Energy Conservation Publications

University of Colorado Emissions Inventory

University of Colorado Emissions Inventory - At the University of Colorado, electricity and steam consumption have increased substantially between 1990 and 1999. However, the cogeneration plant has also substantially decreased the carbon output per unit of energy consumed. This inventory compares carbon dioxide emissions from 1990 and 1999 to see how the cogeneration plant and increased energy demand has effected emissions.

Green Computing Guide

Green Computing Guide — The growing use of computers on campus has caused a dramatic increase in energy consumption, putting negative pressure on CU’s budget and the environment. Each year more and more computers are purchased and put to use, but it’s not just the number of computers that is driving energy consumption upward. The way that we use computers also adds to the increasing energy burden.

Research reveals that most personal desktop computers are not being used the majority of the time they are running and many personal computers nationwide are needlessly left on continuously. Every time we leave computers or lights on we waste electricity. Burning fossil fuels generates most of our electricity and it also emits pollutants, sulfur, and carbon dioxide into the air. These emissions can cause respiratory disease, smog, acid rain and global climate change.

In 2002 the Vice Chancellor for Administration adopted a campus policy to reduce energy use per square foot of campus building, with a goal of stabilizing or reducing total energy consumption and emissions. One of the key actionable measures is enabling desktop power management features.

The campus energy strategy map outlines steps that need to be taken to conserve energy on campus. One of these steps is to incorporate operational efficiencies in equipment purchases. Visit Facilities Management's Resource Conservation page to see the strategy map.

This guide is consistent with Information Technology Services “Energy Saving Guidelines for PCs.”

This green computing guide was adapted from “The University of Buffalo’s Green Computing Guide.”

Also available to download and print. (1.42 MB)

Quick Tips for Saving Energy

In Your Dorm or Residence (564K)
In Your Office (564K)
On Your Computer (568K)
When to Turn off Lights (568K)

CU Boulder's Guides to Saving Energy

In Your Office (284K)
In Your Home (440K)