University may need to modify green message

When it comes to ‘green’ sustainability campaigns, then climate and environment messages motivate students and employees to a much larger extent than messages about the University cutting costs.

This is one of the conclusions that can be drawn from a survey among 650 staff and students, reports KUnet.dk. The survey was carried out by Green Campus, the University’s sustainability group.

The survey is good news for sustainability efforts: Nine out of ten students and staff support the UCPH setting aside ressources for energy-saving and sustainability. Half of respondents think that the University only ´to some extent’ works to reduce its energy use and CO2 emissions.

Read the KUnet.dk story here (needs log-in).

Reason to rethink strategy

Stine Thougaard from the Green Campus office says that they will modify future campaigns as a result of the survey.

“Our previous campaigns have emphasised how much the faculty can save on electricity by using catchphrases like ‘Turn off a fume hood – Pay for a PhD’,” she says. A fume hood is a ventilation device.

“This survey gives us a reason to rethink that strategy,” Stine Thougaard says to KUnet.dk.

Green Campus, what?

The Green Campus itself may have to step up its self-promotion efforts, the survey suggests.

Half of respondents did not know what Green Campus is.

See more details about the organisation in the fact box right.

miy@adm.ku.dk

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