Lakeside Residential Complex wins ‘Eco-challenge Energy Competition’

March 31, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Lakeside Residential Complex is the winner of the 2010 Eco-Challenge: Battle of the Halls energy competition in University of Florida residence halls. Lakeside residents saved 1.81 KWHs per resident, per day in February 2010 compared with February 2009. This is a savings of 26,506 KWHs in Lakeside Residential Complex for February 2010 compared with February 2009.

This year, 15 out of 23 residence hall communities used less KWHs per resident, per day. The KWHs savings were moderate and ranged from .07 – 1.81 KWHs less per resident, per day in these 15 halls. Eight halls used more KWHs per resident, per day in February 2010, ranging from .01 to 2.36 KWHs. One hall was excluded from the competition because of a disqualified meter reading from February 2009.

Cost savings campus-wide as a result of this competition were minimal and are viewed in the context of a year-long budget for utilities. The utility charges campus residents pay are a pass through cost included in semester rent. Utility charges for the fiscal year are set each March and are based on usage averages established over many years and the prevailing KWH rates charged by local utility providers.

“Challenging residents to be more conscious of energy consumption is an excellent way to educate them about their responsibility within a global community,” said Sharon Blansett, Housing Green Team Captain. “This year a higher percentage of residence hall communities saved energy during the contest period.”

The Eco-Challenge: Battle of the Halls competition was co-sponsored by the Inter-Residence Hall Association and the Department of Housing and Residence Education Green Team/Recycling/Sustainability Committee. A water conservation contest was held in January and other conservation challenges occurred during the competition. Later this month, the overall winner of the challenge will be determined. The winning residence hall community will be recognized at a celebration to occur prior to Finals Week.