In cooperation with the Make Orange Green program, UT is asking for the participation of both its faculty and students to participate in the program Switch Your Thinking in an effort to meet the 10 percent energy-saving goal of their Energy Saving Campaign.

"Recent increases in utility rates have increased the urgency with which energy conservation issues are being addressed," Alexandra Virtanen, public relations coordinator for the Facilities Services Department, said. The program follows some basic steps.

They include turning off lights and computers when not in the office for more than an hour, using a power strip in the office that is turned off at the end of each day, and turning off window air conditioner units at the end of each day.

The success of the campaign is dependent on students, faculty and staff adopting the steps and encouraging others to do the same. If effective, the campaign has the potential to save $1 million from its campus energy budget. 

To ensure the entire campus community is aware of the campaign and what each person can do to help, Virtanen says they will be distributing information via posters, table tents and door hangers across campus. University vehicles will display informational rear-view mirror-hangers and a Switch Your Thinking giant green light switch will also be touring campus with an informational display over the coming months, Virtanen said.

 “We are hoping the publicity surrounding the campaign will build a buzz around campus for conserving energy," she said. “Going green is already a popular issue on campus and publicizing the Switch Your Thinking campaign on a number of different fronts...will reinforce the popularity and importance of taking personal measures to promote and achieve environmental conservation.”

UT has already taken some energy-saving measures. The Stokely Management Center has undergone a new lighting system, which will be controlled by automatic sensors. The new $500,000 system will save money and energy, as the building will now only light occupied rooms.