The Big Easter switch off for a more sustainable Easter

Reducing energy usage is a significant step for the University on its journey to achieving net zero carbon emissions and a strong demonstration of acting against climate change and preserving the earth's resources.

As you begin to put plans in place to close your work area down for the Easter break, we are asking that you think about what can be switched off so that equipment and systems that are not needed are not running when we are closed, and space isn’t being used.

Every member of staff can contribute to saving energy by carrying out a few small steps, which for the University as a whole can make a big difference. Creating a plan now and ensuring that staff who are working at the end of term are aware of it and are allocated tasks means that it more likely to happen.

All Schools and Services are being asked to perform some critical tasks in all work areas (offices, meeting rooms and teaching spaces):

Switch off all the lights
Turn off projectors, PCs and monitors in meeting rooms and teaching spaces.
All electrical appliances, including TV screens and photocopiers/printers, to be switched off and unplugged, not only to save energy but to help prevent the risk of fire.
Please shut down the printers using the power button on the device before unplugging them.
If there are radiators or heating controls that you can adjust manually, turn heating control valves down to a number 3.
Empty all fridges of perishable items and switch them off – they use lots of energy!

PCs – most of us will be on holiday and not working, so please:

Fully shut down PCs and switch off monitors.

If you do need to access systems from home:

Users of Unidesktop (Parallels) – Your PC should always be shutdown.
Users of VPN (GlobalProtect) where you specifically connect to your own PC – only leave your PC on if you will definitely need it to use specialist software over the break.
If you are unsure what you should do, please seek advice from your technician or IT department representative.

Find attached a helpful tick list for each work area. Tasks can be distributed between team members, so all can play their part.

Thank you for your participation in the Big Easter Switch Off.

Have a relaxing Easter break.

From

Estates and Facilities