Emory's annual "Holiday Turndown" will continue this season as part of the university-wide effort to reduce energy use.
On Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1, the temperature in many campus buildings will be programmed and maintained at 55 degrees F. The heat will be turned back up early enough on the day before the work days of Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 to ensure a comfortable work environment for all building occupants.
Last year, approximately $45,000 was saved by lowering temperatures in 27 campus buildings during the holiday heating turndown. Additionally, the turndown decreased Emory's carbon footprint by 480 tons of carbon emissions, equivalent to taking 91 passenger cars off the road for one year.
View the list of campus buildings included in the holiday heating turndown, and get answers to frequently asked questions.
Before leaving for the holidays, all building occupants are encouraged to turn off interior lights and unplug computers and other office equipment.
Emory recently achieved its 10-year goal to reduce energy use by 25 percent per square foot by 2015. Looking for a creative New Year's resolution? Take the sustainability pledge to make a personal commitment to living more sustainably in 2015.