The Energy Challenge is an annual competition between various campus buildings to save electricity and water, by encouraging Hoosiers to make small behavior changes for sustainable impact. Winners are chosen and resources are saved—all over campus!
2019 Winner: Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. Congratulations!
We’re tracking water and electricity savings from building to building, and encouraging sustainable personal action along the way to show impact and celebrate those who: take action, and see impact!
First, before the competition begins, a baseline of water and electricity usage is measured from every building. That way everyone is competing from a level playing field.
Then, campus buildings are grouped by similar use during the competition; ranging from athletic buildings, to administrative offices, to dorms. Everyone needs a friendly rival to keep the challenge exciting.
Next, progress is tracked throughout the competition, and winners are determined by percent reduction against their OWN baseline—your building, your impact, your collective success!
Finally, one building is deemed the challenge winner based off of the largest percent reduction—taking home overall bragging rights. Honorable mentions are awarded for each building category, and one individual prize is presented to a randomly selected Energy Challenge Pledge signatory.
Since the beginning of the Energy Challenge, nearly 6,400,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity and over 16.7 million gallons of water have been saved. The equivalent of powering more than 5,000 homes and filling 27 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
Not only that, but IU has saved nearly $1 million in utility bills and has avoided emitting 10,000+ metric tons of carbon dioxide.
Help encourage others and be an advocate for sustainability. The Energy Challenge’s goal is to promote shifts towards sustainable living that persist beyond the conclusion of the challenge.
Sustain IU
Office of Sustainability
E-House
704 E. 10th Street
Bloomington, IN 47408
Phone: 812.855.9195
sustain@iu.edu
