VIU students in residence "Doing it in the Dark" to save energy

Students at VIU student residences are Doing it in the Dark.

From unplugging cell phone chargers , enjoying a nice meal by candle light to possibly taking a cold shower, these students are working together in their residence buildings to reduce their energy use in an exciting competition geared to educate and inspire taking energy conservation to the next level.

The goBEYOND Campus Climate Network is hosting the second annual province-wide Do it in the Dark Residence Energy Challenge Nov. 7 to 25. Last year, Okanagan College took home the trophy, reducing their electricity consumption by 29 per cent and collectively students across BC managed to conserve over 125,000 kwh, translating to approximately 7000 tonnes of CO2 and a savings of over $9,000.

“There is a lot to be learned about electricity and natural gas conservation-especially for students in residence, who are often living on their own for the first time,” says project manager Melissa Kendzierski, “and this competition provides the ultimate platform for students to actually see how their efforts can make a big difference."

How the competition works is energy consumption in each participating building is measured for a two week period prior to the competition to capture students’ typical energy usage. On November 7th, the competition is announced and residence buildings use events, educational programs and social pressure harnessed on Facebook to prompt students to reduce consumption by whatever means possible.

Throughout the competition energy readings are taken and posted on an online leader board (found through www.doitinthedark.ca) where participants can see how much energy they’ve saved, how their buildings compare- and what they need to save to win prizes valued at over $4,000.

Based on the online competitive arena found in the dashboard and on Facebook, it’s an event that students can’t stop talking about.

“There is a buzz building in residence,” says Kelly Muir, Assistant Manager Residence Life at Vancouver Island University. “Student organizers are talking and coming up with increasingly more creative ways to Do it in the Dark."

Check out the competition standings online at www.doitinthedark.ca and see how low the lights will go for students to save energy, save money and save the planet.

-30-