Energy Saving Tips

  • TURN OFF LIGHTS. Turn off lights if natural daylight is sufficient and when you leave a room.
  • SWITCH TO CFL BULBS. Compact florescent lamps (CFLs) use 75 percent less energy and last 6-10X longer than incandescent bulbs.
  • TURN OFF COMPUTERS, PRINTERS AND PROJECTORS. Activate power management features to a low power mode when not in use. During the day, use "sleep", "stand-by" or "hibernate" mode instead of a screen saver. At the end of the day, don't just log off, shut-down!
  • MONITORS MATTER, TOO! Use low-wattage LCD flat screens vs. CRT monitors. In some cases, the energy-consumption of an average LCD display can be half to two-thirds of that for an average CRT. Turn off when not in use.
  • USE POWER STRIPS. Electronics still draw "phantom load" electricity when left plugged in, but not in use. These devices include TV's, monitors, speakers, printers, scanners, DVD players, cellphone chargers, etc. Invest in a power strip to control multiple devices with a single switch. Turn the power strip off when devices are not in use.
  • TAKE THE STAIRS. Elevators consume electricity while simply moving our bodies doesn't. Use the stairs as often as possible.
  • OPEN DOORS MANUALLY. Think twice before using an automated entrance or pushing a handicap access button to open a door. Open doors manually whenever possible.
  • ADJUST WINDOW COVERINGS. Make use of window coverings to let light in. Be sure to close them during warmer months to avoid heat build-up when a room is not in use.
  • ENGAGE FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION. Remind colleagues and classmates, tell a friend! Get involved in UAA's commitment to sustainability!
  • REMEMBER YOUR RESOURCES. UAA Information Technology Services is available to assist you in adjusting your computers power management settings to optimize energy conservation at 786-4646. Report excessive energy use and concerns to Facilities Maintenance at 786-6980.
  • Sustainability Club

    The purpose of the club is bring students together for social events and projects to promote sustainability at UAA and in the local community.

    Visit the club's Facebook Page.

     Sustainability Club
  • Top 20 Actions

    Small actions make a big difference. Pick a couple below to get started:

    1. Buy only when you need it, not when you want it!
    2. Turn off lights,TV,radio, Wii, and coffee maker each time you leave the room.
    3. Take the PeopleMover (FREE with your Wolfcard) 1 day per week or more instead of driving your   car.
    4. Walk, ride your bike, or take the Seawolf shuttle to main campus.
    5. Join UAA’s car cooperative. “Connect by Hertz”.
    6. Use a reusable coffee mug and get a 10¢ discount on campus!
    7. Drink from the water fountain or tap to reduce plastic bottle waste and use a reusable water bottle.
    8. Purchase furniture, clothing, school supplies and books through Craig’s List Anchorage.
    9. Buy 100% recycled paper and print double-sided. (Available at Costco & Office Max)
    10. Buy 100% biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning products and toiletries. Click here
    11. Use energy efficient light bulbs in your  room. (CFL’s MUST BE RECYCLED)
    12. Plug anything that has a display light or a power adapter/converter into a power strip and turn it off when you are not using it.
    13. Eat meat-free meals at least once a week. For your health and the planet.
    14. Buy local and in season food whenever possible. (Check out the UC in the summer and fall for the farmers market)
    15. Ask for local, organic and fair trade food on campus.
    16. Bring your own cutlery/chopsticks/cup/tupperware to UAA.
    17. Join the UAA Sustainability Club. Click here for more information.
    18. Support local businesses and US made products.
    19. Wash your clothes in cold water.
  • Local Resources

    Alaska Building Science Network. In professional and voluntary roles, ABSN has been providing Alaskans with residential construction and energy efficient building services for over 20 years. ABSN has useful information for homeowners looking to make energy efficiency improvements to their home. Additionally, the site contains information about training programs and upcoming events for building science professionals in Alaska.

    Alaska Youth for Environmental Action (AYEA). AYEA inspires and trains diverse youth leaders to impact environmental issues through community action projects and campaigns; skills training in leadership, environmental education, civic engagement, and community organizing; and green jobs that sustain our communities and future.

    Alaska Conservation Alliance. The Alaska Conservation Alliance is a statewide umbrella group for over 40 member organizations. The group agrees to pursue shared Environmental Priorities. At the site make sure you check out each of the member organizations, sign up for Conservation Watch and get involved in state environmental policy.

    Green Star. Green Star is a non-profit organization, based in Anchorage, Alaska, that encourages businesses to practice waste reduction, energy conservation and pollution prevention through education, technical assistance, and an award-winning voluntary "green business" certification program. The website includes links to local training opportunities, access to a wealth of information about local efficiency projects and tip sheets, and contact information for securing green star certification for your business.

