Save energy, save resources - switch off before you leave
Posted on 2 December 2024
Why is this important?
Our annual utility bill amounts to a staggering £13 million, translating to over £35,000 spent each day. To reduce our carbon emissions by 1,586 TCO2e (equivalent to £1 million), we’re committed to cutting energy use in 2024. The winter break switch-off campaign is a key part of this effort. Small changes by everyone can have a big impact.
The Accommodation checklist
Before leaving your accommodation for the winter break, please remember to:
- Switch off lights
- Close windows
- Set radiator thermostats to frost (turn radiator dial to star setting*)
- Switch off monitors and laptops
- Unplug mobile phone chargers
- Switch off TV completely
- Switch off electrical items
- Switch off any heaters
- Check for other appliances that can be switched off
For lab users
Switching off lab equipment is just as crucial. Please ensure the following are turned off before you leave:
- Switch off lights
- Close windows
- Switch off computers and monitors
- Switch off ovens
- Switch off centrifuges
- Switch off chromatographs
- Switch off mass spectrometers
- Switch off x-ray machines
- Switch off lasers
- Switch off incubators
- Switch off sterilisers
- Switch off microscopes
- Turn off fume cupboards (if not needed for safety ventilation or research)
- Turn off MRI scanners
- Turn off diffusion pumps
- Turn off reverse osmosis units
- Unplug charging cables
- Assign a member of staff or group to do a final switch-off walkround.
Find out more
Find out more about our Energy Saving Campaign, including how to get involved and how a small change has a big impact. Visit our Lower energy wastage on campus page for more tips.
If you have any questions about the winter switch off please reach out to sustainability@york.ac.uk