UCL launches 'switch-off team' to reduce energy wastage

Following feedback from staff and students that lights are left on in unoccupied rooms at the end of the day we are trialling a new initiative – the “switch-off team”.

From Wednesday 5th October the switch-off team (a small group of staff from our lighting maintenance contractor, Alpine) will be performing a walk-around in a few buildings after 5pm to switch-off lights and where appropriate air conditioning/ventilation in unoccupied rooms. Corridor lighting will remain on to maintain visible access around the building.

We'll be starting the pilot for a few central buildings this week (see list below) and subject to how the pilot goes we will be rolling this out across campus over the coming weeks.

The squad will not be touching any personal equipment or entering into any laboratory areas. We will provide "do not switch-off stickers" for departments to add for any items that they do not want to be switched-off.

If you have any queries or suggestions about the initiative please contact benedict.williamson@ucl.ac.uk.

Many thanks for your support in this matter.

Phase 1 pilot buildings:

• 16-26 Gordon Square
• 91 Gower Street
• 1-4 Malet Place
• 33-35 Torrington Place
• Foster Court
• South Wing
• Wilkins (excluding the library)