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University of Reading

Remember to switch off this Christmas

Thursday, 23 December 2010

35%

'It is particularly important to switch off computers and electrical equipment over the Christmas break, as we will be saving money and carbon everyday.' Tom Yearley, Energy Officer

Last Christmas Day over 80% of the 4,500 University computers were left switched on, so this year, in line with the University's overall target to reduce our carbon emissions by 35%, please do your bit and take part in the switch off.

Personal IT equipment contributes significantly to our carbon footprint: a recent study in the Palmer Building demonstrated that each desktop PC and monitor uses approximately £3 of electricity per week if left on 24/7. So unless all of the University's computers are switched off during the Christmas closure, we could be unnecessarily wasting up to £13,500.

Tom Yearley, Energy Officer, said: "Turning off items that are not being used has many additional benefits besides saving energy, reducing our carbon footprint and lowering costs; it can prolong the life of the equipment and will also reduce the risk of fires within our buildings. This is something that everyone can help with, and many people already recognise the importance of turning off electrical equipment that's not in use."

The Environment, Energy and Sustainability Team are also encouraging each office to produce a Shut Down Guide: "The Shut Down Guide provides a quick and easy reference point for people to check which equipment can be switched off at the end of the day/week. It is particularly important to switch off computers and electrical equipment over the Christmas break, as we will be saving money and carbon everyday."

So please remember to switch off (where appropriate, and at the wall if possible):

  • Computers
  • Radios
  • Televisions/LCD screens in foyers etc.
  • Heaters
  • Photocopiers
  • Fridges (if empty)
  • Other electrical equipment that does not need to be on over Christmas
  • And finally, as you leave your office or area, lights!

If you need to access emails over the Christmas period, it is possible to use Webmail (see links in bottom left hand corner of the Staff Portal), and your N drive can be accessed using VPN. More information is available on the ITS website.

Also please note that the Whiteknights campus is closed to everyone except authorised personnel on the 26 and 27 December. Please see the recent Staff Portal article 'Authorised access only to Whiteknights on 26 & 27 December' for more information.