By shutting down or unplugging energy consuming devices over extended breaks, staff can make big impacts on energy consumption at RRC Polytech. All they need to do is complete our simple shutdown checklist to be entered to win a catered coffee break.
The Seasonal Shutdown Office Challenge happens twice a year:
Watch our blog and All Staff News for details on each campaign.
During the campaign period, simply recruit your colleagues to help, fill out and submit the shutdown checklist (one per office) to be entered to win a prize. It’s as easy as 1-2-3:
You might think that the few items in your office aren’t going to make much of a difference, but consider this: we estimate that 42% of the College’s electrical costs come from a combination of powering lights and items that are powered by means of an ordinary AC plug.
In 2018, we conducted a College-wide plug load inventory of staff offices and common areas. We found that in the more than 5,550 spaces, there were over 3,300 electronic items (i.e. computers, monitors, speakers, etc.), over 700 appliances (refrigerators, microwaves, etc.) and 450 light switches. All of these things have the potential for unnecessary energy consumption, either through leaving items and lights on, or standby (phantom) power that many electronic items draw even when turned off.
Offices that participate will be eligible to win 1 of 3 catered coffee breaks for their team.
During the Winter Seasonal Shutdown, the College’s major building systems will run in “Un-Occupied Mode”, which means lower temperatures and, in most cases, minimal ventilation.
During the Summer Seasonal Shutdown, offices that have access to a thermostat are encouraged to turn the temperature up to 25C (78F) to help reduce energy needed for cooling over the summer. Please don’t turn your thermostat higher than this since it may adversely affect other occupied areas.
Yes, you can! Just complete the items that work for your office. Also, consider sharing items like appliances with other offices so you can still unplug some over the summer.
For additional questions, contact Whitney at wcrooks@rrc.ca.
RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.