Dialing Back the Thermostat

(Go Green Article Feb 2009)

Both the Medical Center and River Campus recently announced cost savings plans that also reinforce the University’s commitment to environmentally sustainable operations. One subtle yet significant change has been a widespread effort to dial back room temperatures in most cases to 68 degrees in the winter months.

Each year, the University pays $36 million for utilities—electricity, water and natural gas—the bulk of which (more than $22 million) is spent at the Medical Center.

The slight temperature adjustments could result in savings of more than $100,000 annually at the Medical Center and $65,000 on the River Campus. 

Both the Medical Center and River Campus recently announced cost savings plans that also reinforce the University’s commitment to environmentally sustainable operations. One subtle yet significant change has been a widespread effort to dial back room temperatures in most cases to 68 degrees in the winter months.

• Each year, the University pays $36 million for utilities—electricity, water and natural gas—the bulk of which (more than $22 million) is spent at the Medical Center.

The slight temperature adjustments could result in savings of more than $100,000 annually at the Medical Center and $65,000 on the River Campus.