The Great Switch Off

‘The Great Switch Off’ electrifies International Politics

A two hour switch off of unused electrical items organised by Aberystwyth University has shown that University could save up to £40,000 a year on its electricity bill.

The Great Switch Off was organised by the University as part of Wales Sustainability Week. All the staff and students were invited to turn off non essential equipment for a two hour period on Monday 17 May.

Electricity consumption was monitored and compared with the average consumption for a similar period on the same day since 1st March this year.

The building which showed the greatest improvement was International Politics which showed a reduction of 24.8%. This was closely followed by the Carwyn James building with 24.7%, Print and Design with 21.5%, the Old College with 18.3% and two halls of residence – Pantycelyn and Rosser with 17% and 16% respectively.

According to Nigel Owen, Deputy Director of Estates, if this exercise was to be repeated for all working hours over a year, the Carbon Dioxide emissions from the Department of International Politics alone would be cut by 3.5 tonnes and provide a saving of £540.

“A similar scenario applied across the whole of the University could provide an annual reduction of nearly 250 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide and save more than £38,500”, he said.

The results of the Great Switch Off were announced at a presentation on Friday 22 May to mark the end of a week long programme of events to mark Wales Sustainability Week.

At the event Dr John Harries, Pro Vice-Chancellor, also presented the Carbon Trust Standard to David Oldham and Diane Jones from the Estates Department for their work on the submission to the Carbon Trust. Aberystwyth is one of only 9 universities across the UK to have achieved the award, and one of only two in Wales – the other being Cardiff University.