We saved a grand total of 372Mwh of electricity compared to what is typically used during the time of year this is equivilent to leaving on 66,000 100 mw light bulbs for eight hours a day. We reduced electricity consumption by 0.5% and saved nearly £50,000 electricity - £2.6 million if done throughout the year! Well done to everyone joining in

What have people been doing?

Schools

Schools have been competing to find out who can save the most energy during Big Switch Off week. Secret checks have been made on classrooms and the staffroom to find out what equipment has been left during breaktime such as computer monitors, projectors, lights and interactive whiteboards. Meter readings were taken the week before and week during the Big Switch Off. The schools winning the competition are:-

Primary Schools
1st - Thringstone Primary School – 38.58% reduction
2^nd – Packington Primary School – 34.09% reduction

Secondary Schools
1st - Stonehill High School - 0.62% reduction
2nd - Castle Donington College - 0.21% reduction

Colleges

Upper schools and colleges took part in a film making competition to make a short film about energy saving and climate change. The winners are:-

Upper School: “You wouldn’t…” from Ashby School by Jade Bakewell, Lewis Smith, Jake Bowley, Jordan Barry and Thomas Smith

College: Dean Pell from Stephenson College

Also highly commended were Derek Cooper and Lucy McDowell of Stephenson College

Pupils won tickets to Alton Towers and the films will be appearing on You Tube shortly.

Families

16 families have borrowed OWL energy monitors to help measure and reduce electricity used at home. Julian Bird from Tilton on the Hill who did the family challenge for last year calculated he has saved 36% on his energy bills by doing simple things like replacing all lightbulbs at home with energy saving versions, switching the lap top and other electrical appliances off rather than leaving on standby and ditching the tumble dryer.

The 16 families have been competing to see who can save the most energy during October and the Villarico family from Measham managed to make a 23% reduction compared to their initial energy habits.

Council Offices

Savings were made in council buildings with:

County Hall - 5%
Leicester City -libraries -6.16% and leisure centres 3%
North West Leicestershire District Council - 4.3% reduction in daytime and 1.5% reduction at nightime units
Charnwood Borough Council - 10.5% at Loughborough Town Hall and Council Offices
Blaby District Council - 3%