Climate Change Action Page

We all have a responsibility to take whatever action we can to minimise our impact on natural resources and to reduce our 'carbon footprint'. This page collects together resources and ideas to help us live and work in a sustainable way.

Top Tips for Energy Saving

1). When you leave your desk for a meeting or at lunchtime, as well as locking your computer (for data security!) also switch off your monitor. Screen savers save the display surface NOT energy.

2). When you leave the office at night and switch off your computer - also switch off your monitor. Monitors consume around 8 Watts on standby. Multiply that by the number of monitors in the building (around 300 excluding CCTV who operate 24hours.) and the number of hours (say 6pm to 8am) and you have a potential saving of 33kWh per day or 8,800kWh per year ... that's 4,725kg of Carbon saved* and around £700 ... every little helps!

3). If you are the last person to leave a meeting room, or the office at night,  turn off the lights and any other electrical equipment before you leave. Printers and photocopiers use a lot of power even on standby.

4). DON'T open windows in an air-conditioned room! The air-conditioner will have to work harder and use more energy to cool warmer air coming through the windows. If you prefer fresh (warm!) air then turn off the air conditioner.

5). Report faulty electrical equipment and lighting to the appropriate department.(IT or Building Manager) Faulty or flickering lights often use more energy and give inadequate light.

(* - using Carbon Trust conversion for grid electricity of 0.537kg/kW and 7.6p per kWh)

Top Tips for Water Saving

1). Don't wash up cups etc under a running tap - use a bowl or put the sink plug in to limit the amount of water you use.

2). Make sure that taps are fully turned off after use. If a tap drips persistently, please report it to the Building Manager on Ext 4448