Saving Energy at the University of Athens
Article by Vassilis, dormitory coordinator, NKUA, Greece
The National Kapodistrian University of Athens is a proud member of the SAVES 2 network across EU. The SSO campaign was once again launched at the university’s campus for the 2017-18 academic year. One of the most interesting things this year is the introduction of the new SSO+ campaign. It is great that the new campaign can also affect the bigger majority of students in the participating universities, i.e. the ones’ that are living in privately rented houses/flats.
Several activities have already taken place in relation to the SSO and SSO+ campaigns. Initially seven students’ ambassadors were trained, five living in the dormitories and two in the private rented sector. Apart from the actions that each one of them is undertaking to help promote the campaigns, all of them have also provided useful insight and ideas to make things more appealing to students. In order to reach more students, exciting prizes were secured through sponsors. Following our ambassadors' suggestions the university has come to an agreement with super-market “Sklavenitis” that provided us give-away gift cards. Already the first photo competition is running and two more are scheduled to go up until the end of the year.
Late November, a seminar was conducted at the Physics department of NKUA to inform students about tips for energy saving when living in private housing. During the seminar students were introduced to the fuel poverty conditions, energy tips and other interesting facts about the campaign.
Finally NKUA has come to an agreement with the renting website “Spitogatos” that provided us with many information regarding the students’ accommodation and also improved our communication with landlords that rent their properties to students.
