Save energy

Getting into easy energy-saving habits whilst living on campus, or working from home not only helps reduce your negative environmental and social impact, but will help you save money on your own energy bills. Here are our top tips for reducing your energy consumption.

This cost of living crisis is has hit millions of households in the UK this year, and in particular, the energy crisis has exposed the appalling energy efficiency of the UK’s housing stock. Those living in poorly insulated homes will feel the cost of energy more than others and renters are on the frontline, hit both by the poorest housing stock and fast rising rents. A rapid programme of free basic energy saving measures is required which is targeted at the most in need first, but until then, please visit the Energy Saving's trust and Compare the Market website for their quick tips to save energy in the home, and here are our some of our tips below:

Switch off lights and appliances

Some communal spaces on campus may have motion sensor lights but where you have control, remember to switch them off when not needed. Switching off plugs at the socket also prevents energy wastage as items use energy in standby or sleep mode. Students can compete with other halls of residence as part of the Student Switch Off to save the most water and electricity, alongside good recycling habits to win prizes for the entire hall.

Home insulation 

If you want to reduce your carbon emissions and keep your energy bills low, installing insulation or draught-proofing will reduce heat loss. There are many simple yet effective ways to insulate your home, which can significantly reduce heat loss while lowering your heating bills. Even little fixes around the home can mount up to significant savings in your energy bills. Visit the Energy Saving Trust for advice on cavity or solid wall insulation, floor insulation, roof and loft insulation, draught-proofing and much more.

Draught-proof windows and doors

Put a layer on, not the heating

When things get chilly, instead of turning up the radiator just put on a jumper or an extra layer. A jumper can add three degrees celsius of warmth to your body.

Open blinds and curtains

Open any blinds or curtains during the day to let in sunlight/heat and close them when the sun goes down to prevent drafts.

Take short showers

If you’re cycling to work, using sporting facilities, or living on campus, keep your showers short to save water and heating.

Exercise kitchen etiquette

Whether you live on campus or use kitchen appliances in the office, don’t waste energy by overfilling the kettle with more water than you need. 200ml is the ideal amount of water for a single hot drink. Make sure you close the fridge door when possible and allow your food to cool down before putting it in the fridge/freezer and defrost freezers - it makes them run more efficiently. Appliances such as dishwashers and tumble dryers use up a substantial amount of energy so try occasionally washing dishes by hand, or hanging clothes out to dry.

Report faults on campus

Reporting faults with lighting, heating, water, and other facilities issues will help to save energy. This could include noticing faulty motion sensor lighting, dripping taps, and draughty windows. More information on fault reporting is available on the FRCS intranet.