• What is the campus standard for room temperature? 
  • Room temperature settings vary based on the type of space and the needs of the occupants. Typically spaces are heated to approximately 68-70° F in winter and cooled to 74-76° F in summer, but our goal is to keep people as comfortable and productive as possible without wasting energy.
  • Has UC Davis installed energy efficient lighting in its parking lots and structures?    
  • UC Davis has been a leader in the installation of innovative, energy-efficient lighting.  In collaboration with the UC Davis California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) and Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS), all of the campus parking structures and parking lots have been retrofitted with state-of-the-art lighting systems.
  • May I use a space heater?
  • Space heaters are allowed as long as they follow the Campus Fire Prevention Services guidelines. However, if a space heater is needed, there may be an opportunity to improve the controls of the primary heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system to eliminate the need.
    We recommend you reach out to the Energy Conservation Office (ECO) via TherMOOstat first to let us know of any comfort issues or questions you have (use the comment section!). Additionally, you can submit a service request on the Facilities website if you need the temperature addressed immediately.
  • What is LEED? Does UC Davis have LEED-certified buildings? 
  • The U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. UC’s Sustainable Practices Policy (PDF) requires that all new construction and major renovation projects — except laboratory and acute care facilities — be built to a LEED-certified rating. Existing buildings are expected to be retrofitted to meet LEED for Existing Buildings standards.
    The Energy Conservation Office has a Green Building Team dedicated to certifying existing buildings with LEED and BREEAM certifications. Here is a list of all LEED-certified (existing and new) buildings.
  • What should I do when I see lights left on during the day, or when offices are not occupied?  
  •  If lights are left on in unoccupied classrooms or offices during the day, lights can be turned off if the switch is accessible. A number of buildings have occupancy sensors that allow for occupancy-based control of the lighting, but many buildings are still controlled with manual switches or scheduled controllers.  Some lights in buildings will remain on at all times for emergency egress lighting. 
  • What can I do to save energy on campus?
  • The Energy Conservation Office offers interactive web apps that provide opportunities for anyone on campus to help save energy and learn how building on campus use energy.
     TherMOOstat is a great way for you to let us know how you feel in your space. Feedback on TherMOOstat has helped the ECO discover mechanical, heating and cooling issues in various spaces and fix them so that you can be more comfortable, and to eliminate energy waste.
    Trim the Waste is a 5-step program that teaches you how to identify and report potential energy waste on campus. It is fun and educational – and you can earn a free T-shirt too!