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23/03/2009 - Students compete in carbon footprint competition
In a pioneering project, students at Lancaster University are competing against each other to reduce their carbon footprint this semester, and win up to £1,800. As part of their unique partnership Lancaster University and UPP, the leading partner in on-campus student accommodation, are piloting the scheme to encourage tomorrow’s homeowners to take responsibility for their own carbon footprint.
The competition is taking place at the award-winning UPP Eco Residences at Grizedale and County Colleges which opened their doors to students last year. State-of-the-art technology allows the carbon footprint of each townhouse to be calculated from its water, gas and electricity usage.
The system works by sending the utility data from each townhouse to the Green Lancaster website where a calculation based on government figures converts the gas, electricity and water usage into an overall carbon footprint.
Students can log onto the Green Lancaster website http://www.greenlancaster.org.uk/carbon-competition/ and view the carbon footprint and utility use for their house in real-time, as well as check on who is winning.
Tom Roberts of Green Lancaster said, “With spiralling energy costs and the need to reduce carbon emissions we felt there was an educational opportunity to highlight the issue of climate change by linking it into students’ everyday living practices.”
Sean O’Shea, CEO of UPP added, “With HEFCE suggesting that future funding for universities will be determined by their efforts towards sustainable development, the Eco Residence and energy monitoring system will enable Lancaster University to stay ahead of the game.
Our shared goal is to lead the sector towards a more sustainable existence whilst at the same time encouraging students to reduce their carbon footprint.
By taking simple steps, such as turning off PCs when not in use and keeping windows closed to conserve heat, students will not only be able to see how easy it can be to cut carbon emissions, but will be able to enjoy some rivalry between friends to win the cash incentives”
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Ian Lindsley, Ben Russell, Fran O’Leary, Jefferson CommunicationsTel: +44 (0)20 7256 8912
Email:
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Notes to Editors
Competition:
There are six cash prizes for the competition. The Eco Residence townhouse with the lowest carbon footprint will win the top prize of £600, second and third will win £300 and fourth, fifth and sixth will win £200. Therefore the 12 residents of the winning townhouse will receive £50 each of the £600 1st prize, which is approximately the average termly utilities bill per student. The winners will be announced in early March (week 9).
Eco Residences:
The pioneering Grizedale and County Eco Residences have won a BREEAM award for their green features. This includes 70% heat recovery ventilation, sustainably sourced timber and lighting activated by movement sensors.
The Eco Residences have also won a ‘Secured by Design’ award for their crime prevention features including overlooked pathways and secure windows and doors.
University Partnerships Programme (UPP) is the trading name of the UPP Group of companies. It specialises in funding, developing and operating student accommodation schemes. It has invested almost £1 billion in the higher education sector and plans to invest a further £1 billion over the next two years.
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