Cost-saving Ideas

Based in part on your suggestions, Administration and Finance has compiled a list of steps that individuals and departments can take to reduce costs and save energy.

Energy Consumption

Work Areas

Turn off lights, computers, monitors, printers, speakers, and other electronic equipment when not in use and when you leave for the day.
Close windows and blinds in the evening. Utilize the sun to warm spaces during the day in the winter.
Dress appropriately for the season. Room temperatures will be reduced to 68 degrees in most building. Dress in layers.
DO NOT USE SPACE HEATERS! These present a significant fire hazard and result in excessive electrical use. If your work area is particularly cold; call Customer Service Center (273-4567) for an analysis.
Use the stairs instead of the elevator when possible. It saves electricity and is good for your health.
Report all energy-saving opportunities (excessive warmth, loud air vents, water leaks, etc. ) to the Customer Service Center.

Conference Rooms, Classrooms, and Lecture Halls

Turn off lights when you leave the room. Do not assume there will be another class or meeting.
Turn off electronic equipment not in use (projectors and computers).
Many lecture halls are programmed based on class schedules. (Heat is increased before class.) Report changes in class schedules that would affect classroom/lecture hall operations.

Cost Reduction

Paper Usage

Print only when necessary and use two-sided printing.
Print presentations with two slides per page and double sided when possible.
Copy using two-sided option.
Recycle all paper as appropriate instead of discarding.
Copy only what is needed. (Determine the number of people attending a meeting and print only what you need; don’t retain copies in your office if they are being retained by others.)

Purchasing's Cost-Reduction Program

Please use their services to obtain the best pricing and terms. Meanwhile, if you have vendor contracts/invoices, please institute the following:

Do not accept fuel surcharges.
Do not accept price increases on ongoing purchases.
Use approved University suppliers (https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/purchasing/contract.cfm).
Use existing University supplier contracts (https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/purchasing/contract.cfm).
Seek Corporate Purchasing participation in purchasing decisions.

Share Resources between Departments

Consider sharing coffee service, water coolers, copiers, printers, and bulk supply purchases.

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