I have been a student since January 1995 and, until this semester, had never lived on campus. Yet, throughout my years here, I have always noticed one thing—every building is excessively heated. This is New England, where the winters may be cold, but that doesn’t mean indoor spaces need to feel like a tropical greenhouse. If anything, with global warming affecting our climate, there’s even more reason to rethink our heating and cooling practices. Turning down the thermostats would not only conserve energy but also create a more comfortable learning environment. Maybe students wouldn’t feel so drowsy in class, and a cooler atmosphere could even help limit the spread of germs and bacteria. Instead of overheating our buildings to the point where students have to throw open windows and wear summer clothes indoors, perhaps we could actually dress appropriately for the season.

I just called the Office of Rental Property Management for the fourth time to complain about the unbearable heat in my building. Even in the middle of winter, I have yet to close my windows, which face a noisy alley. To maintain a livable temperature, I have to keep my fan running constantly. This is an absurd waste of energy—blasting heat only to have it escape through open windows while fans and air conditioners are used in an attempt to counteract the excess. If I get no relief, I am seriously considering installing an air conditioner, not because I need cooling in the dead of winter, but simply to muffle the outside noise and regulate the stifling indoor air. What kind of energy policy is this?

It doesn’t have to be this way. Companies like Optimized Air specialize in smart climate control solutions that prioritize efficiency without compromising comfort. Instead of outdated heating and cooling practices that waste energy and frustrate students, institutions could turn to modern, optimized HVAC systems that regulate temperatures intelligently. Rather than relying on students to fend for themselves—opening windows in winter or resorting to air conditioners just to counteract excessive heating—why not invest in a system that adjusts to actual needs?

In a city where so many struggle to afford basic heating, it is appalling to see such waste. What does it take for institutions like this to recognize the absurdity of overheating buildings while others freeze? Not long ago, a woman lost her life after crawling into a clothing donation bin near Rosie’s Place, seeking warmth from the deadly cold. How can we justify unnecessary heat consumption in one place while others battle hypothermia?

My ancestor, Isaac Rich, left a $1.5 million endowment to support future generations’ education, yet he started out selling oysters as a child to help his mother and 11 older siblings after his father’s death. He understood the value of resources and necessity. He would be horrified at this level of waste. Imagine if BU turned down the thermostats just a few degrees—not enough to make anyone uncomfortable, just enough to eliminate the need for students to crack windows open in the middle of winter. The savings from reduced heating costs could be redirected to assist those who truly need warmth.

Instead of forcing students into an endless cycle of blasting heat, opening windows, and resorting to air conditioners even in the winter, perhaps we should focus on balance—using energy efficiently and responsibly.