Energy Challenge
2015 Competition
From March 26 – April 9, Columbia’s undergraduate residential community* is invited to commit to the Energy Challenge, a hall-to-hall competition to reduce electricity output. The building that achieves the greatest percentage reduction in electricity use will win a catered party.
Reduce your electricity consumption by undertaking simple actions that yield a strong collective impact: turning off lights and unplugging electronic devices when not in use are just a couple of actions that can go far in reducing CO2 emissions from the power plants that supply our energy.
Track Results
Get daily updates on how your building is faring in the competition by visiting the Building Dashboard. Last year's winner River Hall achieved an impressive 17.1% reduction. Good luck to all in this year's competition!
How You Can Help
Follow these simple, energy-saving tips to keep your building in the game over the course of the Energy Challenge.
| Action | Impact |
| Turn off lights when not in use | Lighting and appliances account for 24% of direct CO2 emissions per U.S. household |
| Unplug electronics when not in use | 5% to 10% of household energy is consumed by devices that remain plugged in when not in use. Use a powerstrip for your electronics and power down in one motion |
| Take the stairs | You'll help conserve energy, lessen crowding in elevator cars, and burn 700% more calories |
| Swap your incandescent bulb for an energy-efficient bulb for free at the Hartley Hospitality Desk.*** | Energy-efficient bulbs use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last six times longer. |
| Don't block your heating and/or cooling units with furniture or clothing | Helps keep units working efficiently |
| Reduce usage of hair dryers, shavers and other beautifying appliances | Just 15 minutes of blow-drying releases 1.2 kilograms of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere |
| Use cold water instead of hot water for your laundry | Your clothes will be just as clean, but you’ll use 80% less energy |
| Keep your shower short | Reduces the amount of energy required to heat your water and cuts down on gallons of water per shower |
| Encourage your fellow residents to participate in the Energy Challenge! | The higher the participation in your residence, the greater the impact on the environment and your chances to score the grand prize building party. |
Co-Sponsored by Eco-Reps, RHLO, Columbia Housing, Dining, Environmental Stewardship, Residential Life and Facilities
T-Shirt Competition
This year, students participated in designing the Evergy Challenge t-shirt. Congratulations to Michelle Yeun Lee, winner of the contest. Make sure to attend the kick-off event to get a free T!
Fine Print
*Please note: Due to building infrastructure and metering requirements, 47 Claremont, 600 West 113th, John Jay, Harmony Hall, and the Brownstones are ineligible to take part in the Energy Challenge. However, residents of these buildings are eligible for the individual drawing and must complete the Green Monday pledge to enter.
**Only those students who take the pledge during the competition 3/26-4/9 will be eligible for the individual prize. Did you already take the Green Monday pledge? That's ok, re-commit to go green during the Energy Challenge and you'll be eligible for the individual prize.
***While supplies last.
The grand prize is a catered party, to be awarded to the winning building.
The indivudal prize is a pair of Beats by Dre awarded randomly to students who commit to participate by taking the Green Monday pledge during the competition 3/26 - 4/9.**
- Closing Event, 4/10: Eco-Reps Greenfest
- Look for energy breaks in select residence halls
- Check out photos from this year's opening event