Blackout returns next Friday

Friday, 23 October 2015

Friday 30 October sees the return of the Blackout.

Aimed at highlighting energy consumption at the University, the event has already signed up 90 volunteers.

On the day, teams of student volunteers – led by a member of staff – will audit buildings across the University to see how much energy can be saved by turning off any unnecessary equipment. The teams will share their findings at ‘Mission Control’ and watch live energy data on the impact of the Blackout.

Twenty-eight members of staff have already committed to leading the teams around buildings. Other staff can get involved by working with colleagues on their floor or building to switch off all unnecessary equipment every Friday evening.

Last year, the Blackout teams identified 608 lights, 266 computers and 50 printers that had all been left switched on.

The Blackout is part of a wider Carbon Countdown campaign, which aims to save energy used on the campus every evening and weekend. Working together, we can all help achieve the 35% reduction in our carbon emissions by July and help reduce our collective impact on the environment.

Over £3 million has already been invested over the past four years in energy efficiency projects, generating cumulative savings of almost £10 million and achieving a 26% reduction in our emissions. Further projects will add significantly to this reduction.

For a full list of the buildings involved, please visit carboncountdown.net/blackout/buildings

If you have any queries about the event please email carboncountdown@reading.ac.uk