The Department of Energy Management
Newsletter No. 1
Fall ‘22 Edition
Welcome Back!
Introduction: Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year here at The University of Alabama. The Department of Energy Management is responsible for monitoring energy usage across campus and devising how to make our campus more efficient while keeping you comfortable. Energy is often wasted due to bad habits, which is detrimental to the environment in the long run. Therefore, we provide insight on all things sustainability in addition to energy saving advice. Keep up with our department to save energy, money, and the Earth! Check out our Energy Dashboard.
[ALT TEXT]: A photo of someone holding a lightbulb. The spherical top of the bulb has been edited to have the Earth in it.
Opportunities: Want to get involved in energy conservation and other sustainable initiatives? Here are some upcoming opportunities!
- Crimson Conserve Residence Hall Energy Contest
- Save Energy Light Bulb Swap
- Get On Board Day – UA Energy Management Tent
[ALT TEXT]: A photo of someone wearing a blue shirt that says “Volunteer”. Their arms are extended with their palms facing up. Placed in their hands is a small globe.
Big News: In Vermont, new legislation requires the elimination of all long, tube-shaped fluorescent bulbs by 2024. They will be replaced with LED lights, which are less hazardous (as they don’t contain mercury) and much more energy efficient. It’s possible many other states will follow suit! Source: Energy News Network
[ALT TEXT]: A photo of a light fixture that utilizes two of the long, tube-shaped fluorescent bulbs.
Local News: A new battery plant in Bibb County is making it possible for the Tuscaloosa Mercedes-Benz plant to intensively produce electric vehicles. Two electric models have been added to their production lines! They are both SUV models. Source: Mercedes-Benz
[ALT TEXT]: A photo of a white Mercedes Benz car with black details.
Campus Conservation: Did you know that The University of Alabama is equipped with eleven different electric car charging stations? This is an impressive number, especially when compared to the current capacity of many other SEC universities. Each station can charge two vehicles at a time. Campus is ready for the surge of electric vehicles! Source: The University of Alabama
[ALT TEXT]: A photo of one of the charging stations on campus. It is black and white. There is an etched, crimson Script A at the top of it.
Energy Saving Tip: Regularly clean the vents in your fridge. This will ensure that it’s not working harder than it needs to!
Energy Competition: Crimson Conserve will take place October 17-31. It’s a battle of the residence halls… simply reduce energy consumption within your dorm for a chance at winning great prizes! If you’re not sure where to start… easy tips will be posted to our social medias and around campus.
[ALT TEXT]: A graphic advertising the energy competition. It shows a light bulb with the Crimson Conserve logo inside. It contains text that reads “Crimson Conserve, Oct 17-31″.
Bulb Swap: Want a better chance at winning the Crimson Conserve? Look for an incandescent bulb in your dorm and switch it to an LED! You can do this free of charge by visiting one of our tables during the first week of the competition, October 17-21.
Have any thoughts on how additional energy could be saved across campus? Please let us know! We accept submissions through this link.
Energy Trivia: MYTH OR FACT? “Electronic devices quit using energy once they are turned off.” (see answer on page 5)
[ALT TEXT]: A photo of a computer monitor that remains turned on. Its screensaver is a photo of mountains and a bright, blue sky.
Sustainable Cheat Sheet: A life hack that benefits you and the planet! Most single use products are non-recyclable, or just aren’t recycled properly. That’s why they are overwhelmingly littering our planet! Using reusable alternatives saves yourself money, and saves the energy of the single-use products being produced! Starbucks will reward you for bringing a reusable cup to use at their stores. You receive extra rewards points, and 10 cents off your order!
Post Highlight: Here is a recent Energy Management post with a tip that could help you find comfort through a means other than changing your thermostat. Heating and cooling systems require a substantial amount of energy, and can be expensive to operate. If you like what you see, follow our Facebook and Instagram (listed below) for more!
[ALT TEXT]: Graphics that read “COOL TIP: Ceiling fans can be adjusted to provide optimal comfort. Set your fan to rotate counter-clockwise to help you feel cooler. Set your fan to rotate clockwise to help you feel warmer”. Each graphic contains a photo of a black ceiling fan.
Trivia Answer: MYTH. They must be completely unplugged!
Thanks for reading!
Check out our…