With summer here, it is time to stay cool and reduce energy use.

During the summer weekends and holidays, UC Davis will adjust thermostats higher—thereby lowering air conditioning usage—in centrally controlled buildings. These buildings do not include research laboratories, animal care facilities, server rooms or other temperature-sensitive operations. If you plan to work during this period, dress in light clothes to keep cool, as buildings may rise up to 85 degrees indoors.

The campus also offers the following energy-saving tips to help employees stay comfortable, conserve energy, and reduce electricity bills during the summer:

• Reduce desktop energy consumption—Turn off computer and peripherals before leaving for the day. Turn off printers and copiers. Set computer for power save before going to meetings, or after 20 minutes of inactivity.

• Unplug unused electronics—Otherwise, even when switched off, they may keep drawing standby power (so-called vampire power or phantom load).

• Flip the switch—Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms, including restrooms. Turn off radios and fans when you leave a room. Use natural lighting and desk lamps where possible.

• Shut the sash and unplug equipment—Close fume food sashes wherever possible. Switch off all equipment that is not in use. Unplug AC power adapters.

• Adjust your shades—Drop and tilt blinds to manage heat loss, especially when you leave for the day.

Sid England, assistant vice chancellor for environmental stewardship and sustainability, said these measures can make a difference.

“Seeing that the campus can save energy and money, we expect that people will make that extra effort to turn off their equipment and lights when not in use every day, not just on the holidays," he said.