2006 Holiday Shutdown Cost Savings and Work Approvals

The Laboratory ‘Holiday Shutdown’ (6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22 through Monday, Jan. 1) offers a significant opportunity for energy cost savings.  These savings are realized by shutting down equipment and utilities.
Minimum work forces will continue the following functions during the shutdown:

• Plant Operations - Plant Maintenance Technicians
• Safety - Fire Department, Environmental Protection, Radiation Assessment
• Animal Care - Animal Colony Support Staff
• Hydrogen Safety - Mechanical Engineering and Technical Support
• Receiving and U.S. Mail - Material Operations

IT services will be available with minimal support for critical outages only during the shutdown period.  Backups will only be provided for servers. 

Arrangements for working prior to holidays:

Special programmatic needs may require additional employees to work during the shutdown.  All employees who must work during the period must have advance approval by the cognizant Division Director.  In addition, employees who must work with unsealed radioactive materials must have the intended work reviewed and approved by the Environmental Health & Safety Department one week before the shutdown period.

Do the following before leaving:

The Computer Protection Program (CPP) asks that everyone shutdown or unplug their computers from the network over the holiday break to avoid cyber attacks.  CPP realizes a few systems may need to remain on line; please ensure these systems are current on patches and secure.

Alternative utility and/or equipment services may be required.  Requests for service should be routed through the appropriate Building Manager and forwarded to the Facilities Division no later than Monday, Dec. 18, 2006.  The Laboratory would normally spend $6300 per day on energy during December. 

Those who work during the Holiday Shutdown can save energy by:

• Setting back thermostats in their own space
• Shutting off nonessential lights and equipment
• Using smaller portable heaters and work station lighting while working inside
• Keeping outside windows and door closed
• Closing all fume hood sashes before leaving your laboratory