Capital Assets has launched a pilot project to rein in energy use and save money by simply turning off lights and computers.
The Lights Out Project employs six supervised students to enter selected buildings to look for lights, computers, monitors and printers that have been left on. The students will turn off the equipment, except for any personal computers that may be inside.
Targeted buildings include The W.A. Franke College of Business, Engineering, Forestry, Gateway, Old Main, SBS West, South Dining, Lab Facility and the University Union.
The students have been fingerprinted, had background checks and are trained in key policies, including FERPA.
The project will last through commencement with results available in July. The results will determine whether the project continues.
Similar programs have led to more than $20,000 in savings for some universities.