Summer 2008: Sustainable Efforts

Energy Conservation Pays Off

McTyeire wins building competition

By Paige P. Parvin 96G

During the month of March, Emory students, staff, and faculty were constantly shutting off lights and computers in an effort to save energy and win the University’s first all-building energy competition. Collectively, building occupants saved 144,000 kilowatt hours of electricity as compared to March 2007—roughly enough energy to power Goizueta Business School for an entire month.

Tips circulated throughout the campus included turning off lights and unplugging cell phone and iPod chargers when not in use. These practices helped McTyeire Hall win the competition by using 44 percent less energy than the building consumed in March of last year.

“The results show the potential for significant reductions just through behavioral changes,” says Ciannat Howett 87C, director of sustainability initiatives. “These are no-cost ways that all of us can contribute to Emory’s goal of a 25 percent energy use reduction by 2015.”

A $1,000 prize was awarded by the Office of Sustainability Initiatives to the residents of McTyeire Hall to use on a sustainable-related prize. Other buildings with a strong showing included Sigma Nu Fraternity with a 35 percent reduction, Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority with a 43 percent reduction, and the Administration Building with a 30 percent reduction.