Student halls at the Park campus in Cheltenham will be plunged into darkness later this afternoon as power is switched off to raise awareness of the use of power.
The Blackout event is being organised by Events Management students to raise awareness of the University’s sustainability commitment to reduce energy consumption and to highlight how much power is used on an hourly basis.
Power to the five halls of residence which house nearly 200 students will be switched off between 4.30 — 5.30 pm.
Students will be encouraged to take part in a lantern–lit Blackout Bingo event being staged by the Students’ Union and visit a number of interactive exhibitions at the Blackout Fair which will include hairdressing without using electric gadgets and a bicycle that when pedalled provides enough electricity to cook a pizza. The fair will also provide students with ideas of easy ways to saving energy and money.
This event is being organised by seven Events Management students: Stephanie Warner, Kirsten Comer, Sophie Ware, Romy Tilbury, Elizabeth Thatcher, Lenka Edge, and Ashleigh Oakes.
Student Stephanie Warner said: “The event aims to challenge the students of the university in their attitude and approach to energy usage. Being the generation of the future, it is important to highlight alternative ways to go about everyday activities such as doing weekly shopping and relaxing round the house to help reduce our energy consumption.”
Kirsten Comer added: “Halls of residence require students to pay a lump sum every semester for accommodation, which includes unlimited electricity. It can, therefore, be hard for students to grasp just how expensive electricity is and how much could be saved, especially as for many students this is their first experience of being away from home and paying their own bills. The event will help to raise awareness for the transition from University provided accommodation to privately rented housing where bills aren’t always included. The exhibition intends to provide life-long learning for students that can be passed on further than just their University years.”
For more information please visit www.yourstudentsunion.com
9th February 2009