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August 2, 2022
Dear Saratoga Building colleagues,
We have been analyzing data around the university to see how to better reduce our energy use. Through self-reported survey data and card access data, we’ve learned that Fridays are low-occupancy days in the Saratoga Building.
Starting Friday, August 26, we will begin piloting heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) setbacks on Fridays to capture energy savings and the associated greenhouse gas emissions.
What does that mean for you? It means that occupants of offices in Saratoga are encouraged to work remotely on Fridays during the pilot period, which will run until April 28, 2023. The building is expected to be warmer than normal during hotter days, and colder than normal during cooler days. During the pilot, UMB will monitor the energy savings each week.
The Saratoga Garage will be unaffected, and the building will still have electricity, running water, and emergency life systems. It will not have HVAC cooling or heating. The building will be secure, but you will likely notice the air temperature difference. Areas of Saratoga that have supplemental cooling systems, like the Maryland Poison Center and IT areas, will be unaffected by the Friday pilot.
More information can be found here, including a list of frequently asked questions.
We appreciate your flexibility in advance as we test how UMB can adjust our operations to save energy and have a positive impact on the energy grid.
If you have any questions or comments during the pilot program, please fill out the feedback form.
Sincerely,
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