home4students against climate change

It’s not the question anymore whether climate change and its consequences really exist – and it’s not the question if it is our fault. The only question that remains is: what can we do to avoid the worst? Every single one of us has to act.

Therefore we want to start the project „save2gether“ and make a contribution against climate change together with you.

Our aim is to reduce the amount of energy, water and waste we use and produce. That way we can keep the energy consumption of our houses, measured in CO2-equivalents, at a minimum.

Our plan consists of two important components:

What home4students does:

We as homeowner have the responsibility to keep the technical infrastructure in our houses state-of-the-art concerning energy efficiency, waste reduction and water consumption. Last year we realized several projects to improve environmentally relevant components in the dormitories and other projects are being planned. This way we want to set a good example.

Find an up-to-date list of our projects here.

The best part is, that not only the environment but also you as a resident can profit from the projects:

1. Higher living standard: Your living standard is raised when we fix everything and modernize the dormitories. As an example we changed the old windows in one students’ home and put new ones in that have better thermal insulation. On the one hand heating energy is reduced by this. On the other hand the rooms are calmer and more cosy in winter now.
2. Less costs: During the last years there was a disproportional cost increase for electricity, gas, heating oil etc. Unfortunately the use of those recourses has also increased dramatically. That this has a major effect on living costs is a logical thing. home4students is paying for most of the additional cost to support the students according to the mission of the foundation. Nevertheless an increase of the rates has already been unavoidable once. By investing in energy saving projects we try to face these developments anticipatorily.

However, alone we are not able to meet our goals. That’s why we need your support.

What can you do:

1. Small steps make a big difference: Many habits of our everyday life become real energy wasters. Usually it’s enough to just remember to switch off the light or to grab the right lid for you pot when you cook. For you these small steps might seem unimportant and worthless. But if all home4students-residents – and that are after all more than 2.000 people – join this project, things look quite different. Find the most important tips to save energy here.
   The tips will also be placed in the houses, so that you can find them at the right spot when you need them.
2. Let us work for you: Dripping taps, running toilets or refrigerator doors that do not close – just one of these cases wastes a lot of water and energy. In a dormitory it’s not your turn to start working with a tool box – that’s of course our job. However, we can only do something, if we know about it. So here is our small request: please give us notice as soon as possible by writing an email to your dormitory administrator, if you notice anything that is broken or does not work well. Our engineers will immediately make an effort to repair the breakdown.
   Information: That’s how I report a damage

MTV Switch

Perhaps you already know the climate protection campaign by MTV. At www.mtvswitch.org you can find many proposals and a carbon calculator to have a deeper look into your habits and their effect. Get in contact with others or read the blog at http://blogs.mtvswitch.org/ to check out the latest news on the topic.

Thank you for your support.
Let’s save2gether!