Mike Winkler: Generating Good Energy and Sound Sustainability Strategies for Einstein
Mike Winkler appreciates catchy phrases. Hanging in his office is a sticker he designed years ago to remind people to turn off lights when leaving a room: “When not in use, turn off the juice!”
Mike Winkler, director of energy and sustainability
His new favorite phrase is “Close the sash, save the cash!” a reminder he printed on magnets for lab workers at Einstein to close the “sash” doors on fume hoods when not in use to cut down on hefty ventilation costs.
As director of Einstein’s office of energy and sustainability, which is part of the procurement services department, Mr. Winker’s job is simultaneously “big picture” and “little picture.” His primary responsibility is to procure millions of dollars in electric, gas and oil each year to keep Einstein running, while also developing large-scale energy-saving projects with other departments and overseeing Einstein’s commitment to sustainability.
Concerning the small stuff, his job also involves reminding members of the Einstein community how their personal conservation efforts can help to keep Einstein green and save the institution money.
“Our goal is to identify ways that Einstein is wasting energy and determine how we can make improvements so we’re more efficient and cost-effective,” Mr. Winkler said.
Office of One
The office of energy and sustainability was established by Yeshiva University in 2007 to manage rising energy operating costs, perform energy audits of the campus buildings and to comply with the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). Mr. Winkler — who has a background in engineering technology — has been part of it since then, He’s currently the sole staffer in the office.
Mike confers with Tony Chibbaro, a frequent collaborator on “green” initiatives“I track everything—from our electricity and heating usage to the size of our carbon footprint—and I look for ways we can do things better,” he said.
In recent years, Mr. Winkler has coordinated a variety of projects aimed at reducing energy costs across campus: installing occupancy sensors in Belfer so that lights turn off automatically; converting boilers from inefficient heating oil to clean-burning natural gas; and replacing chillers across campus to make the air conditioning more effective. He’s currently working with the office of environmental health and safety to assess system design changes to the air supply and exhaust systems in labs to significantly reduce heating ventilation and air conditioning costs.
“Mike’s job is to disrupt the status quo,” said Anthony Chibbaro, senior director of environmental health and safety. “While change is not always received well, he’s quite persistent and always tries to find ways to make the school more efficient.”
Share a Ride, Save the Earth
Mr. Winkler’s next campaign is to promote alternative options to SOVs, or single-occupancy vehicles. “SOVs harm our environment terribly. We’ve become addicted to traveling in our cars, and while that’s necessary for many commuters, they don’t have to drive alone,” he explained. “We’re trying to change that by raising awareness of opportunities to carpool and other modes of transportation to the College of Medicine.”
Through Mr. Winkler’s efforts and coordination with human resources, Einstein has a partnership with the 511NY Rideshare Program, which offers members of the Einstein community other options for commuting to work than driving in a car by themselves. The program organizes carpools and vanpools, and offers resources for transit alternatives like bicycling, walking, and teleworking.
“We’re hoping that more members of Einstein will take part in the program,” he said. “It can truly make a difference in our collective carbon footprint and can even reduce costs for those who enroll.”
Small Stuff Adds Up
Leading by example, Mike bike commutes to Einstein nearly every day“If no one’s using it, whether it’s your computer monitor or the lights in your office, turn it off,” advised Mr. Winkler. “Even if you’re just going to lunch or to a meeting, or you leave your office for a few minutes—every little bit adds up.”
He offered some other helpful tips for helping Einstein to be more energy-efficient:
- Draw shades or blinds shut to keep summer heat outside the building and reduce solar heat gain.
- Minimize air conditioning and heating use; if windows must be opened for fresh air, close them when you leave. Avoid using air conditioning and heat when windows are open.
- Turn off electrical devices such as computer monitors, fans, and lights when not in use.
- Consider buying a smart power strip that can sense when your equipment is not in use and turn it off automatically.
- If you are able, consider taking the stairs instead of the elevator (for example, if you’ll be going less than three floors up or five floors down).
For more information on ways your department or office can save energy, visit the energy and sustainability site, or e-mail Mr. Winkler at michael.winkler@einstein.yu.edu.
Posted on: Friday, January 12, 2018