Switch off during the festive season
14 Dec 2023
Our University is switching off during the Christmas and New Year closure, and you can help
Our University has committed to becoming zero carbon by 2038 and, with an increased emphasis on conserving national energy resources this winter, you can help play a part in this by switching off non-essential electrical items before the Christmas and New Year closure.
Our University spends £24 million per year on energy and, on average, we see a reduction of 20% in energy usage which equates to a cost saving of £145,000 over the festive period.
Before you finish for the closure period, please check that the following is turned off:
- Office equipment
- Kitchen appliances
- Localised (not managed by Estates) heating equipment, air conditioning and fans
- Laboratory equipment (only to be turned off by approved laboratory technicians).
Don’t forget to switch off all lights, and check that windows and blinds are closed.
For managed desktops, please log off to allow your computer to continue to receive essential updates and it will remain active for you to be able to access remotely.
Please do not turn off:
- Fridges/freezers (unless empty and please empty if possible)
- Experiments
- Servers
- Safety/monitoring equipment
- Fax machines
Laboratories
Laboratories are some of the most energy intensive environments, but there are a few simple ways of reducing energy usage:
- Close your fume hood sash whenever possible – often they’re the largest consumers of energy
- Ensure your freezers are running well, defrosted, and samples are managed
- Power down lab equipment wherever possible (check with laboratory technicians, your lab LEAF champion if you have one, or manufacturer booklet if unsure)
- Is the lighting appropriate to user requirements and always turned off when not required?
- Do not turn off any safety/monitoring equipment
- Don’t forget to switch off any office equipment in your lab
Find more sustainability actions on our website.