Prepare for Winter Recess

The upcoming winter recess is a time for our campus community to recharge and renew. It is also a time for the University to power down and save. This break provides an opportunity to reduce energy consumption and operational costs. During this time, Facilities identifies locations where temperatures can be reduced, lighting turned off, and fans minimized in some unoccupied spaces.  

Reducing energy use over the winter break is a campus-wide effort. Before you leave for the recess, please consider the following actions to help support Northwestern's conservation efforts: 

In all spaces:  

• Turn off electronics. To quickly shut off computers, monitors, and other peripheral office equipment, plug them into a power strip and use the switch on the power strip to turn them all off at once. This cuts off “vampire” or standby power usage. 
• Unplug all appliances such as coffee pots, toasters, printers, etc. 
• Clean out and unplug any personal refrigerators. 
• Tightly close and lock all windows.  
• Turn off all lights in offices, conference rooms, common spaces, etc. 

In laboratories:  

• Close fume hood sashes and turn off snorkel valves. 
• Turn off and unplug any non-essential lab equipment not in use over the break. 
• Close and lock lab doors. 

If you’d like to explore ways to conserve at home, consider completing the Green Home Certification. This simple check list provides an opportunity to assess the environmental impact of your residence. The certification can be completed with your partner, kids, roommates, or on your own. In no time, you’ll be on your way to saving money, brightening your physical space, and fostering positive well-being at home. 

Northwestern has been recognized with the ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence award for three, consecutive years. This award is acknowledgement of what the University does to reduce energy use as well as how our campus community is engaged in conservation awareness. Everyone has a role to play in addressing climate change.  

Please help us reduce energy use over the break and throughout the year.