28 September 2009

University `cools´ down to create greener campus

Eco-power rangers at the University of Sheffield are set to battle climate change by encouraging students and staff to switch off and ´go green´, as part of a flagship environmental programme.

`Degrees Cooler – Greening universities and beyond through behaviour change´, is a two year project being run in conjunction with the National Union of Students (NUS), the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC), Student Switch Off and People & Planet and aims to help the University´s students and staff dramatically change their everyday behaviour for the sake of the environment.

The University of Sheffield fought off tough competition to be selected as one of only 20 universities across the country to take part in the scheme, which is funded by the Greener Living Fund and sponsored by Defra. .

As part of `Degrees Cooler´, a total of £25,000 worth of services and resources from the partners involved will be spent on helping deliver the scheme at the University of Sheffield, including the appointment of a six month Greener Living Assistant to help change environmental behaviour on-campus.

Students living in the University´s residences will also be encouraged to have fun in the dark as part of `Degrees Cooler´, by competing against each other to come top of the class in energy efficiency. At the end of the year, students at the winning residence will receive prizes, including Ben & Jerry's ice cream, tickets to nights out at the Student´s Union and NUS Extra cards, as well as a celebratory party to congratulate them on their green approach to campus life.

In addition, energy-saving gadgets will be given to students who sign up to become Eco-power rangers - residents who pledge to use their energy carefully and encourage their friends to do so as well.

It is hoped that the scheme, along with the presence of the Greener Living Assistant on campus, will help students and staff better understand how to do their bit for the environment as energy-saving tips will be given out across campus. These will include highlighting the importance of switching lights and appliances off when not in use, putting a lid on the pan when cooking, not overfilling the kettle and putting on an extra layer of clothing rather than turning up the thermostat.

To kick start the project, there will be a 'Degrees Cooler' stall at the University´s Fresher´s Fair on Wednesday 30 September 2009.

Philip Riley, Energy Manager at the University, said: "It is hoped that the project will reach out to all our staff and students over the next two years, engaging them in the key behaviours of recycling more, using less energy, eating more sustainable local food and reducing non-essential flying."

Wes Streeting, National President of NUS, said: "The funding means NUS can support both staff and students to live greener lifestyles, helping them to enthuse those around them to do the same. Students today will have a major influence on the world tomorrow meaning the impact is direct and long lasting."

Paul Tobin, President at the Students´ Union, said: "We are thrilled to be working with the University on `Degrees Cooler´, and encourage everyone to get involved as the scheme grows."

Notes for Editors: `Degrees Cooler´ is a partnership project led by NUS in partnership with the following partners:
• People and Planet will run an enhanced version of their Go Green campaign at all twenty universities. Go Green is a bottom-up student-led campaign that seeks to green campuses from within by engaging staff and students. For more information, visit the link below.
• EAUC will run a staff engagement project called Green Impact at 19 of the 20 universities. It enables staff to green their departments or teams through a practical accreditation scheme. Piloted at University of Bristol last year, the scheme led to measurably greener departments. For more information, visit the link below.
• Student Switch Off will run exciting inter-halls energy competition and campaign at 13 of the 20 universities. For more information, visit the link below.
• Studentforce are providing student or graduate placements at 12 of the 20 universities to help deliver the schemes locally. For more information, visit the link below.
• London Sustainability Exchange is coordinating the monitoring and evaluation for the project so we can asses how successful it is at each University.
• 20 universities: De Montfort University; London School of Economics and Political Science; London South Bank University; Loughborough University; Manchester Metropolitan University; Roehampton University; The University of Manchester; University of Bath; University of Birmingham; University of Bristol; University of Central Lancashire; University of Exeter; University of Kent; University of Leicester; University of Liverpool; University of Reading; University of Sheffield; University of Warwick; University of Westminster; University of Worcester.
• 20 students´ unions: De Montfort University Students' Union; London School of Economics & Political Science Students' Union; London South Bank University Students' Union; Loughborough Students' Union; Manchester Metropolitan Students' Union; Roehampton Students' Union; The Manchester College Students' Union; University of Bath Students' Union; University of Birmingham Guild of Students; University of Bristol Union; University of Central Lancashire Students' Union; University of Exeter Students' Guild; Kent Union; University of Leicester Students' Union; Liverpool Guild of Students; Reading University Students' Union; University of Sheffield Union of Students; University of Warwick Students' Union; University of Westminster Students' Union; Worcester Students' Union.
A selection of high quality images are available for use with this story. Please contact Jamie Agombar, Ethical & Environmental Manager at NUS Services, for image requests or more information. 01625 413239; jagombar@nussl.co.uk
For more information please visit the link below or contact David Webster, Business and Projects Manager at the University of Sheffield at: david.webster@sheffield.ac.uk.
To become an Eco-Power Ranger, e-mail ecopowerrangers@studentswitchoff.org or join the "University of Sheffield Eco-Power Rangers" Facebook group.

For further information please contact: Shemina Davis, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2225339 or email shemina.davis@sheffield.ac.uk

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