Residence halls do battle to conserve resources

January 27, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla – University of Florida campus residents are actively competing in various sustainability challenges through March 4 as part of the 2011 Eco-Challenge: Battle of the Halls competition in University of Florida residence halls.

In January, the focus is on water conservation. Residents are encouraged to take shorter, cooler showers; turn off the water while brushing teeth or shaving; and report all running toilets or leaking showers.

In February, the focus is on energy conservation including turning off lights; unplugging “phantom” energy users; and turning computers off when not in use.

The winning residence hall community in each category will be the one that has reduced its consumption the most in comparison to last year’s consumption.

Other contests include a waste competition where residents can earn points for their communities by getting caught “Green Handed”; visiting the Sustainability Huts sponsored by the UF Office of Sustainability; using the “Green to Go Box Checkout Program,” sponsored by Gator Dining Services; participating in IRHA road clean-ups and guest speaker events listed on the Facebook page as well as other opportunities for residents to receive eco-points.

Those getting caught “Green Handed” as well as participating in multiple other IRHA events, may also receive personal prizes like T-shirts, reusable water bottles and reusable bags.

The overall winning community will be selected based on points from all competitions. The winning halls will receive banners as well as permanent improvement prizes such as infrared/sonar-based light switches and other green prizes.

The overall winning community will be recognized at the campuswide April 1 Earth Day celebration and will also receive bragging rights and an Italian buffet sponsored by Gator Dining Services. Updates to the competition are on Facebook.

The Eco-Challenge: Battle of the Halls competition is co-sponsored by the Inter-Residence Hall Association and the Department of Housing and Residence Education Green Team, the UF Office of Sustainability and Gator Dining Services. Cost savings campus-wide as a result of sustainability competitions are minimal and are viewed in the context of a year-long budget for utilities.