This week, Lancaster University’s #LUTimeToChange campaign launches, bringing opportunities and ideas to help us all use less energy and live more sustainable lifestyles.

The campaign will run throughout the Michaelmas term and is centred around the ways the University can make small but significant lifestyle changes to help save energy and reduce carbon emissions.

It covers a range of sustainability topics including transport and mobility, power generation, smart solutions, resource efficiency, and more. It will give you practical tips and advice that you can use, as well as some fun events you can take part in.

How is the University reducing carbon and saving energy?

Lancaster University's annual carbon emissions (Scope 1 and 2 from electricity and gas consumption) have been reduced by 41% since 2005-06. This has been achieved through the installation of renewable and low carbon generation equipment, such as the wind turbine and Combined Heat and Power (CHP)engine, coupled with improved energy efficiency and reduction in carbon emissions from electricity from the grid.

Here are some more Big Facts about Lancaster University’s energy use. Did you know?

• In 2020-21 55% of electricity was generated on site: 14% generated by the wind turbine and 41% by the Combined Heat and Power engine.
• Annual scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions were 2,700tCO2e higher (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) in 2020-21 compared to 2019-20, due to increased use of the CHP.
• The University's annual total electricity consumption has reduced by 15% between 2005-06 and 2020-21, due to improvements in energy efficiency, and despite increases in the size of the building estate.

How can you get involved?

Green Lancaster is a partnership between Lancaster University and the Students’ Union devoted to engaging students, staff, and the local community in practical responses to the climate and ecological emergencies.

This term there are a number of opportunities for you to get involved:

Green Lancaster events week of 3-9 October and week of 10-16 October

• ECO Shop: preloved household items sale - Saturday 1 October 2022, 10am to Friday 7 October 2022, 3pm

Visit the ECO Shop during Welcome Week in Alexandra Square, where you can buy preloved student essential household items on a pay as you feel basis.

ECOShop: preloved household items sale, Saturday 1 October, 10:00am | Lancaster University

• Big Bike Sale - Monday 3 October 2022 to Friday 14 October, 11am to 2pm

Looking for a cheap, sustainable and healthy way to commute to and from campus? Come along to the Big Bike Sale!

Big Bike Sale, Monday 3 October, 11:00am | Lancaster University

• Big Bike Conversation - Tuesday 4 October and Tuesday 11 October 2022, 11am to 2pm

Come and talk to us about sustainable transport on campus on Tuesday 4th and 11th October for a chance to win a bike of your choice up to £500.

Big Bike Conversation, Tuesday 4 October, 11:00am | Lancaster University

• Dr. Bike: cycle repair and maintenance - Thursday 6 and Thursday 13 October 2022, 11am to 2pm

Dr. Bike is a fully qualified bike mechanic, offering professional advice, cycle maintenance, safety checks and cycle accessories at low prices to staff and students every week.

Dr. Bike: cycle repair and maintenance , Thursday 6 October, 11:00am | Lancaster University

• ECO Shop: preloved textbook sale - Friday 7 October 2022, 10am to 3pm

Looking for textbooks for your degree? Before buying new, check out the ECOShop preloved textbook sale

ECOShop: preloved textbook sale , Friday 7 October, 10:00am | Lancaster University

• ECO Wild Walk Taster - Tuesday 11 October 2022, 9am to 1pm

Join the Green Lancaster team's taster ECO Wild Walk to get an overview of the nature and wellbeing project, immerse yourself in the natural world through wildlife observation and mindful activities, and share a plant-based al fresco tea break in the bell tent!

ECOWild Walk Taster, Tuesday 11 October, 9:30am | Lancaster University

• Guided cycle to campus - Friday 14 October 2022, 8am to 9am

A guided Lancaster city centre to Lancaster University campus bike journey, to help new and returning students and staff find the best way to commute to campus by bike.

Guided cycle to campus, Friday 14 October, 8:00am | Lancaster University

• ECO Woods Taster Session - Friday 14 October 2022, 9am to 1pm

Join the Green Lancaster team's taster ECO Woods session to get an overview of Green Lancaster’s ECO Woods project, take part in hands-on restoration work and share a plant-based al fresco tea break in the bell tent!

ECOWoods Taster Session, Friday 14 October, 9:30am | Lancaster University