WCU is participating in the first ever national energy competition against 170+ colleges and universities between February 13^th and March 2^nd, 2012.  Campus Conservation Nationals 2012 (http://www.competetoreduce.org/) is an opportunity to challenge our students to participate in fun events that can have an immediate and lasting impact on our school’s carbon emissions and campus culture.  Our goal will be to compete to achieve the greatest possible energy and water reductions in our residence halls during the three week period.  Within this national competition schools can also choose to compete against a peer institution.  With that in mind, we have challenged Appalachian State University to compete against us in a “Battle of the Plug”!  For more information please visit http://energy.wcu.edu/

Stay tuned for fun events coming your way and remember to save as much energy as possible from February 13^th and March 2^nd, 2012!!  Let’s Beat APP!

See up to date energy usage at buildingdashboard.net/wcu

Here are some quick tips for saving energy and water:

1. Turn off everything when leaving a room.

2. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.

3. Do not use portable electric space heaters on campus.  If you have a concern related to temperature within one of our facilities call 7303 or place online work order with Residential Living.

4. When given the option, buy equipment with an Energy Star label. Everything from TV’s to computer monitors to light bulbs and more can be found with the Energy Star label.

5. Unplug chargers when they’re not charging, they draw energy whenever they’re plugged in.  Our lives are full of little power supplies to charge cell phones, PDA’s, digital cameras, cordless tools and other personal gadgets.  Keep them unplugged until you need them. 

6. Set refrigerators at 38 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit and freezers between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit.  Make sure the doors seal tightly by placing a piece of paper between the sealing points.  If the paper slides out easily take action to get the gasket replaced.

7. Limit your shower time and use hot water sparingly.

8. While washing clothes, wash in cold water when practical, always rinse in cold water and set the appropriate water level for the size of the load. There are now laundry detergents on the market designed to save energy by washing in cold water only. Don’t hesitate to try them, they work great!

9. Clean the lint filter in the dryer after each use. 

10. Encourage others to reduce energy use, improve recycling and live sustainably.

News and Events

WCU featured in ‘The Princeton Review’s Guide to 311 Green Colleges
From April 21, 2011 issue of The Reporter

Campus catering goes green
From March 7, 2011 issue of The Reporter

HVAC system to be upgraded in H.F. Robinson Administration Building
From October 20, 2010 issue of The Reporter

WCU to celebrate Earth Day on April 22
From April 12, 2010 issue of The Reporter

WCU invests in energy savings
From March 26, 2010 issue of DoIT News

Cool Schools
From March 9, 2010 issue of Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine

Faculty and staff invited to join sustainability council
From November 2, 2009 issue of The Reporter

Comprehensive energy-use audit begins as part of $5.25 million energy-savings project
From October 26, 2009 issue of The Reporter

Carbon ‘paw print’ shrinks at Western Carolina
From Jan. 12, 2009 issue of The Reporter

Solutions for Easy Double-Sided Printing with PawPrint

Instructions for Double-Sided Printing (PC)

Services

• Energy Audits
• Sustainability Audits
• Project Management
• Programming and Outreach
• Class Presentations
• Assisting Student Research

Strategic Energy Plans

• 2010-2011
• 2009-2010
• 2008-2009
• 2007-2008
• 2006-2007
• 2004-2005

North Carolina 2010 Utility Savings Initiative Annual Report

Policies

UNC Sustainability Policy

University Policy 4

2012 Capital Projects

• $717,000 Retro-commissioning of H.F. Robinson Administration Building – WCU was awarded this grant as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and will completely fund the replacement and installation of two air handlers and DDC controls in H. F. Robinson Administration Building.