From November 9th, 2023, to March 1st, 2024, the Whiteknights campus embarked on a concerted effort to conserve energy by implementing a lighting switch-off student. The initiative targeted fluorescent lights but included LEDs as well, focusing on areas with high wattage lighting consumers. The student worked from 6:30pm to 8:30pm Monday to Friday, to switch-off after class hours when buildings were typically less occupied.
A total of 21,562 fluorescent bulbs and 5,156 LED bulbs were turned off over the 64 days, which resulted in several thousand pounds worth of energy savings . There were challenges in areas with ongoing activities or limited accessibility, but it was still a significant step toward sustainability.
The initiative identified Chancellors, Phillip Lyle, and Polly Vacher as locations that could benefit from potential technical change projects in future – such as installing motion and absence detection sensors in communal spaces. Additionally it highlighted the need to enhance student and staff participation through informative posters and email reminders to promote awareness.
Ultimately, the success of the lighting switch-off initiative not only demonstrates the university’s commitment to sustainability but also serves as a model for future campus-wide conservation. By fostering a culture of energy consciousness, institutions can play a pivotal role in mitigating environmental impact and advancing towards a greener future – which we can all play a vital role in achieving. If this resonates with you, then please get in contact with sustainability sustainability@reading.ac.uk to be part of our growing network Sustainability Champions Network
