This week, Western Michigan University is launching a month-long Eco-thon in its 11 residence halls as part of an effort to reduce electricity usage on campus and encourage more responsible energy use habits among students. In the past few years, the dorm energy competition has become popular green reform strategy at many schools around the country.

Throughout the month of February, WMU residence halls will compete to see which one can reduce its electricity use the most. The winning residence hall will receive a number of prizes including: a party hosted by WMU administrators, a commemorative plaque, a $500 prize, and a tree planted in their honor in the spring.

Last November, WMU spent $89,600 on electricity in its residence halls, according to the Western Herald.

“This will help us continue our commitment to sustainability,” said WMU President John Dunn.

The competition is based on similar initiatives at Harvard and Duke Universities, said Evan Escamilla, energy conservation outreach coordinator.

The Eco-thon competition, which has been in development for the past two years, will work with Residence Life to inform students of ways they can reduce their energy use. The competition also has a Facebook page with a list of helpful tips on how to cut down on electricity.

In conjunction with Eco-thon, WMU is launching a second competition that is aimed at increasing recycling on campus, called RecycleMania.

Energy use throughout the duration of the competition will be compared to the energy costs from September through November. Currently, there is not a separate bill for electricity, heat or natural gas use in residence halls.


More from the Western Herald at Western Michigan University