UNBC was one of 150 North American universities and colleges who competed to see who can reduce their electricity consumption the most over a three-week period as part of the Campus Conservation Nationals. Electricity use was reduced by 31,100 kWh over the CCN. This is a 3.4 per cent reduction in electricity, a half tonne reduction in greenhouse gases, and is valued at over $3,000!  Over the course of the three weeks, the Prince George campus saved enough electricity to power 47 homes for three weeks, building six for three weeks or 1,030 incandescent light bulbs 24/7 for three weeks.

INVOLVING THE UNBC COMMUNITY

PROMOTION

UNBC Facilities started a poster creation contest for students, where those who created posters promoting the CCN were awarded one of three $50 gift certificates to an establishment of their choice. They also held a contest for faculty and staff asking individuals to email in their methods of reducing energy use and were entered into a draw to win one of five $20 gift certificates for the Moose or Bookstore. There were thirty entries into this competition. Tips for reducing energy consumption were sent through UNBC’s green Twitter page (@UNBCgreen), on television displays outside the Green University Centre, posters in the residence buildings and weekly emails to faculty and staff.

ENGAGING THE STUDENT RESIDENCE BUILDINGS

The Green RAs in the UNBC Residences held a competition between the two buildings, Neyoh and Keyoh, to see which buildings could save the most electricity and water. Neyoh saved 9,300 kWh (15.4 perc cent reduction) and Keyoh saved 6,600 kWh (11.0 per cent). The winning building won a free pizza dinner. An Ugly Sweater Social was held in the dark to celebrate Earth Hour (March 29, 2014). In addition to these events, the residences also invited Two Rivers Gallery to facilitate a green art activity to create jewelry from recycled materials to bring attention to the CCN.

CELEBRATING SUCCESS

At noon on April 2, students, faculty and staff met in the Winter Garden in their sweaters in alignment with the “turn down the thermostat and put on a sweater campaign” for cake and a group photo opportunity.