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“Approximately two-thirds of a building’s energy

consumption comes from lighting and HVAC systems.”

THIS IS A PHRASE that you hear from SERT quite often because it’s one of the
most important things that we would like everyone to remember. We can not ”
control the weather – mild, comfortable temperatures are incredible for our
“bottom line” while extremely hot or cold days wreak havoc on our budget –
but we can help control costs by doing things like turning off unnecessary lights
and avoiding outside air infiltration.

One simple way you can reduce
energy use is to manipulate your
blinds properly to take advantage of
natural daylight. Opening the blinds
during the heating season can
increase the solar gain in the We have the opportunity to
classroom, reducing the demand for
energy from the HVAC system. You save a substantial amount
will also have more natural light of energy in our schools
available, reducing the need for during the upcoming
overhead lighting. To prevent glare
and to maximize your natural lighting, simply angle the blinds in an upward winter break!
position to reflect sunlight off the ceiling.

When you consider that the bulk of
During the cooling season, it is recommended that blinds be closed or turned
our electricity use comes from HVAC
upward so that the solar gain is kept at a minimum. (Solar gain, also called solar
systems, lighting and plug loads,
heat gain or passive solar gain, refers to the increase in temperature in a space,
you’ll understand why it’s important
object or structure that results from solar radiation.)
for you to shut down your facility for
Throughout the year, whether it’s the 10-day break. When everyone
cold or hot outside, blinds should does their part by making sure that
always be closed at the end of the lights and exhaust fans have been
day to serve as a thermal barrier turned off, all window blinds/shades
from the outside elements. This have been closed, and unnecessary
form of insulation is an easy way to equipment has been turned off (keep
save energy on a regular basis. computers plugged in), MCPS will
experience greater savings system-
As we look forward to the joys of
wide.
Winter Break, it’s important that
every building receive a thorough We appreciate you taking the time
inspection to make sure that all and effort to complete and submit
lights are turned off, window shades/blinds are closed, computers are turned the Winter Break Shutdown Check-
off and electric appliances are unplugged, etc. The Winter Break Shutdown list. Keep in mind that SERT tracks
Checklist is a vital tool in this energy-saving process. Please remember to check the forms received and we award
each of the 14 line items on the list because every area is important. points for performing this task!
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DECEMBER 2016