Through latest NUS research we know that students are vulnerable consumers due to a) living in poor quality housing b) lack of experience of the energy market c) low incomes. Through Homes Fit For Study, students’ energy literacy will be improved by targeting action on energy efficiency behaviours, choosing energy efficient properties, improving their home efficiency and thermal comfort, and navigating the energy market. This will support students to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about properties they rent, and how to reduce their energy costs (without decreasing their overall comfort level), and actively help to alleviate fuel poverty. We are working on this project in collaboration with National Energy Action on this GB-wide project. It is funded by the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme until 2023.
Our main aims for this project are to provide:
Through in-person and online activities, we are engaging with thousands of students across the UK sharing energy advice. You can find this on our student-facing website, our YouTube channel and our Instagram profile.
As of February 2022, we are training students to become auditors for them to conduct peer-to-peer audits. This training has been put together by National Energy Action and SOS-UK who have vast experience in auditor training, fuel poverty, and volunteer management. All students will receive a CPD certificate of recognition for the skills they gained, improving their future employability. The audits will cover: number of occupants, insulation, heating systems and controls such as thermostats, no/low cost measures such as draft exclusion and LED light bulbs, with advice provided on choosing energy efficient properties and selecting tariffs.
When we are recruiting for more student auditors, the opportunity will be shared on our website. If you would like to be the first to know when you can share this with interested students, please email emma.lewins@sos-uk.org to register your interest. You can also sign up to our mailing list to hear from us throughout the year.
Our energy advice covers:
We launched in 2021 and build upon previous projects. Read more about our launch.
Organisations can sign up to support Homes Fit For Study by emailing emma.lewins@sos-uk.org