Back in 2006 Student Switch Off was launched to reduce the carbon impact of students living in halls of residences. 14 years and 1.3 million engaged students later the campaign continues to influence student behaviours and reduce carbon in the sector.

Our latest student survey, conducted over the summer, has shown that students are reporting that the campaign continues to influence their behaviour in halls.  With 68% of students feeding back that their sustainability awareness and actions taken increased as a direct result of the campaign. Importantly 88% of students report that they will continue taking sustainable actions going forward, an important step to reduce the impact of energy poverty on students once they move into rented accommodation.

Other key highlights of the survey show:

• 71% of students are motivated to change their behaviours as a way to take personal action on the climate crisis, with 44% also motivated by winning prizes - the second highest motivator.
• Switching off lights is the most popular action to take (80%).
• 81% were proud that their residence was taking action on the climate crisis and 60% reported that the campaign made living in halls fun.
• 73% report that they encourage their friends to be more sustainable, supporting the campaign model that peer to peer interaction continues to be an important element of student behaviour change campaigns.

"Student Switch Off is an inspirational campaign that has greatly helped me and other students to help the movement of sustainability" De Montfort University Student 2019-20

If you are interested in finding out more about student engagement campaigns, please contact Jade.Monroe@sos-uk.org.