Utility costs are among NC State’s largest operating expenses, especially during the summer when cooling demand is high and campus occupancy is lower. 

To help reduce energy use and operating costs during this time, NC State implements the Summer Energy Savings Initiative (SESI), an annual campus-wide effort focused on improving building efficiency and supporting sustainability goals. 

Led by NC State Energy Management, in partnership with Building Maintenance & Operations, the University Sustainability Office and the Department of Registration and Records, SESI offers a smart opportunity to conserve energy while maintaining comfortable learning and research environments. 

During Summer I and Summer II sessions, campus buildings are reviewed for opportunities to operate more efficiently due to low occupancy. Facilities Liaisons are also encouraged to contact Energy Management about spaces that will be unoccupied for extended periods throughout the summer. 

Selected spaces may transition into Eco-Mode, which refers to the measures NC State takes to align the university’s energy and water consumption with the campus community’s actual needs. While in Eco-Mode, room temperatures may rise to approximately 80°F before automatically returning to standard comfort settings when rooms are reoccupied.

Occupied research labs and other critical spaces are excluded and continue operating normally.

In addition to the Summer Energy Savings Initiative, all staff, faculty and students can help save energy and Sustain Our Pack through these simple actions: 

• Shut the sash on laboratory fume hoods when not in use
• Switch off lights and equipment when leaving a space
• Unplug devices that are not being used
• Reduce water use
• Wash in cold water whenever possible. 

Together, these efforts help NC State operate more sustainably while maintaining safe and comfortable learning and research environments. 

For more information about the Summer Energy Savings Initiative, visit go.ncsu.edu/sesi.

This post was originally published in Energy Management.