Cash incentives might provide carrot to go green

Staff and students could be offered cash incentives to help cut energy bills at Warwick University.

The idea is among others being considered by Nick Hillard, an ecologist who joined the university from an environmental consultancy and whose task is to make green savings of £350,000.

"Initially it's fairly straight forward measures, such as heating and lighting controls, energy awareness campaigns and insulation techniques,"

he said.

"In time, we'll look at bioenergy mass boilers, wind turbines on campus and using electric vehicles. Those are the more meaty things that will come in as part of the five-year plan.

"We might also look at monetary incentives for students and staff to reduce energy bills. I'm determined to mirror the energy awareness people have in their homes in their working life."