just, prosperous, and life-sustaining. The institute鈥檚 consulting efforts center around four thematic areas: Built Environment, Energy & Resources, Mobility & Vehicle Efficiency and Sustainable Cities. The institute also has a variety of resources including numerous publications, videos and podcasts. RMI also offers competitive internships for sustainably minded individuals.

    Worldwatch Institute. Founded by Lester Brown in 1974, the Worldwatch Institute offers a unique blend of interdisciplinary research, global focus, and accessible writing that has made it a leading source of information on the interactions among key environmental, social, and economic trends. Their work revolves around the transition to an environmentally sustainable and socially just society and how to achieve it.

    . Founder Kenny Ausubel coined the word Bioneers 1990 to describe an emerging culture of social and scientific innovators who are mimicking nature鹿s operating instructions to serve human ends while enriching the web of life. We take a "solve-the-whole-problem" approach: Taking care of nature means taking care of people - and taking care of people means taking care of nature.

    . World Resources Institute is an independent nonprofit organization with a staff of more than 100 scientists, economists, policy experts, business analysts, statistical analysts, mapmakers, and communicators working to protect the Earth and improve people's