Holiday Energy Effort Reaps Mega Savings
Since it first began in 2005, the energy-saving conservation program that shuts down university buildings over the holidays has saved NC State nearly $3 million.
The university’s annual Winter Holiday Energy Saving Initiative — a campus-wide effort to reduce energy use while the university is closed for winter break — avoided $274,987 in energy costs from Dec. 24, 2014 through Jan. 4, 2015, and has saved the university $2.76 million over the last decade.
Facilitated by NC State’s Energy Management Office, the initiative reduces energy use by lowering building thermostat temperatures in unoccupied campus buildings to around 65°F. Exterior doors and windows are secured and non-essential lighting and electronics are turned off to further maximize savings.
“This year’s savings are a great example of what can be saved when campus works together,” said energy program coordinator Claudia Powell.
The Winter Holiday Energy Saving Initiative is one of campus’ most visible energy-saving programs, though opportunities to save energy exist year-round for NC State students, faculty and staff. Some of the most effective ways to contribute toward campus energy efficiency include:
- Turn off and unplug office equipment and appliances that are not vital or not in use.
- Close all exterior windows and doors.
- Turn off lights in rooms that are not in use.
- Shut off all space heaters.
- In labs, shut fume hood sashes when not actively working at the hood.
For more energy-saving tips, visit go.ncsu.edu/SaveEnergy
