Energy Challenge

ECU has hosted an Energy Challenge in the residence halls on Main Campus for the past two years. Typically, this competition challenges dorm residents to work together to reduce electricity consumption and mitigate the impacts of climate change. In recent years, the competitions have resulted in 6-9% energy reductions and over $80,000 in avoided energy costs for participating dorms!  For 2024, we are changing the time period that we run the Energy Challenge to the month of October.

This page will be updated weekly starting on October 7th to reflect current energy usage in the dorms. Be sure to come back and check regularly for data and tips!

Everyday Energy Reduction Tips:

• Turn lights off when leaving your room, bathroom, or common areas
• Do not open windows or turn on the AC when the heat is on
• Set the thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter
• Unplug electronic devices when not in use and before breaks
• Open blinds and use natural light as much as possible
• Wash and dry full loads of clothes during the day if possible

Group Activities to Reduce Energy:

• Host a Halloween movie watch party in one room or common area
• Host a naturally lit group study session in one room or common area
• Host a dorm-wide “Earth Hour” with all the lights and devices turned off
• Instead of a swear jar, start a “left the lights on” jar with your roommate(s)
  
• Do a puzzle with your roommate or have a puzzle competition with your roommate against other rooms on the floor​
• Play a board game with your roommate or invite other hallmates from the floor to play a board game in a common area with natural light​
• Ask around to find out who plays instruments and host an acoustic concert for your Residence Hall​
• Start a poker, euchre, or other card game tournament (no unsanctioned gambling though)​

Fun Unplugged Activities for Individuals:

• Volunteer at the Greenville Community Garden this Saturday, October 5 from 9am to Noon​
• Handwrite a letter to a family member you want to let know about your first-year college experience​
• Let your inner child be free and build a fort in your dorm room ​
• Give your brain a rest and just pull out a coloring book and some crayons​
• Visit the library and find a new leisure book or magazine to read​
• Print some of your favorite photos taken at ECU this fall and make a collage for your dorm room​
• Go for a walk, bike ride, or skate/scoot session on the South Tar River Greenway​
• Find a DIY craft kit online or at a store in town and do some fun, fall crafting​
• Ever wanted to try meditation or yoga??? What better time for a new you than during the Energy Challenge?​
• Pickup the old school pen and paper and start journaling or explore that fan fiction plot or fantasy story you’ve always wanted to tell​
• Treat yoself! Have a spa evening by soaking your feet, painting your nails, and doing a facial treatment​
• Grab your most dense course textbook, start reading a few pages, and get some extra sleep!

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