University of East Anglia saves 89 tonnes of CO2

Students at the University of East Anglia have been competing to see which halls of residence could save the most energy.

Around 3,500 first year students have been taking part in the national Student Switch Off campaign, according to Norwich Evening News.

The students were successful in reducing their energy consumption by an average of 10.4 per cent, which translated as a saving of £17,500 on energy bills.

Furthermore, carbon emissions for the halls were reduced by 89 tonnes.

Solar-powered iPod chargers and water-powered alarm clocks have been awarded for their participation.

Phil Biddle, head of energy efficiency at E.ON, which has backed the campaign, said: "It’s a myth that saving energy has to be hard work and the students have shown how small changes can make a big impact when it comes to reducing your overall energy consumption."

Student Switch Off is a nationwide initiative that has so far this academic year saved some 500 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.