THIS SUCKS!Addressing vampire energy on university campuses

Trey McDonald, LEED AP, Sustainability Coordinator

Jessica Trotman, Sustainability Outreach Specialist

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

http://www.dragoart.com

WHAT IS VAMPIRE ENERGY?• Electricity used by devices even while

switched “off.”• TVs, DVD players, gaming systems• Devices with clocks• Chargers• Computers• Avg. dorm room: 7 of these devices

Avg. office: 4• Makes up 5-15% of electrical

consumption = several power plants• $100-200 per household; billions

overall per year• Concomitant GHG emissions

http://ourdailygreenlife.blogspot.com

www.detectenergy.com

Power down when not in useSmart power stripsPlug into power strip - off when not usingUnplug devices not being used

Computers – about 50% Use power settings on computersWork with IT to establish these

Lights Turn out when leavingInstall occupancy sensors

HOW DO YOU COMBAT VAMPIRE ENERGY?

– Not convenient – People forget– Overwhelmed– Apathetic

EASIER SAID THAN DONE!

HOW TO MAKE IT A PRIORITY?• Raise awareness

– Inform campus of the financial and environmental impacts:• e.g., at UNCG = $250,000 – 735,000 or

2050 – 6150 mtCO2e• Make it fun, creative, memorable• Goal is to build on this to create a

campus culture

VAMPIRE ENERGY SLAYERS!

• Creative way to engage and educate students

• Method to raise awareness with employees

• Builds on popularity of vampires in today’s culture

• Element of surprise

HOW IT WORKS:• Student volunteers walk

through offices looking for instances of vampire energy

• When found, a ticket is placed on the offending device.

• Also include lighting• We encourage them to

dress the part

THIS SUCKS electricity all the time.

Beware of

Vampire Energy!

Use these stakes to slay your energy vampires:

Set your computer to SLEEP after 15 minutes of inactivity;

shut it OFF at the end of the day.

Turn OUT the lights when you leave a room.

UNPLUG chargers when the device has finished charging.

UNPLUG electronics with “stand-by” lights (TVs, DVD players) when not in use, or

use a SMART POWER STRIP.

PILOT PROGRAM

RESULTS• Mossman Bldg –

14% reduction (with other behavior based programs)

• Anecdotal evidence as well.

Jan Feb Mar Apr35,000

40,000

45,000

50,000

55,000

60,000

Mossman Building Electrical Use (kWh)

Normalized data

20102011

kWh

ONGOING CHALLENGES• Keeping a regular group of slayers• Keeping the message/tactic “fresh”• Addition to the program: Positive

reinforcement– “Thank you” note and chocolate

instead of ticket– Fac. Services staff play vital role

• Training• Motivation• Piloted in spring

QUESTIONS?Contact us:Trey McDonaldrkmcdon@uncg.edu

Jessica Trotman jgtrotma@uncg.edu

UNCG Sustainability Office:http://facsustainability.uncg.edu/http://uncgsustainability.wordpress.com/