CREDIT: KERRA SEAY
Fanshawe's R1: Falcon Residence has won the college's first ever Energy Conservation Challenge

Fanshawe’s R1: Falcon Residence has won the college’s first ever Energy Conservation Challenge.

The challenge, hosted by Sustainability at Fanshawe, started out on Feb. 29, when residents returned from reading week to find their lobbies plastered with energy reduction tips.

Bulletin boards were setup in all three residence lobbies, highlighting the anticipated electricity and gas usage for the week as a benchmark to strive to stay below. Daily progress was updated both on these boards and on Sustainability at Fanshawe’s Facebook page.

Electricity levels could be viewed in real time. However, the gas levels needed a day or two before they could be factored in.

From the beginning, Merlin took an early lead when only electricity rates were considered, but once the gas levels came into play, Falcon shot into the lead and continued until March 11 when they came out on top. Peregrine maintained a strong and steady second place throughout, and all residences were seen to make considerable efforts throughout the duration of the challenge.

Altogether, by the end of the challenge, Falcon managed to reduce their energy consumption by 10,400 kilowatts per hour; there were days when they reduced almost twice as much as the other two residences.

After making simple changes like closing windows, turning off excess lights and unplugging unneeded electronics, this event engaged Fanshawe students and started a conversation about how their priorities should include sustainable practices as part of their everyday lifestyles.

For their hard work and significant impact, the winning residence is being awarded a free pizza party complete with games and prizes in their residence lounge, courtesy of Student Life and Sustainability at Fanshawe.

Residence advisors were in charge of keeping students motivated and Nathan Gerber, the energy co-ordinator here at Fanshawe, provided data and updates to keep everyone on track. Sustainability co-ordinator Mary-Lee Townsend was the mastermind behind this initiative and continues to be instrumental in educating and empowering the Fanshawe community on the merits of developing sustainable habits on an institutional level.

Fanshawe students are encouraged in the weeks following the competition to continue to follow the guidelines set out in London Hydro’s Energy Conservation Handbook. Students and faculty alike are encouraged to continue the conversation and review all the great energy conservation tips posted on the Sustainability at Fanshawe’s Facebook page, tips that are also posted every Thursday at the F hallway Farmers’ Market.