Cal Poly Humboldt
IN-25: Innovation B

This initiative promotes a two-pronged approach by which the University achieves direct, measurable energy savings. The first approach entails Facilities Management Building Engineers initiating building systems reductions by physically ramping down mechanical systems (e.g., heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, HVAC) similar to a PG&E demand response type event, for a four hour period. The second approach entails active engagement, outreach, and education efforts by the student group called Green Campus in an attempt to achieve behavior change within the campus community in order to boost additional electricity reductions. HSU pioneered this approach within the CSU system.

Powerdown events highlight the idea that pairing operational changes and relatively small individual actions can make big impacts in energy consumption and that as a collective whole, the campus can reduce its carbon footprint in significant and measurable ways. During the 2015-2016 academic year, Power Down HSU helped show that sustainability can be incorporated into the workplace and classroom with minimal effort and discomfort.

The various ways the campus community can participate include:
Take the Do It in the Dark pledge
Wear a sweater
Do not charge personal electronics while at campus
Use only ambient lighting in classrooms
Have a discussion instead of a projector-based lecture

Event dates for 2016-2017 included:
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Thursday, April 13, 2017

During 2015-2016, the four Power Down HSU events collectively saved 10,632 kWh and 5,882 lbs of CO2, so the greater number of events during 2016-2017 should yield even greater results.