Green energy review anger
Student campaigners have accused the university of preparing to abandon its commitment to green energy. The university agreed to continue using renewable energy sources last year, following considerable pressure from student protests. However, the contract will expire at the end of this month, and campaigners are worried Oxford could be returning to fossil fuels.
Private Secretary to the Vice-Chancellor, Alasdair MacDonald, emailed Univ JCR President Josh Sasto stating, ‘The university is keen to use 100% green electricity, but is unwilling to commit to this at any cost. We need to be realistic about the finances.’ In response, students set up an online petition, which they plan to present outside Dr Hood’s offices next at 1:15pm next Wednesday.
A university spokesperson said, “We must balance our commitment to the environment with its commitments to staff and students, with a very limited budget. If [green electricity] is affordable, the university will use it.”
2nd Mar 2006