Keble students have started a petition to protest a trial of turning the heating off from 10pm to 6am. The trial is a part of a college-wide sustainability initiative which will involve turning off the heating in communal spaces, student rooms, and Fellows’ rooms overnight.
The College stated that they “are determined to take action to address the climate crisis and become more sustainable.” In response to the trial announcement, the JCR has created a petition “to protest this idea to present to the sustainability committee.” The sustainability committee comprises students, staff, and fellows.
One Keble student told the Oxford Mail: “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.”
Electric heaters are also banned by the college due to being a “fire risk”.
When approached for comment, Keble College told Cherwell: “Student welfare is always our concern. Any students who may be adversely affected due to medical conditions, disabilities or other similar concerns will be offered appropriate support and mitigations.
“Student representatives on sustainability committee were consulted before the trial started. The whole community can provide feedback at any time via a designated email.”
They added that there will be a weekly review and that “[t]he feedback from the JCR will be considered by the committee as part of the review.”
