Energy Education Program

Program History

In an effort to reduce energy consumption on each of its five campuses, Oklahoma State University implemented a System Wide Energy Conservation Program in 2007.

Develop a people-oriented energy management program at each of the OSU campuses
Promotes conservation of electricity, chilled water, steam condensate, gas, and water
Reduce consumption mechanically by adjusting heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system run times to match events and occupancy in buildings
Work to increase energy awareness of faculty, staff and students through presentations, promotional materials, website and Facebook interaction.
Emphasizes reductions during unoccupied times and promoting behavior changes of "energy consumers" to "energy savers."

Responsibilities of Energy Managers

Key to the success of the Energy Conservation Program
Gather data and monitor energy consumption
Apply knowledge about the operation of the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Determine the occupancy patterns in each of the buildings. Work to educate the occupants of each building on ways their efforts can contribute to reducing energy costs at OSU
Perform energy audits in assigned buildings to look for energy savings opportunities around the clock, especially during predominantly unoccupied times of the day, including weekends and holidays.
Generate energy reports to building administrators, custodial staff, and others who may then share that information with building occupants to promote behavior changes that contribute to energy savings.

What the ECP Does Not Do

Does NOT compromise the university's research and education mission
Does NOT limit laboratory operations
Energy reduction measures do NOT purposely disrupt classroom comfort

Expectations

All students, faculty and staff are asked to do their part to conserve and help create a culture of conservation at Oklahoma State University and our campuses in Stillwater, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Okmulgee
OSU strives to become a model of thoughtful stewardship through energy management and conservation, not only for the benefit of natural resources and the environment but also for taxpayer and tuition dollars

Best Energy Practices

Every person is expected to be an "energy saver" as well as an "energy consumer." However, as an energy consumer, you can make a difference by taking the following steps to reduce energy consumption in offices, classrooms, residential life buildings, and even at home.

Turn off lights when you leave the room
Turn off computers, monitors, speakers and printers when not in use
Turn off TVs, stereos and appliances when you leave the area
Unplug all chargers when not in use
Keep doors and windows closed when heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are in use
Close window blinds and angle them up when leaving for the day
While room is occupied, set thermostats to 74-78 degrees for cooling and 68-72 degrees for heating
During summer months, set thermostats to 82-85 degrees and auto when leaving for the day or weekend; and, leave ceiling fans running at low speed to circulate air
During winter months, set thermostats to 55-60 degrees and auto when leaving for the day or weekend; and, leave ceiling fans running at medium speed to circulate air