Santa Clara University

sustainability at scu
 

The 4th Annual Energy Challenge will be held during the month of February: Winter Quarter, weeks 4-8

The Energy Challenge encourages campus residents to examine their power usage and find ways to reduce wasted energy use.

Rather than rivaling against one another, residence halls attempt to reduce their building's electricity consumption in comparison to historical use, adjusted for changing numbers of residents. Students in the top-conserving building and those in the building with the most enthusiasm for energy conservation will win!

In the spirit of the game and competition, the Energy Challenge includes other activities to unify both the Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) on campus and off-campus students under the message of the importance of energy conservation. Activities include:

 2013 SCU Energy Challenge 
  • SCU Unplugged | Acoustic music performance in the Bronco | Wed. Jan 30 from 9 - 11 pm.
  • Zero-Power Hour | For all RLCs | Mon. Feb 11 from 9 - 10 pm.
    • At both events, there will be raffles and prize giveaways for attendees and participants.
  • And more!

Standings

See how much energy your RLC has saved so far in the Energy Challenge, and find out where you stand in the competition. View live standings.

2013 SCU Energy Challenge final standings.

 
 

 Toms grand prize.

Energy-conserving champion

The Loyola RLC has won the 2013 Energy Challenge in both the energy savings and most enthusiasm categories! This is the first time an RLC has ever won both categories in the competition, and it also the first time an RLC has ever broken 1,000 points in enthusiasm.  

Congratulations to all on a great competition! Together we saved 16,770.5 kWh (that's 13 tons of carbon dioxide emissions) over the period of just one month!

 

 How the Energy Challenge works. Photo from SCU Office of Sustainability.

How the Challenge works

Each residence hall competes against itself. Historical electricity use for each building is compared to current use, adjusted for changing numbers of residents. Buildings are compared to each other based on their current reductions from historical usage.

 Energy Challenge Enthusiasm. Photo courtesy of SCU.

Energy-saving enthusiasm

This year, there will also be an award for the most enthusiastic RLC. Enthusiasm points will be awarded to RLCs that plan events and programs to promote energy conservation in their communities.

The most enthusiastic RLC will receive 20 $25 Zipcar gift certificates, 10 $50 off Toms sunglasses gift cards, and an ice cream party! The residence life staff of the most enthusiastic RLC will decide how to distribute the prizes. Learn all the ways to earn points for "most enthusiasm".

 

 Weekly Energy Challenge updates. Photo courtesy of SCU Office of Sustainability.

Updates are provided weekly
  • ASG Weekly e-mails
  • Advertisements in The Santa Clara
  • Sustainability at SCU Facebook page and Twitter
  • E-mails from Resident Directors

 It is important to reduce electricty. Photo from SCU Office of Sustainability.

Why use less electricity?

SCU has a commitment to be climate neutral by the end of 2015. To achieve this, we must dramatically reduce our electricity use. Our success depends on the daily habits of our campus users, especially campus residents!

Roughly 80% of a building's electricity consumption is related to lighting and electronic appliances. (HVAC account for the other 20%). This means student behavior can have a big impact on energy use in SCU residence halls! Tips to reduce energy consumption.

 

 Ideas for res. hall programs. Photo from SCU Office of Sustainability.

Ideas for res. hall programs

The Office of Sustainability has compiled a list of suggestions for programming to increase awareness and enthusiasm among campus residents. Feel free to use these ideas as a starting point to develop your own!
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