Task force works to inform UA community about energy conservation

Facilities Management is teaming up with 150 UA "energy stewards" in a campaign to inform the campus community about energy conservation.

Those stewards are asking people to become more aware of their energy-use habits, and are also working to increase efficiency across campus.

The conservation program was created in response to a mandate from Republican Gov. Jane Dee Hull, who said that all state facilities must reduce their energy to avoid an energy crisis like the one that plagued much of California last summer.

The campus-wide campaign includes the "Wilbur Smart Watt" stickers on light switches, reminding people to turn off the lights when they leave the room.

"We need everybody on campus to be involved," said Chris Kopach, assistant director of Facilities Management. He added that it was sometimes difficult to keep conservation signs posted because people have been tearing them down.

But the efforts of the energy stewards have taken hold with some campus officials, who say they value conservation.

"I always try and shut off my computer when I leave," said Caroline Diep, executive director of KAMP student radio.

She added that she tries to make sure that the door to the outside stays shut and that people turn off the lights when they leave the station.

Several campus buildings have also replaced old, incandescent light bulbs with compact, energy-efficient, fluorescent ones, Kopach said.

The College of Medicine Library and the Gould-Simpson building are among approximately 10 campus buildings participating in this campaign.

In addition to the light bulbs already replaced, 65,000 fixtures have been targeted to be replaced by energy efficient ones in the next few months.

In all, 30 buildings have been targeted for the conversion to energy-efficient lighting.

Several other plans to promote conservation awareness are already in place.

Fans at UA football games may have noticed an advertisement on the big screen with Wilbur Smart Watt promoting energy conservation.

In addition, many buildings have signs posted reminding patrons to shut off lights and electrical appliances not in use.

"We're just trying to make people aware (of energy conservation)," Kopach said.

Facilities Management hopes to make the entire UA community aware of energy conservation in the coming months.