As a public institution, UNC is committed to using resources wisely. One element of our commitment is conserving energy on a campus of some 60 buildings that total more than 2.7 million square feet. UNC has cut its natural gas and electricity consumption by more than 15 percent since 2002. Our ongoing conservation efforts are particularly important as energy costs continue to rise.

UNC is launching a campus-wide conservation campaign today to raise awareness about how students and employees can help conserve resources on campus. I hope you will continue turning off lights, computers and other electronic equipment that are not in use while also incorporating the conservation measures you will hear about this week. Other ways to help include buying office equipment such as computers, copiers and printers with the Energy Star rating (visit http://www.energystar.gov for a list), using energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs, making double-sided copies, recycling paper and buying recycled paper.

Conservation efforts are a natural fit with UNC’s commitment to be efficient, transparent and accountable and are part of our responsibility as a public institution.

As a partner in the Energy Star national voluntary conservation program, UNC is already working to conserve. We monitor water, steam and gas consumption and target further efficiencies. We have added technology that allows us to more efficiently regulate building temperature and lighting. Our Facilities staff have replaced campus light bulbs with more energy efficient bulbs and fitted more than 2,000 faucets, showerheads and toilets with low-flow fixtures. Our recycling program has also doubled in volume during the past two years.

I am confident we will see even better results as we make conservation a priority. Thank you for your continuing efforts to make our campus more energy efficient.

Sincerely,

Kay Norton