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Turn on to switching off

Published 18 February 2010

The university has signed up to an ambitious project to unite all sectors of British society behind the idea that by working together we can achieve a 10 per cent cut in the UK’s carbon emissions in 2010.

The 10:10 Campaign has received the backing of energy firms, major companies and organisations and influential individuals including Lord Stern, author of the landmark 2006 Review on the human cause of climate change and who recently received an honorary doctorate from this university.

Professor Stuart Laing, Pro Vice-Chancellor for academic affairs, said he was sure reductions would be realised this year. He said: “We’ll be trying our hardest and, don’t forget, individuals too can sign up to this campaign.

“I am delighted we have signed up and committed ourselves to this important challenge.” Abigail Dombey, the university’s energy manager, said, “We need to work together, staff and students, to do what we can to help reduce the university's emissions. 10:10 is about aiming high and finding out what is possible. I'd also like to encourage everyone, staff, students and alumni to sign up to cut their own emissions by 10 per cent.”

Anyone can sign up to 10:10, from schools, corner shops to individuals, councils and football clubs, as part of a nationwide drive to significantly reduce the output of greenhouse gases in line with scientists’ recommendations.

Major energy suppliers have agreed to help participants meet their 10:10 commitments by working out the difference between this year’s energy use and last year’s. They’ll display this information on customers’ bills.

The Energy Saving Trust and the Carbon Trust have also agreed to help by providing advice about energy saving measures through a free helpline and website.

The 10:10 Campaign, from the team behind the climate blockbuster The Age of Stupid, was launched at the Tate Modern in London last September.

Within three days, more than 10,000 people, 400 businesses and the leaders of all three major political parties had signed the 10:10 pledge.

Energy-saving suggestions – remember most of these tips work just as well at home as they do at work, so you can save yourself some money as well:

Switch lights off in empty rooms
Working in a large lab or office, only switch on the lights you need
Make the most of natural daylight especially with spring and summer coming, switch off the lights
Switch off computers and equipment when you’re not using them
Switch off printers and photocopiers overnight
Print less and print double sided
Only boil the amount of water you need in a kettle, don’t over fill it
Don’t leave taps running

To find out more contact the energy manager Abigail Dombey a.n.dombey@brighton.ac.uk or go to the 10:10 website.