Holiday memo to Stanford self: file last two timecards of 2010, shut down computer, unplug coffeemaker, disconnect copier
The university will be closed from Monday, Dec. 20 through Friday, Dec. 31, and will reopen at the start of business on Monday, Jan. 3.
BY KATHLEEN J. SULLIVAN
With the 2010 winter closure fast approaching, Stanford would like to remind everyone of the steps they can take to go "Cardinal Green" during the last two weeks of December - and get props and prizes for saving energy in the process.
Under the inaugural Turn Off For Break campaign, buildings that participate by shutting down partially or fully during the winter closure will be entered into a raffle to win one of three prizes, including a building-wide barbecue.
Building managers who make an exceptional effort will be profiled in Sustainable Stanford: A Year in Review and the Cardinal Green newsletter.
The goal of the campaign is to boost participation this year to 191 buildings - 27 more than last year, or about 75 percent of the 255 buildings eligible for shutdown. The Office of Sustainability hopes to save 10 percent more energy than last year.
In addition to building closures, individual participation is key to the campaign's success. The sustainability staff has compiled a checklist of the five easy steps employees can take before leaving for winter break - in their cubicles, offices, kitchens, conference rooms and laboratories - to reduce energy consumption:
- Turn off lights
- Shut down computers and monitors
- Unplug speakers, printers, copiers, fax machines, coffeemakers, toasters and microwave ovens
- Close windows
- Close fume hood sashes (lab buildings)
"While the winter closure has been mandatory since 2003, this is the first time we've designed a public campaign to create awareness and facilitate dialogue about the closure as an effective sustainability and energy-savings tool," said Fahmida Ahmed, who leads the Office of Sustainability in the Department of Sustainability and Energy Management.
"The winter closure offers significant energy-saving opportunities for the entire campus. It also benefits schools and departments taking part in the university's Energy Conservation Incentive Program."
Since 2001, the first winter closure, Stanford has saved nearly $2 million on energy costs, according to the sustainability office.
To find out if your building will shut down partially or fully during winter break, contact your building manager or email the sustainability staff at [email protected]
Timecards
Timecards for the first pay period in December (Dec. 1-15) should be approved by noon on Thursday, Dec. 16.
Timecards for the last time period in December (Dec. 16-31) should be completed by the end of the business day on Friday, Dec. 17, before the winter closure.
Designated Stanford holidays are Dec. 23, 24 and 31. Employees also will receive one additional day off with pay during the winter closure.
For detailed information, see the Time Reporting and Payroll During Winter Closure Bulletin prepared by Stanford's Financial Management Services Department. The department also has issued a Winter Closure Bulletin, which includes emergency contacts in the Buying and Paying Support Center and in Research Administration.
Libraries
The university's libraries will operate on reduced schedules during the intersession - Dec. 11-19 and Jan. 1-2 - as well as during the winter closure.
Stanford Report
The last 2010 issue of Stanford Report, the daily news email for faculty and staff, will be published on Friday, Dec. 17. Publication will resume on Monday, Jan. 3.
