DURHAM, N.H.—By being energy-smart, the University of New Hampshire says its faculty, staff and students saved thousands of dollars and cut pollution this fall.
UNH says that by cutting energy and water use, it saved more than 279,000 kilowatt-hours of energy, $52,000 in energy and water costs and the equivalent of 140 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. It says the energy and emissions savings are the equivalent of 326 barrels of oil or not driving 30 cars for a year.
Dorms compete to see which can reduce energy and water use the most and the university cut power to computers, lights, office equipment and electronics for the Thanksgiving break. Electronic equipment and appliances can draw 30 percent of their total energy use when they are turned off, but still plugged in.
"It is exciting to see students actively helping reduce energy costs in the residence halls and apartments," said David May, assistant vice president of business affairs, which oversees the department of housing.
"As you can imagine, utility costs are a huge line item on the budget. Our hope is that students will continue their efforts to make an impact on the entire year," May said.
