Lights off for big savings

Staff are being reminded to consider their lighting use, as part of the University’s ongoing Switch and Save campaign.

Lighting is the source of typically 40 per cent of the electricity cost in office buildings, so by simply switching off lights when they are not in use substantial savings can be made.

Tips for staff

Staff can help reduce lighting costs by:

• making the most of daylight by turning off lights and opening window blinds when natural lighting is good
• turning off lights in empty offices, labs and other rooms that aren’t being used
• switching off lights when leaving a room, and nominating someone to turn off all lights at the end of the day
• labelling light switches so people know which to use
• reporting external lights which are on during the day.

Energy used by lighting is converted into heat. Controlling lighting use will help to make the building more comfortable and will reduce chilling requirements.