Time for student action
Energy usage at the University is sky-rocketing, and students are partially to blame. The contribution of campus residents to total usage comes in at around 35%; representing a share of more than one third. Students must take note of the worrying trends of increased energy costs and consumption, and take ownership of the need to reduce their usage of electricity, water and gas. This is important both in averting financial crisis for the University, and taking part in the crucial drive to reduce emissions on a global scale. Simple measures such as ensuring that kitchen and bedroom lights are turned off when you leave the room; switching off your computer when it is not directly in use; or not filling the kettle with more water than is needed may be all that is necessary. Students should also recycle their waste where possible, and cycle or use public transport rather than driving. In this edition of Nouse, the ecological footprint of the average student was calculated as 5.6 hectares; vastly greater than the actual earth-share per-capita of 2 hectares. For further advice on ways in which to lessen your ecological foortprint, contact your Eco Rep at the Students’ Union. www.yusu.org/environment
