WHO SHOULD I ASK?
Are you unsure where to find the answers to certain survey questions? Check the recommendations below for information sources.
Ask the lab manager/administrator:
- EN6: Our are appliances Energy Star certified?
- EN9: Are any of our refrigerators/freezers in the lab built earlier than 15 years?
- ED2: Is your team informed on the special materials that can be recycled at OSU?
- ED4: Does your lab utilize the OSU Search Advocates Program during recruitment for non-student employees?
- ED5: Does your lab promote social justice-related communications or engagement monthly via newsletters, departmental websites, lab meetings, or other outlets?
Ask the person who handles purchasing in your lab:
- LP1: Does your lab only purchase computer-related equipment that is EnergyStar compliant and/or certified with an EPEAT rating of at least Gold?
- LP3: Does your lab utilize equipment communally among multiple labs?
Email the Sustainability Office:
- WC2: What is your sink aerator flow rate?
- Any survey question that you are not sure how to answer
ENERGY CONSERVATION
The OSU Sustainability Office is the main resource for this section. Feel free to reach out via [email protected].
How to:
Change Your Computer Sleep/Hibernation Settings:
Change "sleep" or "low-power mode" settings on devices to save energy after a specified time (recommended no longer than 30 min.).
- Copiers & Printers: Most copiers and printers have energy-saver buttons to configure settings, or sometimes this is found under general settings. If you cannot find how to change the power settings, most models have tutorials online.
- Computers:
- Open the Control Panel
- Search for "Power Options" (without quotations)
- Select "Change Power-Saving Settings"
- Select the "Power Saver" power plan
- From the side bar, select "choose when to turn off the display" and select how long you want the display to be on
Contact Your Building Manager:
Each building has at least one building manager who can assist with general questions or direct you to the correct person. By clicking the title link above, you can search by building to find out who your building manager is, and view any current work orders.
If something is broken or running inefficiently, you can submit a Work Order form through OSU Facilities Services in the title link above.
Freezer/Refrigerator Inspections:
Samples that are no longer needed or viable should be removed from freezers/refrigerators at least annually. Freezer/refrigerator doors should also be inspected at least monthly for frost accumulation around door seal gaskets. To learn more about best freezer practices, email the sustainability office!
Request Replacement of Incandescent Light Bulbs:
If you know of any incandescent lights in your lab and would like them changed to CFLs or LEDs, please email the Sustainability Office with a request. CFLs use 75% less energy than incandescent lighting!
High-Energy Sterilizers (combustion ovens, autoclaves, etc.):
To minimize energy consumption, use high-energy sterilized only when your lab (or group of labs) can run a full load. For more information about autoclaves/sterilizer best practices, click the title link from "My Green Lab."
Fume hood sashes should be shut or lowered to a height of fewer than 2 inches when not in use to conserve energy. To learn more about the energy costs and savings associated with lowering a fume hood sash, click the title link to be directed to the U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Campus Recycling is the main resource for this section. Feel free to reach out to Steve Schofield, Recycling Supervisor.
- Department Composting Program: This provides a compost option within a lunch or break room for your department.
- "How-To" signage for recycling bins around campus: Review and download documents here.
- Special Recyclables info
- OSUsed Store-Surplus
- Battery recycling locations
LAB PURCHASING
The OSU Sustainability Office is the main resource for this section. Feel free to reach out via [email protected].
TRANSPORTATION
OSU Transportation Services is the main resource for this section. Feel free to reach out to Sarah Bronstein, the Transportation Options Coordinator, for any questions.
EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT
The OSU Sustainability Office is the main resource for this section. Feel free to reach out via [email protected].
- Subscribe to the Sustainability at OSU monthly newsletter here.
- This newsletter provides information on events, projects, and news at OSU and within the community.
- Read about our Sustainability Advocates group and learn how to join or work with the group.
- Learn about how to participate in OSU's Social Justice Education Initiative (SJEI)
- Read about and learn how to utilize the OSU Search Advocate Program for non-student employee recruitment.
- Use the Sustainability Events Calendar for events on campus and in the community. This can be used to find events to encourage your staff and lab members to attend or advertise your own sustainability related event to more people.
- Video Resources:
OTHER RESOURCES
- Fall and Winter Energy Saving Tips from the U.S. Department of Energy
- Request a Light Switch Reminder Sticker or Water Conservation Poster:
- Requests for these posters can be made by sending an email to the Sustainability Office.
Definitions:
Attached to a sink tap, an aerator screws onto the tip of the faucet and mixes air and water to increase pressure for the user while decreasing water usage. The flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm) is typically stamped on the side of the aerator. If you still need help identifying your building's aerator flow rates, please email the Sustainability Office
A device designed to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes by blocking or shorting to ground any unwanted voltages above a safe threshold.
Lighting that aids in illuminating personal activities such as reading, office work, etc. It can be recessed or track lighting, or portable floor or desk lamps. Task lighting saves energy compared to overhead lighting that brightens spaces not always needed.