Switch off during the festive season
06 Dec 2024
Our University is committed to becoming carbon zero by 2038, and one way we can all help to achieve this is by remembering to switch off non-essential electrical items.
Over the festive period, we see a reduction of 25% in energy usage – which equates to a cost-saving of £150,000.
Help play a part in conserving national energy resources this winter by turning off any non-essential electrical items before our closure over Christmas and New Year.
What needs to be switched off
Ahead of the closure period, please check the following has been switched off:
- Office equipment
- Kitchen appliances
- Localised (i.e. those 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.
What needs to stay switched on
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.