Turn Back the Clock, Not the Progress: Autumn Energy-Saving Tips from The Big Switch Off

It's completely understandable, but it's also the time of year when our energy and water use can rise significantly.

This autumn, The Big Switch Off is encouraging everyone at King's to think a little differently and make small, practical changes that help us stay comfortable while using less energy and water at home and on campus.

Why autumn matters

The transition from summer to winter is one of the biggest changes in our energy habits. Heating systems begin working harder, lights are switched on earlier and we tend to spend more time indoors.

This year there is an added reason to think about when we use electricity. Many energy suppliers now offer time-of-use tariffs, where electricity can cost significantly more during periods of highest demand, typically between 4pm and 7pm on weekdays. Across the UK, this is when millions of people arrive home, cook dinner, boil kettles, do laundry and switch on appliances, creating a peak in demand on the national grid.

While not everyone is on this type of tariff, the message is the same: reducing unnecessary energy use during peak times helps cut costs, eases pressure on the grid and reduces environmental impacts.

How to make a difference at King's

The habits we build at home often carry through to campus. That's why The Big Switch Off focuses on encouraging simple everyday actions that support behavioural change both at home and at King's.

There are small actions we can take everyday at King’s whether student or staff member, that can help reduce our overall energy and water usage and ultimately our carbon impact.

Here are a few ways everyone can help.

Treat King's like your home

Before leaving a room, ask yourself:

• Are the lights still needed?
• Has equipment been left running that can be switched off?
• Is there a screen still switched on?
• Is a window open while heating is operating?

Small checks take seconds but can make a significant difference when multiplied across our campuses.

Switch off study and work spaces

Whether you're finishing a lecture, leaving a meeting room or heading home for the day:

• Shut down computers when not needed
• Switch off monitors
• Turn off projectors and presentation equipment via the consoles at lecterns
• Avoid leaving chargers connected unnecessarily
• When running power consuming processes, for example in experiments, try to schedule them outside of the 4pm – 7pm peak if possible

Don't ignore water waste

Energy isn't the only focus.

If you spot:

• Dripping taps
• Constantly running toilets
• Leaking fixtures
• Unnecessary water use

Report them promptly to the Estates & Facilities Service Desk. Conserving water reduces both water consumption and the energy required to heat and distribute it.

Five easy ways to save energy at home this autumn

1. Layer up before turning up the heating

Autumn is the perfect season for jumpers, blankets and cosy socks. Before reaching for the thermostat, consider whether an extra layer might do the trick. Even small adjustments to heating settings can make a noticeable difference over a season. Reducing thermostat settings by just one degree can help households save money while remaining comfortable.

2. Make the most of free heat and light

The clocks may have changed, but daylight is still one of the best sources of warmth and illumination.

During the day:

• Open curtains and blinds to let sunlight in
• Position workspaces near windows where possible
• Make use of natural light before switching on lamps

When evening arrives, close curtains to help keep warmth inside and reduce heat loss through windows.

3. Rethink the 4pm to 7pm rush

If your routine allows, consider shifting some energy-intensive activities away from the evening peak.

You could:

• Run the washing machine later in the evening
• Charge devices outside peak hours
• Batch cook meals at weekends, which could also save you money and time

Not every task can be moved, but even small shifts can help reduce demand during the busiest period of the day.

4. Save water and energy together

Many people don't realise that hot water often accounts for a considerable share of household energy use.

A few simple habits can help:

• Take shorter showers
• Wait until washing machines are full before using them
• Wash clothes at lower temperatures where appropriate

Using less hot water means using less energy too, making water conservation one of the easiest sustainability wins at home.

5. Eliminate "always-on" energy

Many devices continue using electricity even when they appear to be switched off.

Keep an eye out for:

• Chargers left plugged in
• Gaming consoles on standby
• TVs displaying standby lights
• Printers and monitors left powered on

Using a power strip can make it easier to switch off several devices at once and avoid unnecessary energy use.

Small actions, big impact

Autumn doesn't have to mean higher energy and water use. By making a few small changes at home and on campus, we can reduce our environmental impact, help control costs and support King's journey towards net zero.

As the clocks go back, let's use the seasonal change as a reminder that sustainability is often about the small choices we make every day. Whether it's taking a shorter shower, switching off the lights in an empty room, delaying a load of laundry until after peak hours or powering down your workstation at the end of the day, every action contributes to a more sustainable King's.

This autumn, let's turn back the clock and move forward together.

The Big Switch Off: Reduce, Switch off, Conserve