Winter Break Efforts cut Energy Costs at North Carolina State

Energy-saving efforts over the most recent winter break at North Carolina State University saved the school $281,774.

The university’s annual Winter Holiday Energy Setback initiative has reduced energy costs by more than $2.1 million since 2004. The savings come from finding energy-reducing opportunities in facilities that are unoccupied during winter break. Energy-saving steps include lowering building thermostat temperatures to around 65 degrees, turning off lights and equipment, and closing doors and windows.

Students, faculty and staff were encouraged through emails and electronic flyers to turn off lights and office equipment, close doors and windows, and unplug all unnecessary electronics before leaving for the winter break, which stretched from Dec. 21, 2012 to Jan. 1, 2013.