News

What a turn off!

Published 15 November 2012

More than 23,000 students and staff at the University of Brighton are joining the biggest campaign of its kind to cut carbon emissions.

The university is unique in the country in setting a target of reducing emissions by 50 per cent in five years and gatherings are being held to spread the word throughout its campuses in Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings.

Professor Stuart Laing, the university's Deputy Vice-Chancellor, joined yesterday's launch at the campus in Grand Parade, Brighton, and donned a "huge turn off" t-shirt to encourage students and staff to switch off unnecessary appliances.

Professor Stuart Laing with a 'huge turn off.' c-change t-shirt

He said: "Greenhouse gases pose a critical threat to our planet and it is crucial that all of us take responsibility and help reduce carbon emissions."

The campaign, called c-change, encourages everyone to reduce carbon consumption wherever possible.

This year the university was ranked third out of the country's 145 universities and higher education institutions for sustainability, and to reach its carbon emissions goal it is heavily investing in low carbon technologies.

Abigail Dombey, the university's environmental manager, said: "We have the opportunity to make a real and lasting change to put Brighton at the forefront of cutting carbon in the UK.

"C-change shows how even small actions can make a difference – these include ensuring all lights and computers are switched off when leaving an office at the end of the day and, if possible, taking the stairs instead of lift.

"C-change is about enabling and inspiring everyone, staff and students alike, and giving them a chance to make a difference."

Find out more

Check out our c-change Facebook page for more information.