How to save energy and keep cool during the summer

Over 20% of the university’s energy costs are spent on heating, cooling and ventilating our buildings. This represents a significant cost to the university and has a major environmental impact.

The Sustainability Team and Estate Office work hard to drive down the university’s carbon emissions and energy use, whilst at the same time providing comfortable room temperatures in line with our Space Heating and Cooling Policy.

Individual action

We all have the responsibility to act sustainably to conserve energy and ultimately reduce our environmental impact. Air conditioning has a huge carbon footprint but there are many other ways to feel comfortable during hot summer days both at work and at home. You can:

• When the indoor temperature feels higher than the outside temperature, open the windows to allow natural ventilation.
• Open windows in the morning to let in cooler air but close before the outside temperature increases.
• If possible close curtains and blinds during the hottest part of the day to mitigate heat gain.
• Ensure locally controlled heating and cooling is switched off when not needed or when leaving a room.
• If your work area doesn’t have openable windows it may have forced mechanical ventilation. If this doesn’t seem to be working raise a job via Estates helpdesk.
• Report faults that are leading to excessive use or waste of energy to the Estates helpdesk. 
• Switch off lights and electrical appliances fully when not needed, this will avoid overheating.
• Put up posters and stickers to remind people to switch off. Contact the sustainability team to obtain some. 

Laboratories are our most energy intensive areas where additional savings can be made. Please: 

• Make sure that someone is responsible for shutting down labs in your area.  
• Turn off fume cupboards when unused.  
• Follow environmental guidance provided in the Sustainable Labs Good Practice Guide. Timer switches, reminder stickers for equipment and posters are available to help.  
• Get involved in LEAF within labs. 

Contact the sustainability team for more information on any of the above.  

Extra tips for keeping cool

• Stay hydrated, carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated on the go. Use the plastic-saving water fountains across the campuses. 
• Dress appropriately; wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes made of natural fabrics like cotton or linen.
• Opt for light, refreshing meals such as salads, fruits, and cold dishes. Avoid heavy, hot meals that can increase body temperature.
• Limit physical activity to cooler parts of the day, try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm when the UV rays are strongest.
• More tips on keeping you house cool