2011 Holiday Energy Initiative

North Carolina State University saved more than $290,000 in energy costs and 1,484 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions during the annual December holiday break which is equivalent to taking 285 cars off the road for a year. To date the program has saved the taxpayers of North Carolina $1,894,255.

The Intersession Setback, now in its seventh year, is a coordinated cross-campus approach to reducing the university’s impact on the environment while promoting fiscal responsibility. The program sets back building heating and air conditioning units to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. In conjunction with the adjusted building controls, occupants are educated on the need to shut off lights and other energy saving steps.

“The success of this program hinges on our campus commitment to saving energy and reducing our impact on the environment,” said Mahomet Accilien, the project manager.

The Energy Management office notified the campus about the energy-saving program through emails and electronic flyers and also provided campus departments with an easy to use web-based exemption form.