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Energy Conservation
on Capitol Hill

The Georgia Building Authority, like all state agencies, is dedicated to reducing expenses on behalf of the citizens of the State of Georgia. In an effort to reduce energy expenses on Capitol Hill, we will adjust air temperatures in all Capitol Hill buildings effective Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008. This means thermostats will be set to 78 degrees in warmer months and 68 degrees in cooler months. The 78 degree setting reflects a 2- to 4-degree increase over the current settings while the 68 degree setting reflects a similar decrease in temperature.

We hope all state workers will join us in this conservation endeavor. To assist in ensuring proper temperatures are met, it is necessary to prohibit the use of personal heaters and fans. This will allow the system to properly control the temperatures. Additionally, air conditioning and heating systems will turn on 30 minutes later and will turn off 30 minutes earlier each day.

We also ask all state employees to join GBA in adopting the following practices:

• Minimize use of personal appliances and unplug appliances when not in use.
• As appropriate, replace work-related office equipment with Energy Star products.
• Daily shut-down of all non-essential office equipment at the close of business, including computers.
• Use of only compact fluorescent lights (CFL’s) in all personal desk lamps and task lighting.
• Maximize use of natural lighting whenever possible.
• Please turn off office lights when you are exiting the office or room for more than 15 minutes.

NOTE: The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) specifies the combinations of indoor space environment and personal factors that will produce thermal comfort conditions acceptable to 80% or more of the occupants within the space. Temperatures in the winter should range from 68-74° F and 73-79° F in the summer.