Energy | Ithaca College

IC a Sustainable Future with Revert Smart Plugs

When visiting classrooms and offices across campus, a common question Office of Energy Management & Sustainability staff hear is: "Why do so many building electronics appear to be on late at night in spaces that aren't being used?"

As Ithaca College experiences significant increases in electricity costs, it is more important than ever to identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and avoid paying for electricity that isn't needed. One of the ways we're addressing this challenge is through the increased use of smart plugs across campus.

You may have noticed these smart plugs connected to TVs, conference room displays, vending machines, printers, water coolers, fitness equipment, and other appliances. Working with our sustainability partner, Revert Technologies, Ithaca College is using smart plug technology to automatically manage power usage based on occupancy data and usage patterns. This allows equipment to power down when not needed and return to operation when it is, helping reduce wasted energy without disrupting campus activities.

The best part is that students, faculty, and staff don't need to change how they work. Simply leave the smart plugs in place, and the technology will do the rest.

With approximately 250 new smart plugs installed across campus, the technology is expected to pay for itself in less than one year. Over the course of the 3-year planning timeline, Ithaca College is projected to save well over $100,000 in energy costs while also reducing its environmental impact.

Together with Revert Technologies and other campus-wide sustainability initiatives, these efforts will help Ithaca College reduce energy waste, lower operating costs, and advance our commitment to environmental stewardship.

Please contact the Ithaca College Office of Energy Management & Sustainability at 607-274-3225 with any questions.

On-Campus Energy Efficiency

Living on campus and interested in conserving energy? Take note of some of the energy-saving tips below and start decreasing your carbon footprint.

1. SWAP OUT YOUR LIGHTBULBS

Ditch the cheap, incandescent light bulbs and replace them with energy-efficient LED models. Not only do LED bulbs use 70% less energy than their conventional counterparts, but they also last up to 5-times longer.

2. CONDITION YOURSELF, NOT THE AIR

One of the most impactful choices a student can make is to be mindful of the heating and cooling systems at work. In the winter, dress in layers and keep the windows closed. Leaving even just a few windows open in a residence hall will force the heating system to try and heat the cooler space, leaving other rooms feeling too hot while it tries to catch up. If you and others leave your windows shut, the system will regulate itself leaving individual dorms at a comfortable temperature. In the summertime, if your dorm, classroom, or apartment uses air conditioning, keep the windows shut to avoid cool air escaping outdoors.

3. PASS ON THE MICROFRIDGE

Microfridges use an astounding amount of electricity when in use. Lucky for IC students, residence halls offer shared refrigerators and microwaves for your convenience.

4. TURN OFF THE LIGHTS

As you head out the door for the day, make sure to flip the light switch off on your way.

5. UNPLUG ELECTRONICS WHEN NOT IN USE

Make sure to unplug electronics and chargers when you're finished with them to avoid phantom load. A great way to make this easy change is to plug all electronics into a surge-protected power strip with an on/off button. Switch the strip on when in use, flip it off when you leave (bonus points: unplug the strip completely when not in use).

6. USE THE COLD CYCLE ON WASHING MACHINES

Did you know nearly 90% of the energy consumed by washing machines is used for heating water? Switch to cold water and get the same clean for less energy.

7. REPORT ISSUES, NO MATTER HOW SMALL

Any time something in your classroom, dorm, or residence hall isn't working appropriately, it has the potential to be a source of huge energy loss. If you think something isn't functioning the way it's supposed to (leaky faucets, for example) call (607) 274-3225 or submit a work order online.

8. START SHUTTING DOWN

Classrooms and labs around college campuses often leave desktop computers and lights on all night, sometimes even over long winter breaks. Make sure to shutdown computers, projectors, and other equipment if you're the last to use it.

9. SHOP WISELY

When purchasing electronics and small appliances, search for the ENERGY STAR logo and high recycled content.

Off-Campus & Circle Apartment Energy Efficiency

Living off-campus gives you more freedom to control your space. Use the tips below to ensure you're taking advantage of every opportunity.

1. HEATING

During winter, set your thermostat to 65o during the day to reduce your heating use by as much as 15%. Planning to leave your apartment for winter break? Turn your thermostat down to 58o.

2. COOLING

In the summer months, keep your thermostat around 78o . Typically, each degree above 75 will save about 3% of the energy used to cool your home. To save even more energy, close doors to rooms you don't often use so you're not cooling unnecessary space. No central-air in your apartment? Instead of installing a window unit, consider box fans to better circulate air in your home.

3. TURN OFF THE LIGHTS

As you head out the door, be sure to switch the lights off and utilize natural daylight.

4. CONSIDER TASK LIGHTING

Doing homework or reading a book? Consider using a desk lamp or task lights to focus lighting where you need it.

5. REPLACE BULBS

LEDs are the energy efficiency standard these days. Replace incandescent bulbs with these equally bright, but more efficient counterparts.

6. INSULATE WHERE YOU CAN

While building insulation is likely outside your control when renting, there are a few things you can do to increase the efficiency of your space. In winter, area rugs can reduce heat loss. You can purchase window insulation kits that help protect your space from cold, winter drafts. Simply use the included plastic and tape to enclose your windows and shrink with a hairdryer. Consider purchasing (or better yet, making) a door draft stopper to keep cold air out.

7. LET FANS HELP YOU

Have ceiling fans in your apartment? In the summer, make sure your fan rotates in a counter-clockwise direction (to circulate cool air down to you), while in the winter it should rotate clockwise (to pull cool air away from you and push warm air down).

8. USE YOUR APPLIANCES WISELY

Only run your dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load. When washing your clothes, try not to use wash-cycles that use hot water and hang dry your clothes when possible.

9. UNPLUG ELECTRONICS & CHARGERS

Finished charging your cellphone, watching TV, or playing video games? Unplug unnecessary electronics and chargers when not in use.

10. REPORT ISSUES, NO MATTER HOW SMALL

Leaky faucets, broken windows, running toilets, or malfunctioning HVAC systems should always result in a call to your landlord or maintenance.