Emory’s annual holiday heating turndown will take place over the two periods of official university winter holidays, Dec. 23-26 and Dec. 30-Jan. 2.

The lengthy list of buildings for the turndown represents the outstanding efforts of building occupants who contributed to last year's holiday turndown, says Ciannat Howett, director of Sustainability Initiatives.

“If your building is not on the list and you would like to be included, please contact the Office of Sustainability Initiatives,” Howett says.

During the turndown, the heating systems in these buildings will be programmed to maintain a minimum temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature point will reduce energy use and costs, while still protecting the buildings’ contents.

For buildings not listed, the Office of Sustainability Initiatives asks occupants to ensure thermostats are locally set to 68 degrees Fahrenheit or the lowest setting. All building occupants are asked to turn off interior lights, computers and other office equipment before leaving for the holidays.

The turndown is part of Emory’s institutional commitment to reduce energy use and it has helped reduce emissions in addition to saving energy.

“Last year, we prevented the emission of approximately 490 tons of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to the annual emissions of approximately 92 cars,” Howett says.

For comments, concerns or requests to be included in the turndown or expand the turndown period in a specific building, contact Sustainability Initiatives by Friday, Dec. 16, using the "contact us" page.

More information is available via FAQs about the turndown.

This is also a good time to take Emory's Personal Sustainability Pledge to further the university's institutional sustainability through personal behavior changes.