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Get Green

". . . we must recognize our grave duty to hand the earth on to future generations in such a condition that they too can worthily inhabit it and continue to cultivate it."
pope benedict xvi - caritas in veritate

Got Green? Poster - Sesquicentennial

Welcome to the on-line home of BC's get green! energy conservation campaign.

The campaign is designed to reduce the University's substantial energy appetite and apply the savings to more pressing educational needs - as well as to respond to increasing world-wide attention to the depletion of the earth's resources.

The get green! campaign, an outgrowth of the ongoing 'BConserves' effort, aims to illustrate how simple it is to make a big difference in energy consumption—and especially to cut down on the amount of wasted energy. If everyone on campus makes a few small adjustments in behavior, the collective savings can be great.

Conservation is everyone's responsibility, and BC can be a leader in this movement for change. Best of all, it's easy to be green! Check out the tips below.

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Want to get really green? Spread the word! Learn more at www.bc.edu/sustainabilty and share conservation tips with your friends and colleagues. Also, Sustainability Program Director Robert Pion is seeking faculty, staff and students to be on BC's 'Green Team'—helping offices, residence floors and other areas conserve. If you'd like to get involved—or have suggestions for conservation measures—contact him at robert.pion@bc.edu

  • Lights Out: When you leave your office, classroom or residence—even if it's just for 15 minutes - hit the light switch. The savings really add up.
  • Turn It Off: Turn off appliances when you're not using them—from coffee makers to TVs to computer monitors.
  • Unplug It—Beware of 'Wall Warts': A cell phone charger plugged into the wall outlet uses electricity whether the phone is charging or not. Unplug chargers when they're not in use—and unplug appliances like laptops, copiers and coffee makers overnight.
  • In Cold Weather: If you have an office thermostat, turn it down (but not off) when you leave for the day. Every degree by which the thermostat is lowered saves 2 percent. Open shades and use natural light whenever you can during winter days, then close shades at night to help insulate and reduce drafts.
  • In Warm Weather: Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during the day. Keep windows closed during the heat of the day. If you have a thermostat, set the AC only as high as is comfortable in the summer, and turn it off 30 minutes before you leave. (Don't set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn the AC on -- it won't cool any faster.)
  • Close and Lock Windows: If the heat or AC is on, it's wasteful to let that energy blow away. Close the windows and lock them to create a tighter seal.
  • Is it Too Hot or Too Cold Inside?: Notify the Work Order Center! Also report windows and doors that don't close properly, lights that don't work or an energy outlet that needs repair.
  • Cut 2 Minutes Off Each Shower: Water is an important resource, too. Just two minutes can save gallons!
  • Run Full Loads in Washers and Dryers: Use 'warm' instead of 'hot' water settings whenever possible.
  • Close the Refrigerator: Consolidate trips so the door is open for shorter periods.