Switch Off Week will run from November 10 to 16 with a host of events and challenges.
Simple changes, made by enough people, can have a long and lasting impact.
Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz
The University’s annual Switch Off Week (November 10 to 16) will be all about working together to reduce the University’s energy use.
Every hour £1,825 is spent on energy at the University. World class research demands energy but we can all help keep the amount used to a minimum say the event's organisers.
During the week staff are encouraged to join colleagues in switching off lights, and office and laboratory equipment to see how much can be saved.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz said: “Switch Off Week gives us all an opportunity to think of how we can help reduce the University’s energy consumption. Reducing our energy bill does not mean we reduce our research capability.
“For most of us it simply means turning off the computer when we are not using it, or switching off the lights at the end of the day. Simple changes, made by enough people, can have a long and lasting impact.”
Staff and students can also visibly show their support for greening their University by making energy saving pledges, as well as wearing a silly jumper to work to take part in Thermal Thursday.
Those making pledge or wearing a silly jumper can also enter two competitions [Cambridge Only]. sharing their photos to have the chance of winning prizes.
Regular updates on energy consumption will be published on the Switch Off Week website so staff in buildings with half-hourly metering can see how much their building has saved during the week. In the week following all buildings will be informed how their consumption during Switch Off Week compared to the previous seven days.
Once again Dr Jonathan Nicholls, University Registrary, will be running a competition between the three main UAS sites (Old Schools, Greenwich House and Kenmare/BGB). The winner will be the building that makes the largest percentage reduction over the week (including the weekend), compared to the previous week. Last year, the competition was won by the Old Schools.
Special events during the week include a Dark Skies Stargazing event, a pedal powered cinema and a talk by Guardian columnist Chris Goodall on the UK’s “looming power shortage”.
Joanna Chamberlain, Head of Environment and Energy, said: “Get inspired - join us for the Switch Off Week Roadshow and pick up some green goodies, or take part in fun events like our stargazing evening and Thermal Thursday. And if you already switch off everything you can, please encourage your colleagues and friends to do the same using our top tips to inspire them to switch on to switching off.”
To find out what’s happening near you, visit www.environment.admin.cam.ac.uk/switch-off-week.
Carousel image credit: Bulb by remography, https://www.flickr.com/photos/rkottonau/.