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The Pennsylvania State University: Auxiliary & Business Services: Housing: Take Charge Program: Why to Conserve
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Why Take Charge

University Park currently uses as much electricity as approximately 30,000 average U.S. homes (310,000,000 kilowatt-hours) for which it spends $24 million dollars annually, that’s over $65,000 a day.

The good news is that Penn State’s Physical Plant has been “taking charge” by making smart investments to reduce our energy use even while new buildings are being built. But the rest of us also play an important role as we control thousands of computers, pieces of equipment, light switches, and thermostats. We can Take Charge too. The University’s new Energy Conservation Policy (AD 64) is a great opportunity for us all to do our part.

Other Reasons to TakeCharge:
  • Protect the Earth: Energy conservation helps prevent global warming, air and water pollution, acid rain, and other environmental problems caused by energy production and consumption.

  • Make Stuff Last: Appliances and home electronics last longer when they are used less often.

  • Help the U.S.: By conserving energy, you’ll help reduce our dependence on foreign energy supplies.

  • Save Our Streams: Water conservation helps protect our rivers and streams.

  • Safeguard Our Future: Most of the energy we currently use is nonrenewable, so it’s important that we don’t use more than our share. The more energy we consume, the less is available for our children and grandchildren.

  • Preserve Penn State Pride: Funds used to purchase energy are not available for other University initiatives.

  • Build a Better Life: The conservation habits encouraged at Penn State will enhance the environmental awareness and financial health of our graduates.

  • Add It All Up: While individual conservation efforts may seem insignificant, a University-wide effort will have a noticeable impact on the local and state environment.

Report Energy Waste
News
Site Offers Recruiting Tools for Green Job Seekers
Two Penn State environmental groups are joining forces to create a site that introduces students to green organizations, and provide them with tools to green up their resumes and attract environmentally focused employers.

More >>
Energy Conservation Policy Adopted
Penn State has adopted a wide-ranging Energy Conservation Policy (AD 64) designed to lower the University's energy consumption through employee and student action.

More >>
Tip of the Month
Switch to Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Compared to incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) emit the same amount of light, last 8 - 10 years longer and consume 75% less electricity.  Today's modern CFLs don't have the flicker and humming of the first generation of the curled bulbs, so you get the same light for less electricity.  According to the EPA's Energy Star Program, the most savings will result from using CFLs where they will be on for longer periods of time, at least 15 minutes per usage.  So at a desk is better than in a closet. For more information, visit Energy Star’s CFL Buyer’s Guide

Get more tips >>

The Intern Blog for Take Charge
Keep up with the latest trends and thoughts from someone in the trenches. Visit takechargepsu.wordpress.com.

Take Charge Pen
Take Charge! is proud to present a pen made from completely biodegradable materials. >>

      small pen
The Pennsylvania State University

The Take Charge Program is part of the Finance & Business Environmental Stewardship Key Initiative.

For questions about Penn State's Take Charge Program, please contact the chairs or any of the committee members. For suggestions, please see the Feedback page.

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This page was last updated on Tuesday, September 23, 2008.