Winter closure ahead
BY Anne burke
Today Staff Writer
Facing a shortfall of $12 million to $16 million in its state-funded utilities budget, UCLA will close Dec. 24 to Jan. 2, 2006, to conserve energy over the winter holidays. The closure is unchanged from that proposed June 22 in a memo to deans and directors.
The 10-day closure will include paid holidays on Dec. 26, 27 and 30, and Jan. 2. For Dec. 28 and 29, faculty and staff will need to use vacation, comp time or leave without pay. New employees and others who have not earned enough time off may use vacation days in advance of their accrual for Dec. 28 and 29. An employee may use more than one option.
The hospital system and certain campus facilities that provide essential services will remain open during the closure.
Jack Powazek, assistant vice chancellor for general services, attributed the deficit to soaring energy costs, particularly for natural gas used in UCLA’s cogeneration plant.
Higher costs mean UCLA will spend 40% to 53% more than the $30.2 million allocated by the state for utilities at buildings such as Murphy and Royce halls, the Life Sciences Building, the Charles E. Young Research Library, and other research and teaching facilities. ASUCLA, Athletics, the hospital, residence halls and other self-supporting entities pay for their own utilities.
Powazek said the energy cost crisis is a UC-wide problem and is the worst since 2000-2001, when Californians were hit with soaring utility bills and rolling blackouts. “Any energy we conserve will save the campus money,” he said.
Employees can help save energy by taking steps before leaving for the closure. Powazek recommends turning off all computers, printers, fax machines, shredders, overhead task lights, lab equipment and personal appliances such as heaters, fans, radios and desk lamps. Unnecessary lights should be shut off, and others reduced to the lowest acceptable level. Set thermostats at low or switch them off. Don’t forget the kitchen and lunchrooms. Unplug microwaves, toaster ovens and coffee machines. Refrigerators should be emptied, defrosted and turned off. Before heading out, close all windows and exterior doors.
Energy conservation has been part of UCLA’s regular routine for many years, resulting in a 12% decrease in consumption, on a per-square-foot basis, since 1998-99. Unfortunately, fuel costs have risen at a higher rate, Powazek said.
In addition to the upcoming winter closure, the campus is saving energy by reducing heating, ventilation and air conditioning in buildings that are primarily unoccupied.
The winter closure is the third in as many years. Last year’s closure saved $250,000 in energy costs while the 2003-04 closure saved $180,000.
If you have any tips on how the campus can save more energy, send them to ConserveEnergy@facnet.ucla.edu.
Want to learn more about what you can do to make this winter closure a success? Visit www.fm.ucla.edu/Campus_Closure.html.
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