Turning off a light. Pulling down the blinds. Unplugging unused devices.
These small acts, made by every person across every building at UNMC, help protect the reliability of the hospital and research systems that the med center depends on every day.
That is the idea behind Conserve to Serve — the med center’s call to reduce unnecessary energy use this summer, especially on curtailment days when extreme heat puts campus energy systems under the most stress.
The facilities department expects to take curtailment measures at times this week, and asks the med center community to help conserve energy. On those days, med center staff, students and colleagues are urged to be intentional about how they use energy in their spaces.
Conserving energy protects the systems that keep patients safe and critical research running, reduces utility costs and supports the med center’s goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2030.
Jerrod Bley, sustainability engineer with UNMC, said, “Conserving energy is more than a sustainability effort. It’s a reflection of our iTEACH values, helping us responsibly steward resources so we can continue providing extraordinary care to our patients and communities.”
Simple ways to conserve energy include:
- Turning off lights in empty areas.
- Closing blinds, shades and curtains.
- Opening doors manually if able.
- Shutting the fume hood sash.
- Unplugging or turn off equipment not in use.
- Taking the stairs if possible.
Visit the energy curtailment page to check the day’s current curtailment status and what steps people can take.