Holiday Energy Savings Initiative

What are the standard indoor temperatures for buildings on campus?

NC State’s Sustainability Standard Operating Procedures state that temperatures for occupied space should range from 68°F to 71°F for heating and 72°F to 75°F for cooling. While unoccupied, building temperature setbacks range from 55°F to 60°F for heating and 80°F to 85°F for cooling.

What does the term “setback” mean?

A setback refers to a scheduled time when a building’s heating or cooling setpoints are relaxed, allowing temperatures to drift downward in winter or upward in summer, during times when the building is less occupied. Setbacks can save a lot of energy while at the same time ensuring that the building is comfortable when needed.

A setback does not mean that the HVAC system is turned off completely. The HVAC system will continue to operate to maintain the relaxed setpoints. Many buildings at NC State utilize setbacks during nights and weekends throughout the year.

Will the electricity be turned off in my building?

No. Except for a scheduled maintenance outage, the electricity will not be intentionally interrupted in your building during the Holiday Energy Savings Initiative or any other campus break. 

How cold / hot will it get in my building?

During setback periods, your building could warm up to approximately 80°F or cool down to approximately 60°F, on average. Certain spaces in certain buildings could drift a little further than those setpoints, but indoor temperatures colder than 55°F or hotter than 85°F are unlikely.

Will the domestic hot water be available in the building during setbacks?

Yes, but water in some buildings may be lowered to a more efficient and safe operating temperature.  

Why don’t we turn buildings “off” over the break?

There are many reasons why the Facilities Division does not completely shut down buildings during campus breaks. Even if we could be assured that no one needed to use the space during that time, buildings need to maintain minimum levels of temperature control for frost protection and also for humidity control.

Will my potted plants die if I leave them over break?

It is very unlikely. As long as your potted plant is okay at 55°F, it should be fine from a temperature perspective.

What about my research laboratory / animal facility?

Research laboratories and animal facilities typically do not have setbacks. They operate with consistent temperature and airflow setpoints 24 hours, 7 days a week. Many experiments need precise temperature control, and animals need consistent temperatures as well. Also, researchers may use the space during nights and weekends, and the HVAC system is a critical part of laboratory safety. 

In the rare case of a research laboratory that currently has a night/weekend setback, the setback experienced during the Holiday Energy Savings Initiative will be the same.

What’s happening with residence halls?

Residence halls that are unoccupied already have setbacks in place and will remain that way until the beginning of the spring semester. Residence halls that are currently occupied (Wolf Village, Wolf Ridge, and ES King Village) will remain occupied (and thus not subject to temperature setbacks) over the winter break. Residence halls with individual room occupancy sensors (Tri Towers, Lee, Sullivan, and Bragaw) will automatically setback when unoccupied.

Are Libraries open?

Check the Libraries webpage for up-to-date information on Libraries hours.

What days does this apply?

Please see the December 2023/January 2024 calendar below for specific dates:

Will exterior lighting be turned off?

Most nighttime exterior lighting (including streets, pathways, parking lots, tunnels, etc.) will remain on during HESI.

I did not submit an exemption before the deadline, my building is in a setback, and now I need to come into work. What should I do?

There is an occupancy override button in some buildings that can be used.  If you do not know where it is or if there isn’t one in your building, please call the Customer Service Center at 919-515-2991 who will be able to get in touch with the correct Facilities Division staff to make the change. Be prepared to tell them the building, room number, and when you need to be there.  Please keep in mind that if you are there for a short period of time, then we would prefer that you bring extra layers of clothing.

Will the HVAC system be turned back on earlier than the dates listed on the calendar?

The Facilities Division will begin returning HVAC systems to their normal temperature setpoints in buildings when the university reopens in January after the winter holiday. Facilities employees will conduct building walkthroughs to make sure that everything is functioning properly and that conditions are back to normal during that time, including restoring temperature setpoints and ventilation for classrooms and teaching labs.

Normal operating conditions will be in effect by the time the spring semester’s first day of classes begins.

Are space heaters allowed on campus?

According to NC State Law, portable heaters cannot be placed in state-owned buildings as they pose a threat to safety. The only exception to this law is when the building’s main source of heat is inoperative. It is possible to have a heat study completed to determine if the building heating system is adequate. Have your building liaison complete a work request to have a heat study or call the Customer Service Center directly at (919) 515-2991.

To date, the program has saved the taxpayers of North Carolina more than $6 million. Browse the results report here for more information.