Saving Energy

Climate change is one of the most significant problems facing life on Earth. Our planets atmosphere and oceans are warming; sea levels are rising; and the global climate system has changed and continues to change. According to the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change, most of the observed increase in globally averaged temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations.

While we cannot stop the warming, we can and must act to slow it down. One way to affect change is to reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs); i.e., to reduce our carbon footprint. While each of us can do so at home, we all can do so at FIT as well.

The college has made great strides over the past 6 years and has reduced its carbon emissions substantially, but more can be done. The members of the Sustainability Council and the Faculty Senate Sustainability Committee ask the FIT community to help reduce energy usage wherever and whenever possible. Every effort helps!

1. Put computers into sleep mode whenever possible. Turn them off on the weekends.
2. Turn off projectors when not in use, especially when leaving a room.
3. Turn off classroom and office lights manually when leaving rooms. Motion sensors take up to 30 minutes to turn off lights.
4. Use daylight. Many rooms have ample light during the day and do not need additional electric lights.
5. Unplug chargers and turn off electronic devices.
6. Refrain from using space heaters and fans, or limit their use, and unplug them when leaving a room.
7. Use scanners in the library and keep photocopying and printing to a minimum.
8. Use stairs instead of elevators and escalators.