    UAA Sustainability Club. The purpose of the club is bring students together for social events and projects to promote sustainability at UAA and in the local community.

  • Blogs

    TreeHugger. TreeHugger is the leading media outlet dedicated to driving sustainability mainstream. The site is a one-stop shop for green news, solutions, and product information. You can find all you need to go green in their up to the minute blog, weekly and daily newsletters, weekly video segments, weekly radio show, Job Board and user-generated blog, Hugg.

    Ecogeek. Ecogeek devotes its site to exploring the symbiosis between nature and technology. The writers post information about innovative and new environmental technologies daily.

    Worldchanging. Worldchanging.com is a nonprofit media organization headquartered in Seattle, WA, that comprises a global network of independent journalists, designers and thinkers. Their blog covers the world’s most innovative solutions to the planet’s problems, and inspire readers around the world with stories of new tools, models and ideas for building a bright green future.

    Five Thirty Eight. The five thirty eight aims to accumulate and analyze polling and political data in an accurate and attractive way. Look for the analysis on Climate Cap and Trade legislation, energy and the environment.

    The Pigou Club Manifesto. This site is home to Harvard Economist Gregory Mankiw’s personal blog. In this post Mankiw argues in support of increasing the gas tax in the US. A gas tax is a form of pigovian taxation which aims to correct market inefficiencies, internalize what economists call externalities and to improve environmental outcomes.

  • Institutes

    Rocky Mountain Institute. The Rocky Mountain Institute is an entrepreneurial nonprofit organization that fosters the efficient and restorative use of resources to make the world secure, just, prosperous, and life-sustaining. The institute’s consulting efforts center around four thematic areas: Built Environment, Energy & Resources, Mobility & Vehicle Efficiency and Sustainable Cities. The institute also has a variety of resources including numerous publications, videos and podcasts. RMI also offers competitive internships for sustainably minded individuals.

    Worldwatch Institute. Founded by Lester Brown in 1974, the Worldwatch Institute offers a unique blend of interdisciplinary research, global focus, and accessible writing that has made it a leading source of information on the interactions among key environmental, social, and economic trends. Their work revolves around the transition to an environmentally sustainable and socially just society and how to achieve it.

    Bioneers. Founder Kenny Ausubel coined the word Bioneers 1990 to describe an emerging culture of social and scientific innovators who are mimicking nature¹s operating instructions to serve human ends while enriching the web of life. We take a "solve-the-whole-problem" approach: Taking care of nature means taking care of people - and taking care of people means taking care of nature.

    World Resources Institute. World Resources Institute is an independent nonprofit organization with a staff of more than 100 scientists, economists, policy experts, business analysts, statistical analysts, mapmakers, and communicators working to protect the Earth and improve people's lives.

    Redefining Progress. Redefining Progress is the nation’s leading public policy think tank dedicated to smart economics. They work to find solutions that secure a sustainable and equitable world for future generations. They also offer internships for college students.

  • Sustainability Networks

    Earth Day Network. Earth Day Network promotes a peaceful, just, and sustainable world through education, community empowerment, capacity-building, campaigns, events, and publications. Earth Day Network serves as a point of focus for national and worldwide Earth Day organizing, with thousands of Earth Day events taking place around the world each April. Their website is also a great source for information about ecological footprints, sustainable communities, and the green school movement.

    Sustainable Communities Network. The Sustainable Communities Network is for those who want to help make their communities more livable. The site offers advice on how to create a sense of community, how to grow a sustainable economy and how to protect natural resources. This website aims to increase the visibility of what has worked for other communities, and to promote a lively exchange of information to help create community sustainability in both urban and rural areas.

    The Earth Charter. The Earth Charter is the product of a decade long, worldwide, cross-cultural conversation about common goals and shared values. The drafting of the Earth Charter has involved the most open and participatory consultation process ever conducted in connection with an international document.

    Union of Concerned Scientists. Union of Concerned Scientists UCS is an independent nonprofit alliance of more than 100,000 concerned citizens and scientists. They augment rigorous scientific analysis with innovative thinking and committed citizen advocacy to build a cleaner, healthier environment and a safer world.

  • Green Building

    The U.S. Green Building Council & LEED. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is the nation’s foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. LEED provides a complete framework for assessing building performance and meeting sustainability goals. Based on well-founded scientific standards, LEED emphasizes state of the art strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. The website contains information about current green building policies, contact information for workshops and seminars, access to local green building organizations and information for building owners seeking to gain certification.

    The U.S. Green Building Council: Build Green Schools. A green school is one that creates a healthy environment that is conductive to learning while saving energy, resources and money. The site includes information and resources for expanding the green school movement.

    International Living Building Institute. The Institute works in conjunction with the Living Building Challenge, the world’s most advanced green building rating system, to promote innovative green building technologies all over the world.