April 23, 2009        

MEDIA CONTACT: Thai Phi Stone
tpstone@gwu.edu; 202-994-6424

BUILDING JJ STUDENTS CROWNED ECO-CHALLENGE CHAMPIONS

WASHINGTON--Perhaps it wasn't quite a challenge after all. As another year of GW's Eco-Challenge ends, students have realized that electricity and water conservation can be easy. From air drying clothes to installing light sensors in rooms, Building JJ, the University's "Green" Living and Learning Community, found that every action they took combined to help them achieve status as the top conserving residence hall. Overall, they reduced electricity usage by 60 percent per person and water by 59 percent per person. View Photo Gallery

"We are thrilled to see such a strong finish to the competition," said Nancy Giammatteo, director of planning and environmental management. "Some people think simple things like turning off lights won't make a difference, but the students have proven that if they work together, they can have a very real impact."

While Building JJ took the top prize, all residence halls got into the conservation action. Over the entire contest period from Sept. 2, 2008, through April 15, 2009, GW's residence halls saved a collective 1,284,890 kilowatt hours of electricity and 1,691,864 gallons of water as compared to last year. In addition to the tangible results of the competition, the Eco-Challenge also opened up dialogue among students, staff and faculty about different ways to create positive change on the environment and at GW.

Senior Leighanne Boone added, "The Eco-Challenge has taught us in Building JJ that little changes, such as taking a few minutes off of your shower, switching to compact fluorescents and unplugging your devices can make the difference in preservation of the environment, while not imposing a burden on your lifestyle."

The Eco-Challenge is a joint effort pioneered by GW's Planning and Environmental Management Office, Residential Property Management Office and GW Housing Programs. The contest is one of many sustainability initiatives implemented at the University. GW is committed to operating the University's programs and activities in ways that express its responsibilities as a pre-eminent institutional citizen of the nation's capital.

For more information about the Eco-Challenge and for conservation tips, visit http://www.living.gwu.edu/greenliving/ecochallenge.

For more information about The George Washington University, visit www.gwnewscenter.org.

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