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Switch off and save energy for Christmas

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Climate
Climate Plan
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A picture of the Great Hall at the University of Leeds at night time, lit up through the windows.

This year’s University closure period runs from Friday 22 December 2023 to Monday 1 January 2024, inclusive.  Alongside the University's Estates and Energy teams, we're encouraging staff to help us save energy by switching off when leaving for the Christmas period. 

Thanks to the efforts of staff and students the 2022 Switch Off campaign reduced our energy use by 125,000 kWh compared with an average December weekend day. However, on Christmas Day 2022 the University still consumed almost 275,000 kWh of energy; this is equivalent to the annual consumption of 20 average UK homes, and approximately 75 tonnes of CO2.

We're asking building users to help us save even more energy over this year's break and help us advance our goal, as part of the University’s Climate Plan, to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2030. 

Energy saving checklist

You can help by doing some easy checks before you leave for the holiday: 

  • Switch off all lighting.   
  • Tightly close windows and doors to reduce heat loss.  
  • Switch off all PCs, monitors, printers, and electrical equipment – don't just leave on standby as this still consumes energy.  
  • Unplug appliances like microwaves, coffee machines, chargers and portable heaters (these could be a fire risk). 
  • Turn off as much lab equipment as possible. 
  • Turn any radiator valves to setting number 3. Our heating system will be set to a low level over the break so this ensures rooms will still be protected from frost. 
  • Clean out and turn off any unused fridges or freezers. 
  • Ensure any taps are turned off and report any dripping taps or running overflows to the Estates Helpdesk.  

Please notify the Estates Helpdesk of any issues surrounding heating, ventilation, water, or occupancy times well in advance of the shutdown. You can report issues either via SAP or by emailing eshelp@leeds.ac.uk. 

We understand some equipment is required to maintain safety or is being used for research purposes and therefore needs to remain on. However, any equipment which can be turned off will help us to avoid wasted energy and unnecessary carbon emissions. 

Away from home for Christmas?

You can also use this check list to help you reduce energy use at home if you're away for the winter break. Turning your thermostat down (but not off) will help ensure your heating system protects your building in case of frost.

Make sure your home is securely locked when you leave with no valuables in view - leaving a light on with a timer (especially if the light fitting uses LED bulbs) will only use a small amount of energy and may provide additional security.

Thank you for supporting our Estates team in managing the University buildings during the break to avoid unnecessary energy use, and have a great break!

 

 

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to guide our activity. Our pathway to net zero is linked to the following SDGs:

  • Goal 13: Climate action
  • Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals

Find out more about our impact on the SDGs.

United Nation Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate action United Nation Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals