Did you know that last year’s Family Day Unplug efforts resulted in a 1.86 per cent reduction in energy consumption compared to 2010? That is equivalent to one full day of electricity in Scott Library (approximately 10,000 kilowatt hours).
Keep up the momentum this Family Day long weekend by unplugging your computer and printer, and turning off your office equipment. In addition, look around for other energy consumers and turn those off as well. These include lamps, your office shredder, chargers and the radio. As an added boost and for safety, remember to unplug your office space heater.
In the kitchenette areas, designate one person to unplug all appliances (microwaves, coffee machines, water coolers, kettles and toasters) before the holiday begins.
Each individual action adds up and goes a long way to helping York University achieve its five-year, 25 per cent energy reduction goal.
The ability to shut down certain electrical devices will vary depending on departmental requirements. Click here to review Yorkw!se’s list of recommendations on what to unplug, or visit the Yorkw!se website and look for the Unplug icon.
For information on reducing your own carbon footprint, visit the Zerofootprint website, which offers a free and easy-to-use carbon footprint calculator.