Every action counts! This holiday season help save energy as part of UBC Okanagan’s Seasonal Shutdown, which lowers the temperature in buildings during the winter break to reduce energy use and emissions on campus.
About the Shutdown
Simple actions like turning off and unplugging electronic equipment and turning off lights conserves energy and reduces emissions.
Before you leave for the holidays:
- Switch off electronics
- Unplug small appliances
- Turn off the lights
- Close windows and blinds
- Report any air or water leaks
- Shut down non-essential lab equipment
- Shut the sash – close lab fume hoods
Help us save even more energy this year by completing some simple actions and filling out the Shutdown Checklist!
How can I participate?
- Download the Seasonal Checklist
- Engage your colleagues so everyone is aware of Seasonal Shutdown and turns off their personal equipment. Discuss any shared equipment that can be turned off or unplugged.
Help promote Seasonal Shutdown in your unit. Download Poster
Visit Bundle Up! to view more ways to beat the winter chill.
FAQS
Download and complete the checklist for your office or lab in collaboration with your colleagues.
Yes. UBC Okanagan’s building temperatures will be adjusted to reflect occupancy levels during the holiday break, as approved by building managers and facility managers.
The majority of the energy consumed in academic and administrative buildings is due to heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems. By turning down the heat when the building is not in use we can prevent the unnecessary loss of significant energy and reduce both costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Temperatures may be lower than usual in buildings so dress warmly if you need to access a building outside of normal operating hours.
If you are too hot or too cold during normal operating hours, before you plug in a heater or a fan we need you to tell us if something doesn’t seem typical for your building. Contact Facilities Management to report the issue.
If you spot any leaky faucets, showerheads or toilets at UBC, please contact the Facilities Management online to report the issue.
To learn more, visit our Sustainability Office website to view the Climate Action Plan 2030, Whole Systems Infrastructure Plan and Power of You Program
If you have additional questions about Seasonal Shutdown, contact sustainability.ok@ubc.ca.