Students conserved 1.6 million gallons of water in the fourth annual Eco-Challenge. This represents an 8 percent decrease in water usage amongst competing residence halls over last year.
The Eco-Challenge encourages students to reduce water use by turning off the faucet while brushing their teeth, taking shorter showers and reporting sink and toilet leaks to the university’s Facilities Services.
The Eco-Challenge, which ran from Aug. 31 to Nov. 29, is an effort of the Division of Operations including Facilities Services and the Office of Sustainability.
Merriweather Hall came in first place by decreasing electricity usage by 2 percent and water by 21 percent. Building JJ, Fulbright, Munson and Ivory Tower residents also reduced their water usage by 20 percent or more, earning them green-themed prizes such as power strips, shower timers and drying racks.
“I think us winning really shows that just by making people aware that there is a problem, people start to realize that they need to cut down a bit,” says Kimia Pakdaman, eco-rep for Merriweather Hall.
Ms. Pakdaman posted environmental conservation tips around the residence hall and encouraged students to make pledges to conserve water and electricity.
This is the first year that student eco-reps have been leading their residence halls in the Eco-Challenge.
“The eco-rep students have made a significant difference in helping their peers take action on green issues in their residence halls. Their leadership and enthusiasm have helped to inspire a positive impact on campus. I look forward to seeing how this program continues to grow in the spring semester and beyond,” says Meghan Chapple-Brown, director of the Office of Sustainability.
While the hotter than normal summer may have increased electricity consumption, Merriweather Hall was still able to reduce electricity by 2 percent, and the Hall on Virginia Avenue, which houses graduate students, was able to conserve 3 percent.
For the past three years, only students participated in the Eco-Challenge, but this year the staff members in Rice Hall and the Support Building also took part in the competition. Together they were able to reduce their electricity usage by 8 percent and their water usage by 2 percent.
GW faculty and staff offices interested in learning how to incorporate sustainability into their practices can sign-up for the Green Office Program through the Office of Sustainability by emailing [email protected]. Students interested in serving as eco-reps and helping with RecycleMania and other sustainability projects in the spring can contact [email protected].