Welcome to the Loughborough University Sustainability Blog Guide – your go to guide to practical yet fun ways to live and work more sustainably. This blog series is part of Sustainability Week (10-14 November) and is designed to support both students and staff in making meaningful sustainable changes.

As the colder months settle in, it’s the perfect time to rethink how you are heating and powering your homes, not just for comfort, but for sustainability. Whether you’re living in halls, renting privately, or managing a household, small changes can make a big difference to your energy use, carbon footprint and your bills.

Heating tips

• Switch off when you leave: Make it a habit to turn off your heating when you’re not at home, especially when you are leaving for longer periods over the Christmas holidays.
• Avoid overheating: Keep your thermostat at a reasonable temperature and wear extra layers if needed.
• Insulate: Adding insulation helps retain warmth and reduce energy use.
• Timers and thermostats: Use them to control when and how your heating runs – no need to heat empty rooms!
• Dress for the season: Sometimes, a jumper or blanket is more sustainable than turning up the heating.
• Use natural cooling: In warmer months, close curtains and blinds to block heat, and open windows and doors instead of relying on fans or air conditioning.

Powering tips

• Repair don’t replace: Fix appliances when possible, and check energy efficiency ratings before buying new ones.
• Ask first: If you’re renting, check with your landlord or accommodation manager before making any changes.
• Be tech-aware: AI and cloud-based tools have a hidden carbon cost – use digital tools mindfully.
• Switch off: Unplug devices when not in use and turn off lights and monitors when leaving a room.
• Choose wisely: Look into your energy provider’s sustainability credentials – switching could make a big impact.
• Smart meters: These help you track your energy use in real time and spot areas to cut back.
• LED lighting: Replace old bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs to save power and money.

Try this

Unplug three devices in your home that usually stay on standby (like your TV, microwave, or gaming console). Track your energy usage with a smart meter and see what difference it makes over a week. You might be surprised!