Building on the success of the 1st OSU Building Energy Challenge (BEC), which took place in February 2010, the Sustainability Office is actively planning and promoting the 2nd iteration of the event. The premise of the BEC is to encourage occupants of participating buildings to show measurable energy savings through the cumulative effect of individual’s actions. Using this model last February, buildings reduced electricity consumption by nearly 21,500 kWh (over $1,100 in utility savings) versus a historical February baseline.
This friendly competition is designed and run mostly by student coordinators, who receive 1 upper division credit for their work. The coordinators design materials, perform energy analyses, draft communications, and work collaboratively with building occupants to reduce their energy use. Daily email updates keep occupants informed on their energy use, while weekly food events are bestowed upon the weekly winner. The grand prize (determined as a % of total savings) goes to the building that reduced energy consumption the most versus a historical baseline. In 2010, occupants of Moreland Hall won a new, energy-efficient refrigerator and new lighting fixtures in their student lounge for their efforts, which saw electricity consumption decrease by an amazing 32.5% versus the historical baseline.
Currently, the Sustainability Office is looking for student coordinators. There are no restrictions on class standing or major, but students with a strong passion for sustainability are encouraged to apply. We are also recruiting for Building Reps, who are staff or faculty that pledge to act as the point person for BEC-related communications in their building.
For more information on the Building Energy Challenge or to learn how to participate, please see the website or contact Greg.
CATEGORIES: Energy