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Aston welcomes attack of the eco-power rangers!

Eco Power Ranger
Neil Jennings launches the student Switch Off campaign at Aston University.

17 October 2008 – for immediate release

This year the national Student Switch Off campaign comes to Aston University – a national environmental campaign which sees student residences pitted against each other in the battle to reduce the University’s carbon emissions.

Aston University is one of only eleven universities across the country to take part in the campaign. Since the new academic year began (22nd September) nearly 200 Aston students have signed up to become eco-power rangers, pledging to use their energy carefully and encouraging their friends to do so as well. These individuals will be rewarded for their energy-saving actions with prizes such as Ben & Jerry’s ice cream parties, water-powered alarm clocks, solar-powered mobile phone chargers, weekly tickets to the Student Union night out and other vouchers and merchandise. Energy provider, E.ON, has backed the campaign.


The project aims to reduce energy use in residences by at least 12% in 12 months by encouraging students to switch off lights, televisions, stereos and computers when not in use, not to leave appliances on standby, covering pans when boiling water, only boiling as much water as necessary and putting an extra layer of clothing on rather than turning up the thermostat. Students will be encouraged to put these measures into practice by their eco-power ranger peers.

Lynnette Jones, Environment and Sustainability Manager, Aston University, said

“If the students can make just a few simple changes to their everyday actions, it would reduce the University’s electricity consumption by 3% and help us meet challenging carbon reduction targets. Student Switch Off is a really fun way to engage students in a serious environmental issue.”

To find out more information about the scheme, visit www.studentswitchoff.org.

ENDS

For more information on Aston University contact Laura Plotnek, University Communications Team, Aston University on 0121 204 4549 or prtemp@aston.ac.uk.

www.aston.ac.uk