Getting Through the Winter
The winter semester has begun and temperatures are quickly dropping. We are facing an unpredictable situation this year due to reduced gas delivery and limited supply; as a university, we need to reduce our energy consumption and help prevent a general gas shortage. And this is exactly what the university and its Energy Task Force are currently working on. But we are also depending on you as university members. All of us can do our part and act responsibly and frugally when it comes to energy consumption.
On this page, we will show you how you can actively reduce your energy consumption. You can find current measures in the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar Energy-Saving Plan. Thank you for your cooperation!
Every Kilowatt Hour Counts – How Can We Save Electricity?
Electricity is partially produced by gas. This means that it’s important to lower electricity use. For instance, the university has turned off outdoor decorative lighting on campus. Employees have been given outlet switches that allow them to completely shut off deceives such as computers, monitors, printers and lights with the push of a button. Printers and telephone displays have been set to shut off when they are not in use. In general: your individual behaviour counts! Turn off devices when you aren’t using them, avoid leaving devices in standby mode and reduce your energy consumption in shared kitchens.
Do your part and pay attention to where electricity can be saved!
Am I Doomed to Freeze? What Temperature Should Rooms Be Kept At?
Each degree that we can lower room temperature by saves gas, therefore lowering energy costs. Legally, all workrooms should be heated to 19°C. The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is relying on its members to responsibly regulate the temperatures in offices. To do this, set your heaters to between 2.5 and 2.9. Check your thermometer regularly: if the temperature exceeds 19°C, turn the heating down. When you leave your office for the day, turn the heat down to 1.5 (»moon«). Turn the heating down at night and on weekends.
Turn off the heating when you leave the office or workroom for a longer period of time!
Fresh Air and Saving Energy – Is This Even Possible?
Stale air out, fresh air in: ventilating often ensures a better indoor climate. To do this, open windows completely for about 5 minutes. This ensures a quick and effective exchange of air. Set heaters to frost protection (asterisk) during this shock ventilation. Once the windows have been closed again, set the heaters back to between 2.5 and 2.9. This will quickly restore the room temperature back to normal. Please note: corridors and stairwells are no longer being heated.
Keep any doors to corridors closed when possible and ventilate mindfully!
How Do We Deal With Energy in Shared Spaces?
Even in shared rooms, your individual behaviour is more important than ever. Make sure that heaters are turned down and that windows are closed when you leave the room and are no longer using it. Turn off lights and all electrical devices; avoid leaving devices in standby mode. Reducing your energy consumption is environmentally friendly, even when there isn’t a gas shortage.
Do your best to make others aware of using energy wisely!