We’ve been running our energy-swap system OFF-ON for two weeks now, so we thought it was time to update you on how things are progressing.

We’ve been running our energy-swap system OFF-ON for two weeks now, so we thought it was time to update you on how things are progressing.

Results from first two weeks:

· Day after launch, we used nearly 3,000 watts less than the day before – that's a reduction of 16% in energy consumption

 · Last week was a little slower with energy levels going up (probably due to the cold weather), but it didn’t reach our base line, so all good.

· Our most efficient day was last Wednesday. We managed to reduce our energy by an impressive 24%

Major improvements?

· Turning off the toilet lights and toaster slots

Room for improvement?

· Turning off the meeting room lights and screens/computers. Hopefully our internal OFF-SQUAD can get on the case with this.

What we’re turning on – Sophie’s trip to Cheryl’s Children’s Home in Nairobi:

 I spent the day at Cheryl’s yesterday, on the way back from a trip to Africa.

When I went there I was expecting to have a conversation around the importance of light and electricity. But it seems that 'turning on' Cheryl's Children's Home with solar power is about much more than this.

Of course, electricity is essential for the place to run properly. It means homework and school prep gets done in the evenings, that teachers can use computers to plan class, that Geoffrey the cook can use a fridge to feed 280 mouths and most importantly that the children feel safe after dark – the home is on a dark track leading to Nairobi's Kibera slums on which car-jackings take place several times a week, which terrifies the kids.
 
At the moment they have limited electricity to keep things running. Often unexpected costs will come in during the month (illness, emergencies with foster parents, college fees for ex students etc.) which means they can't afford to pay the bills and the power company cuts them off. Equaling terrified kids and a poorly functioning school.

Solar power will mean no more blackouts.

But it will also enable the children's home to save the money they're currently spending on electricity for other essentials like:

· More food for the children (many are malnourished and when bills are high, the amount of food available diminishes)

· Medication for malaria and other common illnesses (the nurse is desperate for more medication as children are often sick in the night)

· Books and stationery

· Students’ college fees (the school pays these after the children have left when necessary)

· Powering a couple of donated computers for the children to learn on

So it's not just about turning on light.

As the principal put it:

“When we turn off, we are turning on the lives of the future in Kenya.”

Keep up the good work people!

This spot by our friends at Wieden + Kennedy Tokyo marks our second year of producing communication for Oronine, Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s long selling medicine brand. The work continues the theme of “Let’s praise working hands” and celebrates working women (and their hardworking hands) who are not praised or rewarded often enough in everyday life.
In addition to the TV spot, a website at homeyo.jp allows you to create your own Homeyo (Let’s Praise) Clap and animated decoration email. Like below. Go to homeyo.jp to download one and say “thank you” or “good job” to someone close to you!!