Relating to Winter Heating Season Energy Conservation Measures for Facilities Owned
By the State of Wisconsin

WHEREAS, the cost of natural gas and other heating fuels has increased substantially over historical levels;

WHEREAS, the 2000-01 heating season has already been colder than normal and forecasts project normal – to colder-than-normal weather patterns for the balance of the heating season in Wisconsin;

WHEREAS, the Department of Administration has already taken steps to mitigate the impact rising heating costs on state agency budgets, such as switching to lower-cost fuel sources;

WHEREAS, a comprehensive energy conservation strategy is needed to further reduce the demand for natural gas and other heating fuels used in state facilities;

WHEREAS, building managers throughout state government have the judgement and expertise to balance the need to conserve energy resources while also providing a safe an appropriate work environment;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TOMMY G. THOMPSON, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, by the authority vested in me by the Wisconsin Constitution and the Laws of the State, and specifically by Section __________ of the Wisconsin Statutes, do hereby:

1. Proclaim that it shall be the policy of State of Wisconsin Executive Branch agencies to hold heating fuel use for state-owned facilities to the minimum level possible without adversely affecting state facilities, equipment, employees, visitors or program operation;
2. Proclaim that it shall be the goal of all State of Wisconsin Executive Branch agencies to promote employee awareness and understanding of energy conservation measures;
3. Direct the Secretary of Administration to issue energy conservation guidelines for the 2000-01 heating season for use by all State of Wisconsin Executive Branch agencies that shall:

a. Prescribe temperature, humidity and other standards for occupied and unoccupied space in state government-owned facilities;
b. Encourage the maximum use of automated temperature set-back systems and other routine procedures to conserve energy usage;

ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES (CURRENT WINTER HEATING SEASON):

Implement the following measures consistent with the requirements of health and safety and the requirements of the building code (Refer to DOA issued Energy Policy updated as of 12-28-00 for more specific details):

Maintain occupied space temperatures at or below 68 degrees F during winter.
Maintain unoccupied space setback temperatures at or below 60 degrees F during winter.
Areas such as vestibules, stairwells, mechanical rooms, elevator equipment rooms, electrical vaults and unoccupied storage spaces should be maintained at temperatures at or below 60 degrees F during winter.
Shut down all systems during unoccupied periods that are not critical to maintaining the unoccupied setback temperature.
Where humidification systems are used during winter, maintain pace relative humidity at or below 20%.
Shut off all unnecessary exhaust fans and close outside aire dampers during unoccupied periods.
During periods where normally occupied spaces do not have daytime-use such as: weekends, holidays, and semester breaks, set those spaces to follow the unoccupied mode procedures. Also, consolidate program functions within buildings during extended unoccupied periods to maximize system shutdowns and temperature setbacks during these periods.
Building automation systems should be utilized to the maximum extent possible to schedule the use of ventilation systems for the minimum possible operation and to set-back space temperatures during unoccupied periods.
Increase maintenance and calibration checks on all controls and primary HVAC operating equipment.
Use window blinds to maximize daylighting illumination during daylight hours and close the blinds at night to conserve heat.
Turn off lights when the classroom, office or laboratory is not in use. Reduce or eliminate any use of incandescent lighting. Turn off office machines, computers and other office equipment when not in use or activate the sleep mode settings.
For all operable windows make sure windows stay closed, and that any storm windows are properly in place and closed.