As the University prepares for winter recess — which for most faculty and staff runs from Dec. 24 through Jan. 4 — Facilities Management is asking the Pitt community to take some simple steps to help protect facilities and conserve energy across campus: 

• Close all windows before leaving your office, classroom, or residence. 

• Turn off lights and any non-essential equipment. 

• Unplug electronics where possible to reduce unnecessary energy use. 

• Shut down computers and monitors rather than leaving them in sleep mode. 

• Disconnect chargers and power strips to eliminate “phantom” energy use. 

• Dispose of perishables to avoid odors or pests. 

In addition to these individual actions, Facilities Management will be implementing energy saving measures during the recess, including modest temperature setbacks in non-research and non-critical facilities.

These combined efforts make a big difference in preserving campus facilities, reducing environmental impact, and supporting the University’s sustainability goals, said Laura Zullo, vice chancellor for Facilities Management. 

Questions about building access or facilities services during the winter recess? Contact Facilities Management at 412-624-9512. 

Other holiday reminders

Campus Mail and Metering Services: Open 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 26, 29, 30, 31 and Jan. 2. Regular mailing services will resume on Jan. 5. If you need to reach the mailroom during recess hours, please call 412-624-6664.

Mobility, transit and parking: The mobility office closes on 2 p.m. Dec. 23 and reopens at 8 a.m. Jan. 5. Limited shuttle service will be offered until Dec. 15-23 and Jan. 5-9, with no service Dec. 24-Jan 4. Service will return to normal on Jan. 10. Soldiers and Sailors Garage, Sennott Square Garage, Panther Hollow, the Assembly Garage and the OC lot will all be closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1.

Dining: Dining locations have modified hours for the winter recess — see Pitt Eats’ website for schedules.

Student unions: Student unions will be closed Dec. 24-Jan. 4.