Green Office & Classroom Guide
Overview
At UH, we all have a responsibility to take care of our campus and environment. This Green Office and Classroom Guide shares everyday habits—like keeping doors closed when the AC is on and sharing appliances—that help save energy and reduce waste. Small changes make a big difference when we all do our part.
Energy Efficiency in Office Spaces
Keep Windows and Doors Closed while AC is On
Otherwise, AC has to work harder to account for the loss of cooled air. If you see a door or window propped open, close it.
Share Household Appliances
Remove personal mini-fridges, space heaters, air purifiers, etc.
- Refrigerators are on 24/7 and draw an incredible amount of energy. For most homes, it is the single load that drives energy bill.
- Space heaters cause AC to work harder to cool the room, often resulting in tripped circuit breakers. The University’s incremental goal is to designate buildings for dedicated usages, separately needs for creature comfort, for specialized equipment, and other preservation needs.
- Do not use personal air purifiers. AC are required by code to meet the Department of Health’s standards.
- Turn off coffee pots once the coffee is brewed. Use a thermos to keep coffee warm.
Replace Equipment with Energy Star Products
Choose ENERGY STAR certified products such as refrigerators, microwaves, monitors, printers, and lab equipment to ensure the lowest energy usage.
Reduce Unnecessary Energy Use
Turn Off Lights, Fume Hoods, etc. When Not in Use
Reduce energy waste by turning off lights, projectors, monitors, and lab equipment such as fume hoods when they are not actively needed. Small changes, like turning things off at the end of the day, help lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce utility costs across campus.
Minimize Reliance on Cloud Storage
As of 2023, “Cloud storage has a greater carbon footprint than the airline industry. A single data center can consume the equivalent electricity of 50,000 homes.”