Case Western Reserve University students are encouraged to compete in the annual CWRU Unplugged Energy Contest, which will run for five weeks, from Nov. 3 to Dec. 7.
Students in residence halls across campus and in some Greek houses with university meters will compete to see who can reduce their electricity usage the most over the course of the five weeks.
Last year, Delta Gamma won, reducing their electricity consumption by 14%.
To help your residence hall or house win, consider the following tips:
- Sign the sustainability pledge.
- Monitor your building’s live energy consumption and take action. Standings will be updated each week.
- Get your friends and suitemates to reduce your building’s electricity use by turning off the lights, taking the stairs, unplugging devices, washing clothes in cold water and air drying clothes when possible.
- Have a pledge-signing party with your RA.
- Off-campus students can install LED lights instead of incandescent bulbs, think about smart power strips, and turn down your thermostat. Find more home energy tips from the Office of Energy & Sustainability.
Points will be awarded for:
- Reducing the amount of electricity used in your residence hall.
- Taking the Sustainability Pledge; and
- Attending the two events over the course of the contest.
The winning building will receive a tote bag, water bottle and a free Mitchell’s Ice Cream scoop voucher.
Individuals are automatically entered to win raffle prizes (such as an inflatable solar lantern or bento box) by signing the pledge.
The Office of Energy and Sustainability and the Student Sustainability Ambassadors—with support from Student Sustainability Council, Residence Hall Association, CWRU Residence Life and Housing, and The Conservation Project—organized this challenge.