Business Policies and Procedures Manual
Chapter 80: Services

Energy Conservation

BPPM 80.85

For more information contact:
   Facilities Services, Operations
   509-335-9000

Policy

WSU Facilities Services coordinates the energy conservation program.

The program is designed to:

  • Make efficient use of existing systems.
  • Conserve University resources.
  • Protect the environment.
  • Follow state and federal energy conservation recommendations and guidelines.
  • Research potential energy incentives available from applicable public utilities.

Procedure

Telephone Facilities Services for assistance, information, or recommendations regarding energy conservation.

Guidelines

Department Administrators

Departmental administrators including department chairs, managers, and other staff are responsible for energy used within their units including:

  • Implementing energy conservation measures.
  • Coordinating with Facilities Services systems maintenance personnel.
  • Grouping night classes to minimize the number of buildings open at night.

WSU Employees

All WSU employees have a responsibility for energy conservation.

  • Turn off any unnecessary lights.
  • Turn off fans, coffee pots, and other small electric appliances when not in use.
  • Use only electric space heaters authorized by Facilities Services. Do not leave turned-on electrical heaters unattended (see SPPM 8.50).
     
    Note: Facilities Services strongly discourages the use of portable electric space heaters because they consume inordinate amounts of electrical energy, may overload electrical systems, and are a serious fire hazard.

Facilities Services

Systems maintenance personnel analyze and modify heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems in University buildings.

  • Set heating thermostats to maintain an average interior temperature of 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter.
  • Set cooling thermostats in air conditioned buildings to maintain an average interior temperature of 76-78 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer.
  • Set water heating thermostats for hot water used in washrooms and similar areas to deliver 110 degrees Fahrenheit water to the point of use.
  • Maintain lighting levels in accordance with IEEE recommendations in offices, classrooms, general-use areas, corridors, and similar areas. (IEEE is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.)
  • Schedule equipment operations, such as heating and ventilating systems, to meet building requirements.
  • Schedule outside lighting needed for visibility and safety.

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Revisions:  October 2021 (Rev. 579); Apr. 2006 (Rev. 276); June 1989 – new policy (Rev. 76).