Winter Closure

 

 

 

Since 2001, the annual winter closure has been a great energy conservation solution for the campus. Previously voluntary, winter closure became mandatory in 2003 via a program administered jointly by the Department of Sustainability and Energy Management and Zone Management. It targets a two-week shutdown of building heating and ventilation systems, as well as custodial services. The cumulative net energy cost savings since 2001 total $2.7.5 million.

2012 Results

The 2012 “Turn Off For Break” Campaign continued to build upon past successes and save energy across campus. The following savings were achieved during the winter closure:

  • 1.8 million kilowatt-hours of electricity (a 17% increase over 2011)
  • 3.5 million pounds of steam
  • $250,000 in operating savings (bringing the total campus savings since 2001 to $2.75 million)
  • 882 metric tons of CO2 emissions avoided

Recognition

The campus continues to work towards its goal of 75% participation (full and partial) during winter closure. This year, out of 247 Zone-maintained buildings, 108 buildings fully participated and 60 buildings partially participated. Of the buildings that participated this year, a total of 6 buildings increased their participation levels (moving up from no participation to partial or from partial to full).

Participation Winners

To incentivize participation, the Office of Sustainability offered $2500 in participation prizes, awarded in three separate categories; for all participating buildings, buildings that increased their participation level, and for outstanding individual contributors. Congratulations to the raffle winners below:

  • Mitchell Earth Sciences Building is the Participation Winner.
  • Bechtel International Center is the Performance Improvement Winner.

The individual performance champion award was given to two outstanding individuals who went above and beyond to ensure the closure ran smoothly.

  • Denise Kahwajy (GSB Facilities) Denise took the time to confirm scheduling needs by building and floor in the eight buildings of the Knight Management Center complex in order to optimize energy savings.
  • Mike Ditommaso (HVAC Controls Tech) Mike has assisted with winter closure since the program began over a decade ago. Mike has always made sure that his assigned buildings were set to minimize energy usage during the two week break and is always willing to help in other buildings.

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Previous Campaign Results

“Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others; it is the only means.”
— Albert Einstein
“Every student has a role in the stability of our future. It is this ‘niche’ that grounds our position in what we can do personally for the sustainability of our communities, a niche that begins and evolves here on campus.”
— David Geeter II
Co-President, Students for a Sustainable Stanford
“Students can play a major role in promoting sustainability at Stanford. Since we both live and work on campus, every aspect of our daily lives and behavior can have some impact on campus sustainability.”
— Kevan Christensen
Past Co-President, Students for a Sustainable Stanford
“Students can play a major role in promoting sustainability at Stanford. Since we both live and work on campus, every aspect of our daily lives and behavior can have some impact on campus sustainability.”
— Kevan Christensen
Past Co-President, Students for a Sustainable Stanford
Faculty and staff are in a prime position to create a culture of sustainability throughout the university and beyond.
“Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others; it is the only means.”
— Albert Einstein
“Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others; it is the only means.”
— Albert Einstein
“Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others; it is the only means.”

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