Trowbridge Hall Wins Chancellor's Energy Challenge

UW-L's Trowbridge Hall is the winner of the 2009 Chancellor's Energy Challenge. The only other residence hall, out of the eleven participating, that was able to conserve electricity over the four week challenge period was Angell Hall. This was the first year of the Energy Challenge. Hopefully it was a valuable learning experience for all of us. The Joint Committee on Environmental Sustainability congratulates Trowbridge Hall on its victory and thanks all of the hall residents who participated in the challenge by taking steps to reduce energy consumption.

While the competition is over, the challenge is not. We must all do whatever we can to reduce energy consumption. Consider doing the following to make a difference:

1. Turn off lights when you leave a room.
2. Use energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs.
3. Turn off computers and other electrical devices when not in use.
4. Set up computers to take advantage of power conservation settings during the day.
   
5. Walk, bike or use public transportation whenever possible.
6. Take a shorter shower to conserve hot water.

Only with everyone working together can we help conserve energy and reduce the production of greenhouse gases. Change begins with each of us.

Chancellor's Energy Challenge Results Weeks 1&2

The results for weeks one and two of the Chancellor's Energy Challenge are in. Some residence halls are cutting back on their electrical use, while others have a ways to go to make a significant difference. This goes for everyone as well as those living in the residence halls. Remember:

1. Turn off lights you are not using and when you leave your room.
2. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs wherever possible. Learn more on this Energy Star web page.
3. Turn off your computer at night when you go to bed at night. Use the energy conservation settings on your computer to put it into sleep mode when you are not using it during the day. Learn how to make your computer more energy efficient by following the instructions at the Energy Star website.
4. And, although it does not directly save electricity in the residence halls, remember to walk or ride you bike whenever weather and road conditions permit, or use public transportation. Every little bit helps conserve energy.