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SUBJECTS › ENVIRONMENT › Thurston County Energy Conservation

Sample Policy Directives on Energy Supply Shortage: Thurston County Energy Conservaton Information Provided to Employees (2001)

COMMISSIONERS ASK EMPLOYEES TO CUT ENERGY USE.

With questions about energy availability and costs rising dramatically, the Thurston County Commission is asking County employees to cut back on energy usage. The changes we are undertaking will bring the county into compliance with the call from Governor Gary Locke for local governments to cut energy usage by ten percent. But we are asking that such efforts continue permanently, not just through the current wintertime crisis. Measures that are practical now will still be practical in the spring, summer, next fall and beyond. In addition to saving resources for our overtaxed energy system, the measures will save money for the county and county residents.

To save energy in the workplace, employees are asked to:

  • Reduce use of space heaters, especially the old fashioned, metal element variety. (Bring a sweater or fleece vest to work if needed.)
  • Reduce use of hot water.
  • Turn off all individual coffee makers and cup warmers when not in use.
  • Use the energy savings feature on PCs to shut off monitors when not in use ( See memo on the county intranet at intra.co.thurston.wa.us/energy/energy.htm )
  • Turn PCs off at night. When practical- printers, scanners, copiers and other office machines should also be turned off at the end of the workday.
  • Turn off all office lights, and individual work place lights, when your area is not being used. (Fluorescent lights can be turned off efficiently whenever the office will be vacated for 15 minutes or more.)
County facilities officials are also taking steps to cut energy use-
  • The temperature of hot water heaters in county buildings is being turned down.
  • The heating and air conditioning systems for the various buildings are being fine-tuned for energy savings.
  • Efficiency lighting in hallways and some other non-work areas will be used to cut down on electricity consumption.
  • Rest rooms are being outfitted with occupancy activated lights, and other uses for such controls are being investigated.
Steps to take at home to cut energy use-
  • Turn off all lights when not needed.
  • Turn off all computers, radios, televisions and other appliances when not in use.
  • Turn thermostat down to 68 when people are in the home and down to 55 while at work or at night.
  • Turn down your water heater to 120 degrees.
  • Run only one appliance at a time.
  • Run appliances like dishwashers only in off peak hours. (Peak hours are 6:30 to 8:30 AM and 4 to 8PM.)
  • Make sure you are running a full load in your dishwasher and clothes washer.
  • Use small appliances like microwaves and toaster ovens to prepare small meals.

If we make this energy saving effort consistently, it will become second nature in the workplace and at home. On the job we may have to bundle up a bit, especially on Mondays or after a holiday, but we're all sacrificing together. By taking these steps we not only help with the current energy crisis, we also save energy and money for the future. Thurston County employees have always contributed greatly to the betterment of our area. Let's work together now and in the years to come to be fuel smart and energy efficient.

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Kevin J. O' Sullivan

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Cathy Wolfe

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Diane Oberquell