Switch off to save

Staff and students are being asked to share the University’s energy vision with this month’s relaunch of the University’s Switch & Save campaign.

The campaign encourages people to develop good housekeeping practice to minimise energy consumption.

Cuts that count

The Switch & Save message addresses the University target of a 29 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2020.

Since the campaign was first launched in 2006 many staff have embraced its ethos by striving to make energy cuts in their own workspaces.

In June this year, users of the Fleeming Jenkin Building worked with staff from the Sustainability Office to investigate ways to reduce their energy consumption.

Through identifying actions, such as developing an end-of-day switch-off checklist, the team achieved a five per cent reduction in electricity consumption. This results in a carbon saving of 4.1t CO2, equivalent to more than £700.

Simple steps

There are simple measures everyone can take to help the University meet its energy goals. These include:

• Turning off computer equipment at night and at the weekends
• Switching off lights in unused rooms
• Checking your printer settings to ensure they default to sleep mode during inactive periods.

For more energy-saving tips or to suggest ideas or get involved in the campaign visit the Energy Office website.

Free cupcakes

The campaign relaunch will be celebrated with a cupcake giveaway.

Free cupcakes will be handed out with every hot drink bought at a EUSA or Accommodation Services outlet on 21 September.