SAVES 2 wraps up a successful 2nd academic year
Article by Rachel Soper (Dormitory Coordinator, NUS UK)
The SAVES2 project had a successful second academic year in 2018-19 and is now preparing to make an even larger impact in 2019-20! Here’s what we’ve been up to this year…
14 universities across seven EU countries (Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Lithuania, Romania and the UK) have been engaging and empowering students to reduce energy wastage, and make more sustainable choices through the Student Switch Off and Student Switch Off+ campaigns for students living in university dormitories and students living in the private rented sector, respectively.
The campaigns aim to reduce the carbon footprint of university accommodation, and reduce students’ exposure to fuel poverty. It’s good for the planet, and good for the pocket, whilst helping students to build skills & knowledge so they can make informed choices when living in a private house.
Some highlights of the campaigns in 2018-19 include:
- 1,352 tonnes CO2 saved across all participating dormitories – all countries reduced their energy consumption, with an average saving of 9.2%
- An estimated 859 tonnes CO2 saved by students living in the private rented sector
- More than 18,000 students living in dormitories signed up to support the campaign
- 154 student volunteers were trained to raise awareness in their dormitories
- Nearly 54,000 students living in the private rented sector were reached with advice on energy-efficiency, energy performance certificates, smart meters and energy tariffs
In addition, the project was recognised as an award finalist for the EU Sustainable Energy Week awards – you can view the SAVES2 video made for the awards, and more about the awards submission here. It was fantastic to be shortlisted in the Youth category for our work in engaging students in energy.
We’d like to thank all those that have been involved in 2018-19 for their dedication and for helping us make a big impact. If you are moving into one of the participating dormitories in 2019-20, make sure to save energy to help your dorm win the inter-dormitory competition!
View our energy-saving advice here, whether you’re living in dorms, or in a private house.
