The winner has been named! One again, Boylston A/B have edged out the other dorms for the title of Blackout Challenge Redemption winner, following up on their success in the fall.
The competition ran for one month, from Sunday, January 29th to Sunday, February 26th. Organized by the Bentley Green Society and the Office of Sustainability, the challenge encouraged Bentley students to minimize their carbon footprint by reducing energy consumption in the dorms. Tomas Fuller, president of the Bentley Green Society explained that each dorm competed against its own average energy consumption level on a weekly basis and the dorms’ percentage changes are then measured against each other to determine the winner.
Boylston, which had an overall 6.4% reduction in energy use, had tough competition from Rhodes, with a 5.1% reduction. Collins came in a close third, reducing their energy consumption by 4.9%.
During the month long challenge, the Bentley dorms saved a total of 16,665 kWhs, which is enough energy to power nearly one and half homes for a year. We also kept 11.5 metric tons of greenhouse gases from entering the air!
The Bentley Green Society urges students to continue their energy-saving habits year-round. Green Society member, Erica Normandeau said,  “If we can change students’ habits then we can all save money and better our environment.”
To stay in touch with more energy-saving tips and events on campus, follow the Bentley Green Society on Twitter! What is your favorite way to save energy and be green? Tell us below!