Conserving electrical energy is as simple as flicking off a light switch, shutting down a computer or closing window blinds.
They may not seem like substantial money savers, but multiplied by thousands of employees across the UNMC/NHS campus can result in a significant reduction in electrical consumption and cost. As a result, UNMC/NHS is launching an energy conservation campaign to “turn off the energy, turn on the savings.” 
Campus leaders hope to reduce the campus energy demand by 5 percent over the next year. Their immediate goal, however, is to reduce the energy demand in August. Employees soon will be able to track the campaign’s success, as well as find a list of energy saving tips, on the Web.
Understanding UNMC/NHS’ energy usage
Similar to a private residence, UNMC’s energy bill is based on the amount of energy used (kWh). However, unlike residential bills, the campus also pays for its energy demand (kW) or the amount of instantaneous energy needed at a given time. That rate is pro-rated for 11 months based on the peak amount of energy used in a 15-minute period. The campus generally reaches its peak energy demand in August. Last year UNMC’s peak demand was 15 million watts, or 15,000 kW.
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“Reducing our energy demand by 5 percent is a reasonable goal if employees take a few simple steps in the areas they have control over,” said Nick Combs, UNMC’s manager of Maintenance and Utilities. “We need to be good energy stewards and lights and computers have a greater impact on our energy bill than outside temperatures. By limiting the electricity we use we can reduce our cooling load.”
Dan Brewer, manager of NHS Support Operations, agreed: “There are little things we can do to help keep our operating costs at a minimum. Lights and computers have a greater impact on our energy consumption than temperature so we want to concentrate on things that have a direct economic impact without having an impact on operations.”
In a single summer month, UNMC consumes approximately 7 million to 8 million kilowatt-hours. An average residential house uses 11,732 kWh per year.
Much of UNMC’s energy costs are not tied to fluctuating temperatures, but to the amount of lights and equipment that is used. The campus base load, the amount of energy used regardless of temperature fluctuation, is approximately 60,500,000 kWh per year.
“Hallways and stairwells need to be lit, but office lights should be turned off when rooms are not in use,” Combs said. “While we want to be energy conscientious, safety is first and foremost. We don’t want to compromise patient care, safety, research or education.”
Reducing energy: What you can do
As part of the campaign, UNMC/NHS administrators are exploring the possibility of reducing decorative lighting around the campus, such as the wall lighting found in the concourse between NHS University and NHS Clarkson and the lighting on the photos in the main hallway of Wittson Hall.
Officials hope the energy conservation campaign becomes as successful — and as much a habit — as the UNMC/NHS recycling program, particularly since the energy demand will continue to grow as buildings are erected and renovated.
One option that departments can explore for non-public space that they control is reducing overhead lighting. Room lighting must be designed to meet a specific code, but users can voluntarily reduce the amount of lighting in non-public departmental spaces. Departments that want to explore this option should call UNMC Facilities Management and Planning at 559-4050 or NHS Support Operations at 559-3585.
OPPD to present energy saving tips
In conjunction with the UNMC/NHS energy consumption campaign, a representative of the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) will be on campus next month to present information and tips on reducing energy consumption at home and at work. Handouts will be available. The campus is invited to attend any of the following sessions:
- Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 11:30 a.m. in the Clarkson Storz 1&2
- Thursday, Aug. 8 at 11:30 a.m. in the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater
- Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 3:30 p.m. in the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater.