It might be something we propose if it continues for next year to give people a chance to plan. Foster recommended reducing classroom temperatures from 70 to 68 degrees, and gyms from 68 to 65 degrees. He said each degree lowered translates into a 3 percent cost savings. He also recommended that surcharges be applied on rentals of district facilities to outside groups. The YMCA is making efforts to cut down on its power consumption, but there are few actions they can take that will realize significant savings.
Natural gas is used to heat the swimming pool and whirlpool as well as water for showers.
Signs have appeared in the YMCA s locker room asking users to limit their showers to two minutes. The temperature of the swimming pool water has been decreased by one degree and the whirlpool by two degrees. We realize if you make greater changes than that then you will impact people negatively and they may not utilize the service, Dunleavy said. The Y has also turned down thermostats in offices and meeting rooms two to three degrees. In addition to taking shorter showers, Dunleavy said if members would bring their own towels the Y could save on gas.