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July 6, 2009
Electronics roundup yields energy, cost savings

By Kelly Gray

Printers, space heaters and small refrigerators were among some of the most frequently donated electric appliances collected in May as part of an Emory energy savings “Electronics Roundup” campaign.

The Finance and Administration Division has stopped purchasing or using these energy-consuming appliances, and faculty and staff from throughout the University were encouraged to donate institutionally purchased electric appliances in order to reduce Emory’s overall electricity consumption.

Nearly 100 appliances were turned in — the equivalent of approximately 6,370 kilowatt hours annually. That energy reduction equates to 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide — or the carbon dioxide equivalent to that sequestered by one acre of pine or fir forest.

Donated appliances were given to the National Kidney Foundation.

“Fewer electric appliances are another way we will cut consumption and costs,” says Ciannat Howett, director of sustainability initiatives. “The fact that our donations can help a nonprofit is an added bonus.” She adds: “We hope to make this an annual event.”

As long as they are plugged in, some appliances such as refrigerators and printers consume energy constantly. The campaign, Emory’s first to collect nonessential electric appliances, supports Emory’s overall goal of reducing energy use by 25 percent per square foot by 2015 from 2005 levels.