Transylvania University’s campus will be closed for winter break beginning Dec. 22, with offices reopening on Jan. 3, 2023. While this shutdown allows employees to celebrate the holiday season with their loved ones, it also serves a second purpose: to conserve energy on campus.
“From a utility conservation perspective, our extended break has been a huge success over the past 10 years,” said Tom Stuckey, interim vice president for finance and administration. “Thanks to the cooperation of the Transylvania community, the university has saved more than $1.5 million in utilities. We hope to add to these savings by implementing shutdown procedures similar to those of years past.”
Shutdown procedures include closing and locking all windows and adjusting blinds to prevent energy loss, unplugging all appliances, turning off all lights and setting thermostats on their lowest heating setting, typically 55 degrees.
Facilities advises that any employee who has to work on campus during the winter break limits their on-campus hours and utility usage. Thermostats should be returned to 55 degrees once occupants depart.
Facilities management will monitor the weather in the weeks prior to and every day during the shutdown, and the systems will be adjusted as required to respond to any extreme temperatures.
With a bit of cooperation and planning, Transylvania will once again be able to take steps toward sustainability through its winter shutdown.