Save energy, save resources - switch off before you leave

Why is this important?

Our annual utility bill amounts to a staggering £13 million, translating to over £35,000 spent each day. To reduce our carbon emissions by 1,586 TCO2e (equivalent to £1 million), we’re committed to cutting energy use in 2024. The winter break switch-off campaign is a key part of this effort. Small changes by everyone can have a big impact.

The office checklist

Before leaving your office for the winter break, please remember to:

• Switch off lights and desk lamps
• Switch off computers and monitors
• Switch off digital screens and TVs
• Turn off kitsch water boiler or Zip Tap 
• Empty and turn off fridge
• Unplug microwave
• Switch off any portable heaters
• Switch off projectors
• Switch off air conditioning
• Switch off any standalone photocopiers, scanners or printers
• Assign a member of staff or group to do a final switch-off walkround.

For lab users

Switching off lab equipment is just as crucial. Please ensure the following are turned off before you leave:

• Switch off lights
• Close windows
• Switch off computers and monitors
• Switch off ovens
• Switch off centrifuges
• Switch off chromatographs
• Switch off mass spectrometers
• Switch off x-ray machines
• Switch off lasers
• Switch off incubators
• Switch off sterilisers
• Switch off microscopes
• Turn off fume cupboards (if not needed for safety ventilation or research)
• Turn off MRI scanners
• Turn off diffusion pumps
• Turn off reverse osmosis units
• Unplug charging cables
• Assign a member of staff or group to do a final switch-off walkround.

Find out more

Find out more about our Energy Saving Campaign, including how to get involved and how a small change has a big impact. Visit our Lower energy wastage on campus page for more tips.

If you have any questions about the winter switch off please reach out to sustainability@york.ac.uk