Facilities

Energy and Sustainability

 

 

 

Western Connecticut State University has made a commitment to improve efforts towards stainability, reduce our carbon footprint, and conserve energy.

The President's Cabinet members approved the adoption of the WCSU Energy Commitment document in April, 2025.

WCSU Energy Commitment 2025

 

 

 

Personal Heater Information

The Facilities Division does not allow for the use of space heaters, but rather recommends using personal heating mats.

Suggested personal heat mats and desk pads:

*all prodcuts must be UL listed, have an auto shut off feature, include a tip-over auto shut off feature,  and draw 2amp or lower.

The Facilities Division has tested the following products for your review. We do not endorse or receive incentives for these products.

 

Personal Cooling Information

The Facilities Division does not allow for portable cooling units to be installed in any location on campus. Requests for cooling should be made via the work order system. Fans to circulate air are permitted. In buildings with cooling systems,  doors and windows need to be kept closed in order to ensure proper operation and efficiency of the units.

Individual Actions that will help conservation efforts 

Thank you for your continued efforts to save energy, reduce carbon emissions, and adopt sustainable practices. These initiatives support a better environment not only for the campus but also for our local and regional communities. We can’t do it without you!

Individual Energy Reduction Actions:

  • Turn off lights.
  • Turn off AND unplug any heaters
  • Unplug all unused electronics as many draw electricity even when turned off (cell chargers, coffee machines, fans, etc.)
  • Turn off any power strips not connected to necessary devices like computers
  • Close all windows
  • Eliminate the use of individual office mini-refrigerators, microwaves, and other small appliances and opt for shared appliances within a department, or staff lounge appliances

EXCEPTION: Leave university computers powered on and plugged in. The computers will automatically revert to power saving mode. This allows them to receive necessary updates to software.

However, please DO turn off computer monitors. Computer monitors not only use electricity but also can create significant heat outputs.