Before the Break, TURN-OFF and UNPLUG

Did you know that many NOVA buildings are built to conserve energy and be energy efficient? This is in compliance with Virginia’s High Performance Buildings Act. More information is available on the VCCS website here and on NOVA’s website here, including in NOVA’s Energy Plan.

As we head into the holidays and you leave your office and the campus, please remember to TURN OFF and UNPLUG.

Specifically, TURN OFF and UNPLUG any appliances that won’t be in use over the break. This reduces our energy consumption by eliminating vampire loads (appliances that use energy even when not in use or asleep) (more information available at the Dept of Energy website here).

Additionally, you can help conserve energy daily on-campus and at home. Some ideas are:

• Setting your thermostat to 70°F in the winter and 78°F in the summer time. Heating and cooling are a building’s highest energy use. Dress to stay comfortable and ease thermostat use.
  • If you think the building temperature is out of range in your office, please contact your local Facilities office.
• Shortening your shower time to reduce the amount of energy necessary to heat water – or better yet, take a cold shower!
• Washing only full laundry loads, and wash them in cold water.
• Purchasing LED light bulbs for task lighting, as LEDs are longer-lasting and use less energy than traditional incandescent and CFL lightbulbs.
• Turning off lights when exiting a room.
• Switching off all electronics and electrical appliances, as opposed to using standby power.

Have a great, safe and energy-conserving holiday break!

Submitted by:
Rob Johnson, Director of Auxiliary Services, ROJohnson@nvcc.edu