Aston University, along with 58,055 people, 2,273 businesses, 1,240 other organisations and 1,530 schools, universities and colleges,has signed up to 10:10, a national campaign targeting a 10% reduction in carbon emissions by the end of 2010.
Cutting 10% in one year is a bold target, but we feel it’s an achievable one, and is in line with what scientists say we need right now. By signing up to 10:10 we’re not just promising to reduce our emissions here at Aston – we’re becoming part of a national drive to hit this ambitious goal in every sector of society.
Some of our plans to hit this target include: getting our staff involved through the Aston Go Green Awards which encourage sustainable behaviour in our offices; getting students on board through the Student Switch Off campaign which has resulted in average savings so far of around 11%; investing the £250,000 of funding we have received from Salix in energy efficiency projects across campus including insulation, boiler upgrades and more efficient lighting. All these projects combined should mean that we can reach our 10% target and maybe we can do even better – Aston Business School are targeting an ambitious 15% reduction!
By bringing everyone together to take actions like these collectively, 10:10 enables all of us to make a meaningful difference. It’s the perfect opportunity to find out what’s possible when we work together.
If you would like to get involved by helping spread the word at Aston, check out our web pages or sign up as a 10:10 champion by contacting the Environment and Sustainability Team. You can also sign up to 10:10 as an individual - find out more on the website www.1010uk.org.
Words by Victoria Johnsen
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