What is
Sustainability?

Program
Deliverables

How Can I
Help?

The Arboretum at
Penn State Behrend

HOW CAN I HELP?

Energy Savings: Resident Student

• Dress appropriately for the weather. (In warm weather, wear short sleeved clothing, and light fabric; in cold weather, wear layers.)
• Don’t place lamps or TV sets near thermostats.
• Keep radiators clean and free of furniture/clutter.
• Keep daytime lights low or off.
• Turn off lights/other appliances when you leave a room.
• Replace conventional incandescent bulbs.
  • Compact fluorescent bulbs.
  • Frosted bulbs.
  • Reflector bulbs.
  • “Energy Miser” or “Supersaver” incandescent bulbs.
• Don’t overlight an area (use task lamps for studying/homework).
• Dust light fixtures and bulbs.
• Use blinds, curtains, or shutters to keep room from heating up in summer, and keep heat in the winter.
• Keep refrigerator temperature at appropriate setting (between 38 and 42 degrees F, for freezer 0 to 5 degrees F).
• Clean refrigerator condenser coils (unplug first!!).
• Do not buy halogen lamps.
• Use outdoor clothesline or indoor drying rack to dry clothes.
• When using the drier:
  • Only dry full loads, but don’t over load.
  • Be sure to clean lint screen.
  • Do not set cycle to run longer than necessary, you can always start drier again.
  • Dry loads consecutively.
  • Separate heavy and light items.
• Use public transportation/bicycle/walking as much as possible.
• When using a automobile:
  • Try to always carpool.
  • Keep inside of automobile free of clutter; reducing auto weight can save 25% of energy used.
  • Install the most efficient tires available or radials.
  • Eliminate unnecessary trips.
  • Drive at a steady pace.
  • Minimize braking.
  • Don’t let the motor idle for more than a minute.
  • Don’t overfill the tank.
  • If buying a new car, buy an efficient one.
  • Use windows/vents instead of air conditioning.
  • Tint the windows.
  • Keep your car properly tuned.
  • Keep engine filters clean.
  • The gasoline octane and oil grade recommended for your car.
  • Check tire pressure regularly.
  • Use high quality multi-grade oil.
  • Wash your car at home.
  • Do not have air conditioner “serviced” unless you know it is broken.
  • Use a repair shop that use CFC recycling equipment.
• Computers:
  • Set computer for sleep mode.
  • Turn off monitor when not in use.
  • If buying a new computer, buy a laptop.
  • Set personal printer to power-saver mode, or turn off in between prints.