As a heat wave welcomes Huskers back to campus, the university community is being asked to help mitigate energy demands.

Faculty, staff and students can help reduce the impact the heat index will have on the university’s budget by:

• Closing window drapes, curtains or blinds, especially when windows are in direct sunlight.

• Turning off or dimming electric lights as much as possible and turning all lights off whenever leaving a room or office. Close your window shades and using electric lights when your window is in direct sunlight; when it is not, open the drapes slightly and turn off electric lights.

• Turning off computer monitors, projectors and computers whenever possible.

• Minimizing unnecessary ventilation by closing fume hood sashes and turning off any unneeded exhaust fans.

• Keeping outdoor air from entering buildings by closing doors, including vestibules, and keeping all windows closed.

These simple actions will help the university to operate cooling systems normally during the week.