Have fume hood turned off if safe and practical

Problem: Fume hoods draw out warmed or cooled air from your lab 24/7 and you may rarely or never need it. A constant volume hood drawing 100 fpm consumes up to 3 kW in electricity and heating energy.

Solution: If 1) a single fan draws air from your hood 2) the exhaust and supply air can be rebalanced AND 3) you prominently post the hood as non-operational, you may request maintenance staff to turn off its circuit breaker. You must notify EH&S as well.

Benefits: The University will save up to $3,000 per year in energy costs, and you will prevent over four tons of CO2 emissions from power plants.

Costs: You will need to share hood use with another lab if you need vapor or dust control.