Students switch off to get logged on

When St Andrews University students turn up next week, they will plug into an energy incentive scheme rewarding them with computer equipment if they cut electricity costs. The university has pledged to plough energy savings into buying new computers for its 12 halls of residence.

Hamish Johnston, head of support services, said: "We hope that by launching this scheme students will have the incentive to give more thought to the environment around them."

The scheme is part of the government-backed Hospitable Climates energy conservation initiative run by the Hotel and Catering International Management Association.

Mr Johnston was named 2001 Hospitable Climates champion of the year for promoting energy efficiency in the university.