Release date: Nov. 1, 2005
Contact: Elaine Justice at 404-727-0643 or elaine.justice@emory.edu

Emory Commits to Energy Conservation

As the cost of natural gas reaches an all-time high and gas and electricity prices increase dramatically, Emory University has committed to taking a leading role in the efficient use of energy. Michael J. Mandl, executive vice president for finance and administration, urges the university community to consider the effects of their actions on energy consumption and to take extra care to support the institution's ongoing energy conservation.

"As we head into the winter months, our demand for energy and the cost of consumption will only increase. Emory must be committed to leadership in the efficient use of energy and, as a community, do all we can to reduce energy consumption," Mandl says. "It is important so that we do not divert even more resources from high priority items like salaries and benefits. It is important, also, because it is simply the right thing to do for our future."

During the coming months, Mandl's office will finalize a plan and identify ways to reduce energy demand without impeding the university's work. Efforts will include developing plans to modify existing buildings in ways that will conserve energy, while ensuring that new buildings are constructed to be best-in-class on this dimension.

" This is a serious call," Mandl says."We have already projected that, at today's prices, our operating budget will increase nearly 48 percent — more than $13 million — between the fiscal years 2006 and 2007 for all utility costs. This will consume a significant portion of our budget growth and we are looking for everyone's help in containing these cost escalations."

The plan also will include individual behavioral changes and practices to help reduce energy consumption, though Mandl encourages students, staff and faculty to start immediately by keeping the following conservation practices in mind:

• Turn off any lights that are not in use, including those in bathrooms, offices, laboratories, conference rooms, copier rooms, and unoccupied spaces or areas where windows provide sufficient daylight.

• Enable the power management features on your computer.

• As winter approaches, open shades and blinds during daylight hours.

• For those of you who are able to control the heat within your environment, Georgia Power recommends setting the thermostat on 68 degrees and leaving it set on that temperature.

• Avoid using electric space heaters unless absolutely necessary.

• When purchasing any small office equipment (e.g., scanners, fax machines), look for the “Energy Star” designation, which signifies energy efficient equipment that will translate into lower annual operating costs.

• If you are physically able, use the stairs whenever possible rather than using the elevator.

Emory University is known for its demanding academics, outstanding undergraduate college of arts and sciences, highly ranked professional schools and state-of-the-art research facilities. For nearly two decades Emory has been named one of the country's top 25 national universities by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to its nine schools, the university encompasses The Carter Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Emory Healthcare, the state's largest and most comprehensive health care system.

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