On Friday 24 February 2023, the University brought back the iconic energy saving activity, Blackout.
The annual electricity audit and switch off event started at the University in 2012 and aims to highlight the positive environmental impact of small collective actions.
This year’s event was held across Highfield campus on a slightly smaller scale as an audit and did not involve switching any electrical items off. The participating buildings were Nightingale (Building 67), Shackleton (Building 44), David Kiddle (Building 35), George Thomas (Building 37), Life sciences (Building 85) and New Mountbatten (Building 53). The Blackout audited 383 rooms and found the following:
- 458 out of 1316 (34.8%) computers were left on
- 872 out of 2587 (33.7%) monitors were left on, as well as 3 TVs
- 75 out of 683 (11%) light switches were left on
- Windows were left open in 27 rooms (7%)
- 10 personal heaters were left on
- 18 printers were left on
- 5 water amenities were left on
- 4 speakers, 4 coffee makers, 3 kettles and 1 shredder were all left on at the wall
Adam Tewkesbury, Associate Director, Environment & Sustainability said, “after an extended gap it was great to be part of the reboot of the Blackout campaign this year. The event collected useful data on energy use and staff behaviour, whilst also highlighting some significant changes to the University’s energy profile compared to previous events. I hope that we are able to continue with further Blackout events over coming years to generate more data, and to steer our approach to energy management and effective behaviour change.”
TJ Wells, a 3rd year Environmental Management student, and a Sustainability Intern said, “the event was a success with valuable findings. It was great to see such large and keen student engagement in sustainability action within the University.”
It is important to make sure all unnecessary electrical items are turned off to reduce energy waste. The Sustainability Team hope that this event can inspire all staff and students to turn off their unnecessary electrical equipment when they are not in use.