Work dress codes relax as summer temperatures go up

UNT employees can expect building temperatures to become warmer as summer draws near.

Richard Rafes, senior vice president for administration, says UNT will set thermostats at 75 degrees in most university buildings to conserve energy. Thermostats will be turned off after hours and on weekends in unoccupied buildings with no special needs such as temperature-sensitive research or equipment.

Rafes says UNT's annual electric bill is approximately $7 million, and the university can potentially save as much as $70,000 for each degree of increase in indoor temperatures over the summer.

To help employees keep cool, UNT offices are encouraged to allow faculty and staff to wear lighter and more casual attire. Employees should consult supervisors or department chairs to determine what's appropriate.

Employees should also be mindful of plants in their offices, particularly on weekends when air conditioning units will be turned off.

In addition to raising thermostats, Rafes says that UNT replaced the main water chiller in Willis Library with a unit expected to save the university as much as $70,000 a year. The university also replaced the boilers in Willis and the Music Building with new units that not only save energy, but reduce emissions. The facilities department also commissioned an engineering study focused on lowering campus energy consumption.

"Facilities is always looking for ways to save energy and money," Rafes says. "It is not only responsible stewardship of university funds, but those are our tax dollars, too."

For answers to temperature-related questions, call (940) 565-2700.

BY RUFUS COLEMAN rcoleman@unt.edu

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• Parking permits for 2005-06 now for sale
• Committee continues to examine Responsibility Center Management
• Gift to help promote Czech music, culture
• Denton County Transportation Authority approves rail line favored by UNT
• Mean Green 2005 season ticket packages for sale
• Faculty Senate elects officers for 2005-06

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