Protecting Buildings and Facilities from Sub-Zero Temperatures
As winter approaches, it's important to be aware of the challenges that sub-zero temperatures can pose to our campus buildings and facilities. Winter is beautiful, but it brings its own set of challenges, especially when the temperatures drop below freezing. Our campus buildings and Facilities department work hard to keep us warm and comfortable, but extreme cold can take a toll.
Sub-zero temperatures can lead to frozen pipes, burst water lines, and heating system failures. That's why it's crucial for all of us to play a role in protecting our university infrastructure.
Here are a few simple tips to help keep our campus in top shape during the winter months:
Report Issues Promptly:
If you notice any leaks, drafts, or heating problems in your dorm or any other building, report it to Facilities immediately. Submit a Work Request
Close Windows and Doors:
Make sure windows and doors are closed tightly to prevent cold air from seeping in.
Space Heater Use in University Buildings
The use of individual space heaters in university buildings presents significant challenges related to safety, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. For these reasons, their use is prohibited except in specific, approved emergencies.
- Safety Risks: Space heaters are a known fire hazard, particularly when left unattended or improperly used. Overloaded circuits caused by multiple heaters in a single area can lead to electrical failures or even fires, putting both people and university property at risk.
- Energy Consumption: Space heaters are notoriously inefficient, consuming large amounts of electricity to heat small areas. In the context of a university setting, this inefficiency not only increases utility costs but also undermines our sustainability goals by contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions. This is especially relevant as we work towards meeting regional energy reduction commitments in the Midwest, where universities are increasingly leading on climate action.
- Equipment Damage: The misuse of space heaters, such as placing them near combustible materials or delicate equipment, can cause significant damage to university property. This can lead to costly repairs or replacements, further draining university resources.
Alternative Solutions
As part of our commitment to providing comfortable, energy-efficient environments, we recommend that building occupants follow alternative steps to maintain comfort:
- Layering Clothing: When indoor temperatures are within the university’s operational efficiency range for the season, dressing in layers is the most effective and sustainable approach to staying warm. This simple measure reduces the need for excessive energy consumption while ensuring individual comfort.
- Reporting Temperature Issues: If building occupants find that their spaces are still too cold despite layering, they should submit a work order to university facilities management. This will prompt a review of the space’s HVAC system, ensuring that air conditioning (A/C) is adjusted or inspected as needed. Adjustments to centralized heating systems are both more efficient and sustainable than the use of personal space heaters.
Emergency Exceptions
Space heaters are only allowed under emergency conditions—such as during extreme weather events when central heating systems fail or when supplemental heat is critically needed. In such cases, approval from university facilities management is required, and the space heater must be used under their supervision to ensure safety and energy efficiency.
By adhering to these guidelines, we can create safer, more energy-efficient spaces that align with our sustainability goals. This is part of a broader strategy to reduce our environmental impact, support regional energy initiatives, and safeguard the health and well-being of our university community.
As winter approaches, it's important to be aware of the challenges that sub-zero temperatures can pose to our campus buildings and facilities. Winter is beautiful, but it brings its own set of challenges, especially when the temperatures drop below freezing. Our campus buildings and Facilities department work hard to keep us warm and comfortable, but extreme cold can take a toll.
Sub-zero temperatures can lead to frozen pipes, burst water lines, and heating system failures. That's why it's crucial for all of us to play a role in protecting our university infrastructure.
Here are a few simple tips to help keep our campus in top shape during the winter months:
Report Issues Promptly:
If you notice any leaks, drafts, or heating problems in your dorm or any other building, report it to Facilities immediately. Submit a Work Request
Close Windows and Doors:
Make sure windows and doors are closed tightly to prevent cold air from seeping in.
Space Heater Use in University Buildings
The use of individual space heaters in university buildings presents significant challenges related to safety, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. For these reasons, their use is prohibited except in specific, approved emergencies.
- Safety Risks: Space heaters are a known fire hazard, particularly when left unattended or improperly used. Overloaded circuits caused by multiple heaters in a single area can lead to electrical failures or even fires, putting both people and university property at risk.
- Energy Consumption: Space heaters are notoriously inefficient, consuming large amounts of electricity to heat small areas. In the context of a university setting, this inefficiency not only increases utility costs but also undermines our sustainability goals by contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions. This is especially relevant as we work towards meeting regional energy reduction commitments in the Midwest, where universities are increasingly leading on climate action.
- Equipment Damage: The misuse of space heaters, such as placing them near combustible materials or delicate equipment, can cause significant damage to university property. This can lead to costly repairs or replacements, further draining university resources.
Alternative Solutions
As part of our commitment to providing comfortable, energy-efficient environments, we recommend that building occupants follow alternative steps to maintain comfort:
- Layering Clothing: When indoor temperatures are within the university’s operational efficiency range for the season, dressing in layers is the most effective and sustainable approach to staying warm. This simple measure reduces the need for excessive energy consumption while ensuring individual comfort.
- Reporting Temperature Issues: If building occupants find that their spaces are still too cold despite layering, they should submit a work order to university facilities management. This will prompt a review of the space’s HVAC system, ensuring that air conditioning (A/C) is adjusted or inspected as needed. Adjustments to centralized heating systems are both more efficient and sustainable than the use of personal space heaters.
Emergency Exceptions
Space heaters are only allowed under emergency conditions—such as during extreme weather events when central heating systems fail or when supplemental heat is critically needed. In such cases, approval from university facilities management is required, and the space heater must be used under their supervision to ensure safety and energy efficiency.
By adhering to these guidelines, we can create safer, more energy-efficient spaces that align with our sustainability goals. This is part of a broader strategy to reduce our environmental impact, support regional energy initiatives, and safeguard the health and well-being of our university community.