George Washington University students sorted through recyclables and trash on Kogan Plaza Wednesday to highlight sustainability efforts as part of the annual Eco-Challenge Contest.
The Eco-Challenge is a conservation competition among residence halls and townhouses. Students attempt to see who can save the most electricity and water and increase recycling efforts to help GW lower its carbon footprint and environmental impact.
This year nearly every residence hall chose to participate in the event, sponsored by Sustainability at GW. In 2016 campus buildings collectively reduced electric consumption by 5.7 percent compared to 2015 and reduced water consumption by 24 percent.
The energy savings is enough to power Merriweather, Clark, Hensley and Cole halls for the entire school year. The water savings could fill the Mount Vernon Campus pool 36 times, according to Sustainability at GW.
To improve energy efficiency and reduce your environmental impact Sustainability at GW suggests you turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth, turn off lights and electronics when you aren’t using them and hang dry clothes instead of using a dryer.
