Student Switch Off Week takes place each year as part of an effort to encourage students to think more consciously about their lifestyle choices. All students living on campus are automatically entered into the inter-college competition for most recycling and energy saved, with Derwent topping the leader board as of April 2021.
Vanburgh College currently take second place, followed by Wentworth, Constantine, and Goodricke respectively. James College, Halifax, Alcuin, and Langwith bring up the rear.
The Student Switch Off takes place between 10-14 May and is part of a non-profit international campaign which aims to encourage student action on climate change.
The event is hosted by the National Union of Students, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of recycling and promote a more sustainable lifestyle amongst students.
Students are encouraged to take simple measures to reduce their energy and water waste to help tackle the climate crisis, such as switching off appliances when not in use and taking shorter showers.
The campaign has helped to save approximately £2.5 million worth of electricity for the education sector across Europe since it began in 2009, according to the NUS.
For students off campus, the NUS has complied a useful list of tips to ensure that privately rented properties are both comfortable and energy efficient. These include checking for energy performance certificates and appliance ratings, as well as installing a smart meter and setting good energy habits.
There are a range of activities taking place throughout the course of the week, including chances to win vouchers for sustainable stores including The Kind Store, National Book Tokens, and Etsy.
The event also features a masterclass on ethical finance, a webinar about reducing energy poverty, and a skills workshop promoting sustainability values in the workplace.
The week in full proceeds as follows:
Monday 10 May – Competition: win sustainable shopping vouchers by reflecting on your sustainability knowledge.
Tuesday 11 May – A Self Study Masterclass: An Introduction to Ethical Finance and Investments.
Wednesday 12 May – Student Homes: Energy, Comfort, and Fuel Poverty Webinar.
Thursday 13 May – Second Competition.
Friday 14 May – Skills workshop: Taking Sustainability Values into Your Career.
For great energy saving and recycling tips and to keep up with the college leader board, visit the NUS Student Switch Off Website.
More information on these events, including how to register, can be found here.