News Release
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services North Tulsa 72B Office has earned an ENERGY STAR certification for reducing operating costs by improving energy management.
The office will be recognized and presented an ENERGY STAR certificate on Oct. 20th at 10:00 a.m. at the office located at 3666 N Peoria Ave, Tulsa, OK. The presentation is open to the press and the public.
“Our office is successful in reducing energy because of the commitment that staff has for making the necessary changes,” said Andrew Huff, County Director for DHS Tulsa 72B office. “The staff understands reducing energy can have an immediate impact. With the current budget issues, our employees have been looking for a way to do their part to help.”
Earning an ENERGY STAR certification means a building must perform in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency. Also, it means the North Tulsa 72B County DHS office costs less to operate than 75 percent of similar offices while still providing a productive work environment.
To help reduce energy, the North Tulsa 72B office has set employees’ computers to go into “sleep” mode after a period of inactivity. Monitors are turned off at night, printers are set to go into auto-sleep mode and lights are adjusted for overnight mode when the security staff locks the doors at night.
Additionally, employees will bring blankets to work instead of space-heaters, and the front reception area dims the overhead lights to conserve energy.
“We have asked our vendors to be cognizant of our desire to reduce energy consumption,” Huff added. “Their actions are showing we have a mutual respect for this energy savings program.”
One example, Huff said, is the janitorial staff has converted to a smaller battery-operated vacuum they use on smaller jobs. Another example is the security staff double checks for lights and computer monitors that need to be shut off at the end of the day.
“Our actions may be small,” Huff said, “but they are having a huge impact. Energy conservation is important and the right thing to do. I believe it shows the DHS has a commitment to helping our community by providing more than just assistance with food, medical and child care. Saving energy can provide a cleaner, safer and better community.”
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