Hop to it and save energy this Easter

Switching off unused equipment and reduced heating over the Easter break could help save an estimated £50,000 on our energy bills.

Spring term ending on Friday 22 March is set to make parts of our campuses quieter, while the University is closed entirely for the Easter break from Thursday 28 March – Tuesday 2 April (inclusive). Summer term begins on 15 April.

Action over the 11-day Christmas break contributed to an estimated £82,000 saving.

Top tips

Actions we can all take when we are away from our work spaces include:

• Turn off lights where possible.
• Turn off small power and all non-essential equipment at plug if possible. This includes PC, laptops, side lamps, extra monitors, phone chargers, any other small power devices.
• Turn off conference/AV equipment at the plug.
• Close windows and doors.
• If you have locally controlled heating or cooling, turn it off.
• Make sure fridges and/or freezers are defrosted and clean and that doors are closed properly (but no need to switch off).
• Turn off microwaves, kettles, hot taps, and other kitchen equipment (other than fridges and or freezers).

Switching off can also earn colleagues an extra 125 Green Points a week through Doing UoR Bit.

University-wide, Sustainability Services is working to identify places where heating can be reduced during the closure period, among other measures.

While saving energy is important, so too is the comfort of staff and students. If you have any concerns about heating levels in your work area over the break, raise the issue with the Estates Helpdesk in the first instance.

If you identify issues which are preventing equipment being turned off, please report this to estates@reading.ac.uk or sustainability@reading.ac.uk or call the Estates Helpdesk on ext. 7000.