Between 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm on Saturday, individuals and organisations across the world will take part in the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-organised Earth Hour by turning off their lights. This is a symbolic event that demonstrates that those groups taking part feel it is important to take action against global warming and tackle climate change. As many as 2,712 cities, towns and municipalities in 83 countries have committed to taking part in the event.
The University will participate by turning off the lights of the Wills Memorial Building. Other iconic landmarks around Bristol, including SS Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge, will follow suit.
The University’s Sustainability Department (formerly the Energy and Environmental Management Unit) is to launch a 100-day energy-efficiency campaign on the back of the Earth Hour to raise awareness throughout the University about energy wastage. It will be giving advice to staff about how to cut their energy use, encouraging students living in halls of residents to save energy through the student switch-off campaign and supporting the Students' Union's Ethics and Environment Week (27 April to 1 May).
The department has produced a checklist of good practice (below), which all staff are encouraged to observe. Not only will this help tackle climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1,500 tonnes, but it will also save the University £250,000 a year. All these things work just as well at home, which will help you save money too.
1. Switch off lights in empty rooms.
2. If you work in a large lab or office, only switch on the lights you need.
3. Make the most of natural daylight during the working day, especially with spring and summer coming – don’t switch on lights you don’t need.
4. Switch off computers and other electrical equipment when you’re not using it.
5. Don’t leave mobile phone chargers plugged in when they are not charging.
6. If the heating is on too high and you can’t regulate it, report it to Sustainability.
7. Print less and print double-sided.
8. Don’t over fill kettles – only boil the amount of water you need.
9. Don’t leave taps running and report leaking taps on ext. 89898.
10. If you are aware of energy wastage, inform Sustainability.