The BIG Christmas switch off 2024

We are getting ready for the Christmas break and we need you to help prepare our buildings too. This means we can be as efficient with energy use as possible and reduces our carbon footprint. Heating times will be altered in some areas where there will be low or no occupancy. These will be returned to normal from 2 January, so some spaces may feel cooler if you are returning to begin with, so we’d recommend bringing an extra layer of warm clothing until the building or room temperature is back to normal.

Utilities costs (gas and electricity) have increased for the University in the same way that they have for you at home, and in the current financial circumstances we need to make savings wherever possible. In December 2023 we spent a whopping £359,000 on gas and electricity across our three campuses.

Now more than ever we need everyone on our campuses to take just a few actions to switch off over the Christmas break. Every small action makes a big difference.

We are asking staff and students to switch off equipment and appliances that won’t be in use over the Christmas break. If something doesn’t need to be on, make sure it is off.

For staff:

Most offices will be closed between Friday 20 December and Thursday 2 January, with many people more likely to not be returning to campus until Monday 6 January.

Before you leave for your Christmas break please make sure that you:

• Switch off your computer if you have a desk PC
• Turn the monitors off (leaving them on standby will still use energy)
• Turn any Christmas lights off, ideally unplugging them
• Turn plugs off that won’t be in use, such as chargers, lamps or monitors
• Turn off kitchen boilers, kettles, microwaves in the staff kitchen
• Securely close windows and blinds
• If your radiator has a thermostat, then turn this down to 1 or the * (frost setting). These can then be turned back up when you return.
• If some of your colleagues have already left the office but have left their computer or other appliances on, then use your judgement and turn them off, if you know they will not be needed. Remember to leave a note on their keyboard saying what you’ve switched off.

Look out for our classroom guidance posters and energy saving stickers in seminar and lecture rooms.

For students:

If you are staying away from your campus accommodation for the Christmas break, please remember to:

• Close your windows
• Set your radiator to 1
• Switch off lights
• Turn off any plugs e.g. chargers

You’re part of something bigger

Across our campuses, we’re working hard to improve energy efficiency where we can. We are already generating electricity from solar panels at Colchester and Southend, with more planned for the future. Much of our lighting has been upgraded to LED, which uses much less energy than older fluorescent tube lights, and many areas have motion sensors installed so that they’re only on when there’s someone around.

We’ll continue to strive to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2035, and there are many more things we can do. Ultimately, the most energy-efficient piece of equipment is the one that is off. We know that some equipment needs to be kept on, for a variety for reasons, but anything that can be off when not in use, please do your bit and flick that switch.

If you have any questions, then please email the Energy team at energy@essex.ac.uk.

We hope you have a great Christmas break.