Vice President KyuJung Whang issued the following statement to the Cornell community Dec. 12:

Cornell is continuing its commitment to the environment by aggressively pursuing energy conservation measures whenever possible. Energy-conserving decisions and behavior are key elements of the Cornell Climate Action Plan, including temperature setbacks, shutting off lights in unoccupied buildings and turning off office equipment that is not being used. The Climate Action Plan goals are truly visionary, and will require input and action from every one of us. For this effort to be successful, Facilities Services needs your continued help and cooperation.

Winter Break room temperature setback settings are programmed into building controls. In areas where staff members work, such as offices and teaching labs, the setbacks will be in place Dec. 25-Jan. 1. In student areas such as classrooms, residence halls, athletics facilities and dining areas that are closed through break, setbacks will be in effect Dec. 22-Jan. 13. Research labs and animal facilities will not be included in the setbacks.

We are asking for help from you, the campus community, in conserving energy and water. It is the responsibility of each building occupant to do the following when leaving for the holiday break:

• Close laboratory fume hoods and shut down non-essential lab equipment.
• Close windows and shut internal and external doors.
• Turn off all lights in your office or any shared area (such as conference rooms, kitchen/break rooms, restrooms and classrooms).
• Shut down office equipment and unplug power cords from the outlets (such as those belonging to computers, fax machines, printers and coffee makers).
• Do not use space heaters.
• Report any air or water leaks to the Facilities Customer Service Center (255-5322).

Last year, Cornell avoided more than $100,000 in electric energy costs during the winter setbacks. This year, colleges and units directly benefit from these avoided energy costs. This is your opportunity to lower energy costs for your college or unit.

Thank you for your support and have a great holiday break!