Save energy, save resources - switch off before you leave

News

Posted on Wednesday 3 December 2025

Please remember to switch off lights, turn off equipment and close windows before leaving your offices for the winter break to help us meet our energy and cost-saving targets.

Why is this important?

Our annual utility bill amounts to a staggering £8 million, translating to nearly £22,000 spent each day. To reduce our carbon emissions by 2,900 TCO2e (equivalent to £1 million), we’re committed to cutting energy use. 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
Assign a member of staff or group to do a final switch-off walkround.

You don't need to switch off standalone photocopiers, scanners or printers; they use less power in standby than is used in a full power on or off, and there is a risk that the print head can dry up.

For lab users

Switching off lab equipment is just as crucial. Where it does not affect safety, risk damage to equipment, or disrupt research, 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 email sustainability@york.ac.uk.