Students at an Oxford University College have said they have been left feeling the cold at night as the heating is turned off as part of a sustainability trial.
Keble College said it has started a trial of turning off the heating everywhere at night including students’ and Fellows’ rooms, and communal spaces, as far as the heating system controls allow.
Heating will go off from 10pm to 6am with a weekly review as part of this scheme.
But the decision has not gone down well among those living there.
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One Keble student, who did not wish to be named, said: “People with health conditions such as Raynaud’s will not be exempt putting them at serious risk.
“Students were not allowed a say in whether this trial would take place and there is nothing they can do either as the next meeting with two representative students present is after the trial period is due to begin.”
The anonymous student added that electric heaters were banned by the College due to ‘fire risk’ giving many rooms a temperature which feels equivalent to being outside.
Keble College stated that it had started the trial in consultation with student representatives and that turning heating off at night is the usual practice in most people’s homes.
A spokesman said: “Keble College is committed to providing the best possible education and experience for its students.
“Alongside this, we are determined to take action to address the climate crisis and become more sustainable.”
The college has been approached for further comment on its stance around electric heaters.
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