Since 2012, UNC-Chapel Hill has safely lowered building temperatures and campus energy use during University holidays, particularly the winter holidays when the University is closed for about ten consecutive days.
During the 2016 Winter Holiday Energy Saving Initiative (December 23 – January 1), building temperature set points will be lowered in unoccupied buildings, which saves chilled water, steam, natural gas and electricity, thereby reducing utility costs. This program can be highly successful depending on the weather, saving the University thousands of dollars in energy bills.
Campus research labs, animal facilities and designated facilities that are critical to the University’s mission are excluded from this program. The campus community may request an exemption from the program by filling out the form below (deadline: Nov. 30, 2016 by 5 p.m.).
In addition to the temperature setbacks, Energy Management requests the campus community help save energy by turning off lights and office/lab equipment, unplugging non-essential electronics, closing lab fume hoods and shutting exterior windows and doors.
2016 Winter Holiday Energy Saving Initiative Exemption Request
Purpose: To document user request for exemptions from the UNC-Chapel Hill Winter Break Energy Saving Initiative. Exemption requests must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. November 30. Requests will be reviewed and posted no later than 5:00 p.m. December 5.
Temperature Setbacks: We will adjust the space temperature set points to provide a balance between energy conservation and building safety during the 2016 Winter Break from December 23 at 10:00 p.m. through January 1 at 10:00 p.m. The building will be allowed to drift between temperature limits of 58°F and 83°F.
Note: Building areas with current exemptions from the UNC energy policy will not be included in this initiative.
Directions: Complete the form below and submit online. Please contact save-energy@unc.edu with any questions.