Our relationship with SE2 was very good. They are very responsive, flexible and honest. I would definitely work with them again.
Ailsa Gibson, CLASP
A night out with the lights out: SE2 helps Reading University go dark
On Friday 28 November, over 120 students and staff at the University of Reading explored the campus by night.
They were taking part in an NUS Blackout event, as part of the University's Carbon Countdown programme, to investigate just how many computers, printers, lights and other electrical items had been left on unecessarily for the weekend - and to switch them off.
Teams of students and staff visited 15 buildings across campus - from the main administrative building to the largest teaching building and even the Students' Union. They switched off hundreds of monitors, dozens of lights, printers, scanners, copiers... They were also asked to report back anomalies - my personal favourite was this one:
All told, in under two hours, the teams were able to cut electricity consumption in the buildings they visited by 8%. That translates into over £20,000 off the University's electricity bill over the course of a year, simply by ensuring that everyone's office gets the weekend off when they do.
How were SE2 involved?
We have been working with the University since the start of the academic year, providing advice on communications, engagement and behaviour to a team who had already implemented a large number of technical and engineering solutions to reduce the University's carbon footprint. We drew together the plan to recruit volunteers to take part in the event, helped to design materials and communications in advance of the event, managed a frenzied assault on social media on the night itself - Liz was designated "Chief Fun Person" for the evening (a label she has come to appreciate), organising quizzes, games and competitions for the teams once they returned from their travels.
We're continuing to support the University of Reading's Carbon Countdown programme, scoping a Christmas Countdown to help staff and students reduce energy usage during the Christmas break, and helping generate ideas and plans for Green Week.
It's been an enlightening (no pun intended) experience working with the University. It's an environment where new ideas are embraced and creativity is encouraged. There's an openness to discussions around sustainability - particularly with the student body, and from both sides of the climate change debate. We're very much looking forward to what 2015 will hold!
I'll leave you with my favourite unexpected guest at the Reading University Blackout, spotted on his travels across campus by night:
