Laboratory Fact Sheet
In order for P2 to be truly effective, both facility operators and facility users must make an effort. By creating a building in which it is easy and obvious for users to implement P2, managers create the necessary environment for it to work.
Energy Consumption:
- Install energy saving fixtures such as fluorescent lights - A 40-Watt fluorescent bulb produces as much light as a 150-Watt incandescent bulb. Fluorescent lights use about 27% of the energy, and therefore create only 27% of the pollution, and cost 27% percent of an equal amount of light cast by incandescent bulbs.
- Install energy efficient appliances - One way to do this is to join the EnergyStar program with the EPA. The EPA program can help you find energy saving refrigerators, stoves, computers, water heaters, etc. These appliances use 15% - 40% less energy than average appliances.
- Turn water heaters down to 120°F - Most hot water heaters are set much higher than needed, and therefore waste fuel by heating water to scalding temperatures which must then be tempered with cold water. Try turning the thermostat down to 120°F.
- Make the windows airtight - This can increase the efficiency of heat dramatically.
- Post signs that motive facility users to use resources responsibly and enthusiastically - "Please turn out the lights upon leaving."; "Fluorescent lights save energy!"
Water Use:
- Install low flow toilets - These toilets use as little as one quarter of the water used in larger toilets. If the installation of new toilets is impractical, look into modifications such as the "Toilet Bank" or "Short Flush Toilet Flapper" from Niagara Water Conservation Products that save 1-2.5 gallons of water every time you flush.
- Install low flow showerheads - These showerheads mix air with the water to reduce outflow by 40% - 50% while maintaining a pleasant showering experience.
- Encourage facility users to report leaking faucets - If these reports are followed by quick action on the part of facility operators, facility users will realize it is important, and may feel empowered. This will make them more likely report again in the future, and they can become a valuable method of detecting leaks.
Recycling:
- Place recycling receptacles next to all trash cans - This makes it as easy to recycle as the throw away, and people will be more likely to recycle.
- Clearly label which receptacles are for trash and which are for recycling - This will prevent recycling bins from being contaminated with non-recycleable goods.
- Post signs that identify which items can be recycled.
- Encourage recycling of non-traditional objects such as computers, electronics, and fluorescent bulbs.
