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The Big Christmas Switch Off 2024: saving energy over the break

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Climate Plan
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The sign of art is in the foreground with the campus Christmas Tree lit up in the background
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This year the University’s closure period runs from Monday 23 December to Wednesday 1 January 2024 (inclusive). During this period, we need all staff to participate in the Big Christmas Switch Off 2024!

The Switch Off is a initiative to get all building users to shut down their workspaces over the winter break. This, alongside the crucial work of the Estates team, helps us advance our goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2030, which is part of the University’s Climate Plan.

Over the 2023 Christmas Switch Off period, with your help, we saved 1.45 Million kWh of energy, which is the equivalent to 274 Tonnes of CO2 and a reduction of 22% compared to our normal operation. This energy saving is equal to the annual consumption of 102 average UK homes! 

Help us try and save more energy and carbon this year! 

It is the responsibility of building users to ensure their workspace is appropriately shut down for the Christmas holiday. This will help the University to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Some easy checks to complete before you leave for the holiday break are as follows: 

Christmas Shutdown Checklist 

  1. All lighting is switched off. 
  2. Windows and doors are tightly closed to reduce heat loss. 
  3. All PCs, monitors, printers, and electrical equipment are switched off, not just left on standby. 
  4. Appliances like portable heaters, microwaves, coffee machines and chargers are unplugged (these could be a fire risk). 
  5. As much lab equipment as possible is turned off. 
  6. TRVs are turned down to setting no. 3. Our heating system will be set to a low level for fabric protection so this ensures rooms will still be protected from frost. 
  7. Any unused fridges or freezers are cleaned out and turned off. 
  8. Taps are turned off, any dripping taps or running overflows should be reported to the Estates Helpdesk. 

Notify the Estates Helpdesk of issues surrounding heating, ventilation, water, or occupancy times well in advance of the shutdown. 

While some equipment is required to stay on to maintain safety or for research purposes, 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. 

Also, if you have leftover food consider taking it to food banks or our community pantry at LeftBank Leeds! 

Thank you for supporting our Estates team in managing the University buildings during the break to avoid unnecessary energy use. 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