Energy Management

Energy Management

Wake Tech recognizes utility conservation, water conservation, water quality management, resource management and sustainability efforts as the responsibility of the entire college community. The college participates in Energy Star, a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy that promotes energy efficiency, and the Facilities Operations Department continually evaluates and implements other conservation measures, as appropriate, to support the mission of the college.

Sustainable Energy Plan
Energy Design Management Guidelines

Energy conservation tips

  • Turn off lights in offices when not in use.
  • Use fluorescent task lighting for office work and turn off general lighting.
  • Have incandescent light bulbs replaced with energy-saving florescent or LED bulbs.
  • Don't use screen-savers on computer monitors, as they prevent the computer from powering down when inactive over a long period.
  • Consolidate or eliminate departmental refrigerator use.
  • Eliminate space heaters from offices.
  • Eliminate personal energy-consuming items, such as decorative lighting.
  • Maintain room temperature at 78 degrees during the summer months and between 68 and 70 degrees during the winter.
  • Use battery-operated clocks in offices.
  • Keep windows and doors to the outside closed while a building is heated or air-conditioned.
  • Use cold water to wash your hands.

Frequently asked questions

What is electrical peak demand?

Peak demand is the greatest amount of electricity a utility must supply to its customers at any given time in any one month. Utilities forecast peak demand periods by analyzing anticipated unusually high or low temperatures, the current weather, average hourly industrial and residential usages and known constant demands.

When Wake Tech is alerted to a possible peak demand period by Duke Energy, Facilities Services alerts faculty and staff so they can help reduce electrical demand.

Why does demand matter?

Utilities strive to provide every industrial, commercial and residential customer with adequate electrical power whenever it is needed. During peak demand, that could require buying power from other utilities, and those costs are passed onto Wake Tech and other customers. Reducing demand during anticipated peak demand periods allows the college to save on the overall cost of electricity.

Generating electricity also creates pollution. By reducing electrical needs, we reduce the amount of pollution generated. While peak demand periods are important, it is also important to save electricity on a routine basis to help reduce electrical costs.

What can I do to reduce demand during a peak demand period?

Turn off all unnecessary lights and equipment, including radios, fans, window air conditioners, coffee pots, etc. But don't do anything that affects your ability to work.

If every employee acts as an energy conservationist, especially during peak demand periods, the college will reduce its electrical expense, which could mean more funds for other beneficial expenditures.