What is the Big Switch Off?

The 'Big Switch Off' is a campaign to reduce wasted energy by encouraging residents, businesses and schools to switch off unnecessary electrical equipment and lighting to save energy and cut carbon dioxide emissions.

Why the Big Switch Off?

Nationally, 71% of people regularly leave items on standby in their homes, and 65% leave lights on in rooms they are not using. In fact, equipment left on standby wastes enough energy to power over a million properties a year or about £740 million worth of wasted energy. Some appliances use up to 25% of their normal power in standby mode, which means that they can use more energy when left on standby for long periods of time than when they are actually being used.

Most households can save £37 a year by not leaving appliances on standby and even more by switching off lights and appliances when not needed and by making sure their home is properly insulated.

It is a similar story in businesses. The Carbon Trust estimates that nationally £180 million a year is wasted by leaving office equipment such as computers, printers and photocopiers on standby.

With fuel costs rising, there has never been a better time to reduce your energy use.

Whats happening for the Big Switch Off 2009

Between 14 and 28 March 2009 a range of events and activities will take place across the city to raise awareness of how people can save energy in the home.

The fortnight will end with The Big Switch Off on Saturday 28 March at 8.30pm, when residents and businesses across the city are encouraged to switch off as many lights and appliances as possible to save energy.

The Big Switch Off coincides with 'Earth Hour', the global initiative to encourage people to take a stand against climate change by saving energy. This year the goal is for 1 billion people to take part world-wide.

Big Switch Off Events

A range of events and exhibitions are being held throughout the fortnight, which will give you information about saving energy in the home, as well as lots of giveaways!

Home Energy Day, Saturday 14 March (11am - 3pm), Guildhall, High Street, Exeter. Find out more about saving energy in the home and renewable energy - range of stalls, activities and talks throughout the day, starting at 11am with a presentation by Richard Pym (DARE) on the potential for renewable energy generation in Exeter. For further information contact Jeff Ridley, Low Carbon Exeter at low-carbon-exeter@googlegroups.com.

"Climate Change: I Can Change the Future" Exhibition 16 – 19 March, Exeter Central Library. Dartmoor National Park Authority's acclaimed exhibition provides detailed information on the issues and potential impacts of climate change, globally, nationally, in the south west of England and on Dartmoor. While adults take time to absorb the information, children can log on to the interactive game - Change Your World – and have fun while learning about climate change and how to do something positive to change the future. For further information contact Kerenza Townsend on 01626 831046 or email: ktownsend@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk.

Big Switch Off Giveaway, Wednesday 18 March, 12-2pm, Devonshire House, University of Exeter. Free low energy light bulb and green bag give away, plus find out more about saving energy in the home. For further information contact Kathryn Lamble on 01392 265669 or email environmental.co-ordinator@exeter.gov.uk.

Building the Energy Future, Monday 23 March, 5.45pm for a 6.15pm start, Peter Chalk Building, University of Exeter.  Talk by James Smith, Chairman of Shell UK on "Building the Energy Future" in which he will draw on Shell's global long-term energy scenarios, assessing how society will respond to the triple energy challenge of sustainability, security and affordability. Refreshments will be available prior to the talk at 5.45pm.  For bookings please email m.house-hayes@exeter.ac.uk  or call 01392 725769. For further information see Shaping the Future

Big Switch Off Giveaway, Friday 27 March, 12-2pm, Exeter College. Free low energy light bulb and green bag give away, plus find out more about saving energy in the home. For further information contact Kathryn Lamble on 01392 265669 or email environmental.co-ordinator@exeter.gov.uk.

Big Switch Off Day, Saturday 28 March (10am – 4pm), Bedford Square, Exeter. Range of stalls and activities to raise awareness of saving energy in the home and climate change, including a visit from Brigit Strawbridge's 'Big Green Bus' (see below). Series of short talks and workshops throughout the day, including a talk by 'It's Not Easy Being Green's' TV presenter Dick Strawbridge on renewable energy at 1pm and low energy light bulb and green bag giveaways. For further information contact Kathryn Lamble on 01392 265669 or email environmental.co-ordinator@exeter.gov.uk.

Information about the Big Green Bus: The eco-bus is a showcase for sustainable living – the fittings, flooring, paints, textiles and lighting have all been carefully chosen from recycled or sustainable sources, to demonstrate some of the choices you can make in your own home. The bus is packed with energy-saving ideas and devices, water-saving gadgets, natural products for skincare and cleaning, examples of eco-friendly insulation, eco-paints and clothing made from sustainable crops, wormeries, composting systems and recycled garden containers, and much more besides. Outside, we have more interactive displays and a 'pedal powered smoothie maker'! For more information see The Big Green Idea

• Big Switch Off displays - look out for the displays in supermarkets, cinemas and other public places across the city from 16-30 March.

(c)Exeter City Council 2009 -  http://www.exeter.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=10527