The Christmas break has come early this year, and whilst your time spent on campus may be less than usual, there are still things you can do to help the University to reduce costs and carbon emissions over the holiday period.
Turn off all unnecessary lighting
During a two-week shut down over Christmas, each m2 of floor space where lighting is left on would cost 50p. We have almost 680,000m2 of floor space. If all lights were left on, that would cost £340,000 and result in 795 tonnes of CO2 emissions!
Switch off all equipment when not in use – do not leave in standby mode
If 5,000 monitors and screens were left on standby over the Christmas shut down, it would cost £900 and create 2.1 tonnes CO2.
Turn down heating where possible
Reducing the temperature in our buildings over the Christmas shut down saves around £75,000 or 700 tonnes CO2.
Shower for the minimum amount of time
As an example, leaving just one shower running over the Christmas shut down would use around 173,000 litres of water and cost £400! Plus, the electricity to heat that water would be £500 and 1.2 tonnes CO2. If gas were used to heat the water it would cost £110 and 1 tonne CO2.
Finally, remember to report heating, cooling and lighting faults via the online Estates Helpdesk works request form.
There are many more things you can do to save energy and reduce carbon emissions, no matter where you are working or studying
- Turning off your monitor or laptop when away from it for more than five minutes
- Making the most of daylight -– open curtains and blinds and keep window ledges clear
- Keeping doors and windows closed when the heating is on
- Considering the energy efficiency rating of electrical appliances when purchasing or leasing new equipment
Read even more energy saving tips here
Greener tips for home
Posted on Wednesday 9th December 2020