Energy Conservation

The Physical Plant department oversees the following energy policy  at Holy Cross.

Space Temperature Settings
Temperatures in buildings across campus should ideally be about 70 degrees in the winter and 74 degrees in the summer. Since there is not a thermostat in every space, our goal is to provide average temperatures at these numbers, although actual measurements in individual spaces will likely vary by a couple of degrees.

Physical Plant has a central building energy management computer system to set these temperatures in many of the spaces on campus but there are still many locations with individual thermostats where occupants have control of their local temperature as well as numerous locations with window air conditioners. Individuals with these controls are asked to adhere to the spirit of this policy.

Physical Plant periodically spot checks areas for temperature settings. As with any policy, exceptions will be permitted for specific situations such as:

• Research or computing facilities requiring specific temperature settings.
• Conference spaces generating income for the College.
• Areas with special collections.

Physical Plant continually works with building managers for unusual types of spaces such as the Hart Center to come up reasonable solutions while still meeting the aims of this policy.

Night Temperature Setback
The buildings with computer control of the temperatures also have the ability to be varied at specific times of the day. Administrative, office and classroom areas will be adjusted to have further energy reductions from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. and on days when the College is closed or on the weekends. Special events outside the normal occupancy hours must be scheduled in consultation with Physical Plant. Notices must be received 48 hours prior to the scheduled event in order to ensure that HVAC settings are set appropriately and any personnel matters can be settled in advance.

Work Area Space Heaters
The use of space heaters is discouraged, although exceptions may be made via a request to Physical Plant at x2263. Individual departments are responsible for the initial costs of these high efficiency radiant heaters. Physical Plant will provide funding for the heaters if proper set point temperatures in a localized area cannot be maintained without the benefit of space heaters.

If a space heater is required in a localized area, departments should only use high efficiency radiant heaters. The typical electric resistance space heaters use 1500 watts and cost approximately $164 to operate for 6 months. That works out to be approximately $33,000 per year for 200 heaters. High efficiency radiant heaters are now available that use 170 watts at an estimated annual cost of $24 per year or $5,000 in total.

The following heaters are approved for campus use:

• Berko 202SL panel
• Qmark 202SL panel
• Cozy Legs TCL panel

Space heaters must be turned off and unplugged when the work area is not occupied.

Student Housing
Student housing is controlled with the central computer system with the exception of Loyola and Williams Hall. These buildings have individual thermostats and students are asked to keep the maximum heating setting at 70 degrees. Air conditioning for summer conferences must be approved in advance by the vice president for administration and finance.

Student room temperatures will be adjusted to the following schedule:

• Average Temperature: 70º (5 a.m. to 9 a.m., and 5 p.m.. – 1 a.m.)
• Other time periods: 65 º

Thank you for your cooperation.

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