Why are we turning the lights out?

IN COLLOBORATION WITH WARWICK BLACKOUT

[dropcap]E[/dropcap]nergy consumption is one of those issues which simply grows more problematic the more you fail to pay attention it. Universities have become thoroughly modern institutions increasing their responsibility to sustainability. Lots of the time, it’s the little things – those cool automatic motion-sensitive bathroom lights are a spectacle to behold but they’re not entirely necessary!

In January 2010 the University released a statement surrounding its commitment to enforcing environmental policy and sustainability, promising to be proactive in involving the consideration of environmental issues in teaching activities, implementing waste reduction strategies, working to provide sustainable transport to and from the university and maintain the campus in an environmentally friendly way.

However, protecting the environment does not have to be a long struggle undertaken by the university alone, nor does it have to be restricted to certain student-run societies.

Protecting the environment needs to be celebrated and activities need to be infused with elements of positive energy and fun. This is the main aim of the new initiative; Warwick Uni Blackout. The team are creating an event on a hopefully dark Piazza, involving performances, food, drink and celebration.

The Blackout aims to shut off lights in as many buildings as the university deems possible, including Student Union Headquarters, the Library, external accommodation lights, the Warwick Arts Centre and so on.

One of the biggest motivations behind a move like this is to show that energy waste reduction is an incremental process.

The Blackout may be modest this year, but as the University’s commitment to energy- saving increases the team hopes for the event to expand as well. The event allows students to partake in Earth Hour, which usually falls during the Easter break. It gives the Warwick community the opportunity to show support for Earth Hour events worldwide and to petition for more buildings to be shut off should the event continue in the coming years.

At the same time, Blackout aims to create a positive attitude towards saving energy, with the hope that students can get involved in achieving the community’s goals for the environment.