Rawlings Hall wins competition among residence halls for conservation

March 28, 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Rawlings Hall has won the Inter-Residence Hall Association’s “2012 Eco-Challenge: Battle of the Halls” competition in University of Florida residence halls.

Rawlings residents posted solid performances in the campuswide water conservation and energy conservation challenges. The overall win can be attributed to the active participation of Rawlings residents in all Eco-Challenge events.

“The competition was very close. Campuswide residents participated in several Eco-Challenge educational events,” said Britany Ziems, IRHA director of environmental concerns. “Rawlings Hall won overall, but everyone wins when sustainable practices are followed.”

Tolbert Hall residents won the January water competition. Keys Residential Complex residents won the February energy competition. Rawlings Hall residents won the overall challenge. All three residence halls will receive improvements to their communities that support sustainability. Staff and student leaders will meet to determine improvements.

Last year’s winning communities purchased water bottle filler attachments on water fountains and motion-sensor lighting for lounges. Rawlings Hall residents will also celebrate the overall win with a Gator Dining Services catered event in their facility and will be recognized at the campuswide Earth Day celebration April 6.

The competition is co-sponsored by the Inter-Residence Hall Association, the Department of Housing and Residence Education Green Team, Gator Dining Services and the Office of Sustainability.