Building Temperature Standardization

Drawing of Healy Hall in all orange and wiggly

Drawing of Healy Hall in all blue, covered in snow

As part of our effort to move towards a more sustainable future, Georgetown University is standardizing building temperatures across the Hilltop and Capitol Campus. Temperature ranges are determined by the building’s space-use type, which may require different temperatures, such as laboratories, athletic areas, offices, and residential spaces. PFM is piloting temperature standardization in various building types on the Hilltop Campus, including:

Davis Performing Arts Center

Mortara

Nevils

South West Quad Offices & Meeting Rooms

St. Mary’s

Walsh

Harbin Hall Offices

Hariri

New South

Regents

Village C

Yates

Cooling Season (May-October)

Temperatures will be maintained within +/- 2 degrees of ranges specified
Room Type	Occupied	Unoccupied
Assembly, Classroom, Common spaces, Laboratories (Dry), Libraries, Offices, and Residential Common Spaces	73°F-75°F	80°F
Exercise Rooms	68°F-70°F	80°F
Laboratories (Wet)	72°F-74°F	80°F
Residence Dormitories	70°F-74°F	80°F

Heating Season (October-May)

Temperatures will be maintained within +/- 2 degrees of ranges specified
Room Type	Occupied	Unoccupied
Assembly, Classroom, Common spaces, Laboratories (Dry), Libraries, Offices, and Residential Common Spaces	68°F-70°F	60°F
Exercise Rooms	65°F-70°F	60°F
Residence Dormitories	68°F-72°F	60°F

Optimizing your Comfort

Building temperatures are standardized across the Hilltop Campus based on space use type and each building’s daily occupied periods during the cooling and heating seasons. These space temperature alterations are being made in an online platform that communicates with the space conditioning systems on campus. The only occupant impacts will be slight temperature adjustments. Every individual has different temperature preferences, so please refer to the following tips to ensure your comfort.

Adjust your attire to suit the season. Wear cooler clothing in summer and be prepared to layer clothing to your preference in winter.
If your space has an adjustable thermostat, use the device to adjust the temperature setpoint in your space. Thermostats are typically programmed to modify the space temperature set point by ±2°F. Learn how to change the thermostat here → more information
If discomfort persists, submit a request online, and Facilities will verify the temperature settings and ensure all relevant equipment is functioning correctly.

Commitment to Our Community

We are committed to providing a comfortable, healthy, and productive indoor environment while advancing our energy-efficiency goals, including reducing our Energy Use Intensity (EUI) on the Hilltop by up to 35% by 2031. Energy Use Intensity is the amount of energy used per square foot. Factors that contribute to a building’s EUI include heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances/equipment. Our temperature standards strike a balance between occupant comfort and responsible energy use, reflecting our Jesuit values and commitment to caring for our community and the environment.

This value reflects Georgetown’s commitment to sustainability and the well-being of our community. By working together to maintain these standards, we contribute to a healthier campus environment and a more sustainable future.

Enhance comfortConsistent set points throughout buildings maintain stable and comfortable temperatures for learning, working, and living throughout the campus.

Reduce energy useThe District of Columbia Department of Energy (DOEE) and Environment estimates that “you can save up to 3% in energy for each degree the thermostat is raised in the summer and lowered in the winter.”

Lower carbon emissionsLess energy consumption means lower carbon emissions, as we work toward Georgetown’s climate action commitments.

Extend equipment lifeConsistent and achievable set points reduce wear and tear on HVAC systems, promoting longevity and reliability.

Automating Building Temperatures

Georgetown University’s building systems are programmed to maintain temperatures within set ranges to balance energy savings, occupant comfort and building conditions. Thermostats may be adjusted to further optimize the space temperature to occupant comfort within a range that is green and sustainable.

In many residential buildings, heating and cooling units in bedrooms have been upgraded to relax the temperature range when the space is unoccupied. This helps Georgetown further its energy and sustainability goals in optimizing buildings. Check out our efficient thermostats here → for more information .
In some spaces, thermostats may be centrally controlled across a few offices.
During unoccupied hours, temperatures may adjust to conserve energy and maintain building health.

Take Sustainable Action

Georgetown community members can take a more active role in energy and sustainability best practices by signing up for the Office of Sustainability’s programs, such as EcoReps, Residential Sustainability Rep, Green Office, and Hoya Green Classroom.

FAQ’s

What are the occupied hours vs unoccupied hours?

Occupied Hours refer to the regular times during which campus buildings and rooms are typically in use by students, faculty, and staff. During these hours, HVAC systems maintain the set temperature to optimize comfort and productivity. Residential buildings are considered to be occupied 24/7 and have smart thermostats to save energy. See more here.

Unoccupied hours are periods when spaces are generally empty, such as nights, weekends, holidays, or class breaks. During these times, temperatures are adjusted (raised in the cooling season and lowered in the heating season) to conserve energy while maintaining a safe and stable environment.

Are space heaters and window AC units allowed?

Space heaters are prohibited in all residence halls, apartments and university townhouses unless provided by Facilities Management staff while heating issues are being addressed in a unit. Please refer to our residential safety page for additional information.
In administrative buildings, use of space heaters is highly discouraged. If you choose to use a personal space heater during the winter months be advised that heaters must be UL-listed (device should have an icon indicating that it has been UL-safety certified) and equipped with a “tip over” safety switch. Follow the standard operating procedures below to prevent fires:
- Plug directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord;
- Never leave a space heater running when it is unattended;
- Provide adequate space between the heater and any combustible materials.
Staff should also be aware that the use of space heaters can negatively impact the performance of the space conditioning system.
The use of space heaters, spot coolers, or window AC units is only for safety or operational reasons and must be approved by submitting a service request to PFM.
Unauthorized devices pose safety risks and operational challenges and are subject to removal by Facilities staff. See Georgetown’s Prohibited Items in Residential Communities and General Appliances standard.

Whom should I contact if the temperature in my office or classroom is consistently uncomfortable (too hot or too cold)?

For temperature issues, please submit a request online here or follow up on an open ticket via the Facilities Management Office at facilities@georgetown.edu
Facilities Services will investigate the system’s operating status and verify its alignment with the university’s setpoint temperatures before making adjustments.
Occupants are encouraged first to try approved thermostat adjustments within setpoint limits and dress appropriately for the seasonal conditions.

Why might temperatures in buildings fluctuate, especially during “intermediate” seasons?

Temperature fluctuations can occur due to variable outdoor weather conditions during spring and fall, when heating and cooling may require overlap.
System limitations, HVAC cycling, and centralized control schedules can also cause temporary variations.
There is a ±2°F range around setpoints to accommodate these realities while maintaining comfort and equipment protection.

Where are the building temperature setpoints implemented, and are there exemptions?

These setpoints were piloted and are now being implemented primarily on Georgetown’s Hilltop Campus as part of the ongoing HVAC system upgrades and energy management initiatives aligned with local building energy regulations and DOEE’s Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS).
Some exceptions exist for spaces with unique requirements, such as laboratories, archives, healthcare, or specialty research areas; these are handled on a case-by-case basis with documented approval. Submit an exemption request here.
If this pilot is successful, facilities will plan implementation to the remainder of the Hilltop and Capitol Campus buildings where feasible and published online.