Facing a $1.5 million reduction in its utility budget, NC State University is extending its annual Winter Holiday Energy-Saving Initiative as a major cost-saving effort.
During the winter holiday when most of campus is closed, NC State saves energy by lowering temperatures in most campus buildings and turning off lights and unnecessary electronics. Since 2005 this energy-saving initiative has avoided more than $2.1 million in utility costs.
Though the university is open on Monday, Dec. 23, the 2013-14 winter holiday energy-saving initiative will be in effect from the afternoon of Friday, Dec. 20, until Wednesday, Jan. 1. This more aggressive scheduling will allow the university to reap savings from three additional days of reduced energy use, helping keep utility spending within budget.
To reduce energy and water consumption, faculty, staff and students are asked to do the following before leaving for winter holiday:
- Turn off all lights
- Shutdown electronics/appliances and unplug power cords from the outlets (computers, faxes, printers, coffee makers, mini-refrigerators, etc.).
- Close laboratory fume hood sashes and power down nonessential lab equipment.
- Close windows and shut interior and exterior doors. Report windows and doors that are left open or unable to be closed to the Customer Service Center at 515 2991.
- Secure water sources that may fail and cause flooding.
Buildings that remain in use over winter break will be exempt from temperature reductions (see list of exempt building requests), but building occupants are asked to follow energy-saving guidelines. Temperatures in all campus buildings will be restored to normal operating temperatures by the time the university reopens on Jan. 2.