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County to Participate in Third Annual Power IT Down Day on Friday, Aug. 27

August 25, 2010



PHOENIX—Maricopa County Air Quality Department and all departments within Maricopa County will participate in Power IT Down Day on Friday, Aug. 27. This national event encourages public sector agencies, and the industries that serve them, to power down their computers, printers, monitors and other peripherals at the end of the work day.

“We already follow very specific sustainability practices within Maricopa County government including one that encourages powering down non-essential equipment and lighting every day of the week,” said Maricopa County Sustainability Manager, Jonce Walker. “Joining this national effort is our way of further making a statement about our commitment to being good stewards of public resources.”

In 2009 there was enough power saved on Power IT Down Day to power the homes of 77 families for a month. Power IT Down Day was the inspiration of information technology (IT) experts across the industry. The day challenges every person within an organization to “power down” at the end of the work day. The result is reduced energy costs and reduced stress on the energy “grid”. According to organizers, tens of thousands of kilowatt hours can be saved in a single night by harnessing the power on an individual level.

Because this year’s Power IT Down Day falls on a Friday, it is estimated that the amount of power saved could potentially triple—accounting for three nights of “powered down” computers, monitors and printers. Individuals and organizations can sign up at www.powerITdown.org leading up to Power IT Down Day, Aug. 27.

Reducing energy usage is one of many actions that ultimately, contribute to improved quality of the air. Learn more about “air-friendly” practices at www.cleanairmakemore.com, or follow the effort on Twitter and Facebook.

About Maricopa County Air Quality Department. The Maricopa County Air Quality Department is a regulatory agency whose goal is to ensure federal clean air standards are achieved and maintained for the residents and visitors of Maricopa County. The department is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act.

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