Westminster College's Browne Hall was named the winner of the Ozone Award, a result of the semester-long "Do it in the Dark" energy conservation competition.

Sponsored by Westminster's Sierra Student Coalition (SSC) and Residence Life, the competition ran Jan. 30-April 30 with students in Westminster's 10 residential buildings attempting to conserve the most energy.

"We are excited that students took initiative in reducing their energy consumption, both individually and collectively," said Leanna Stitt, a senior English and sociology major and SSC president. "Hopefully, this trend will continue in the lives of students even after they leave school."

Stitt, a daughter of Karen Smith of Pittsburgh and James Stitt of New Kensington, is a graduate of Plum High School.

Data from the energy meters of every residence hall on campus were collected and compared to the three-year average (2005-2007) of energy consumption for that residence. Browne Hall residents reduced their overall consumption by 13% to win $500 and the Ozone Cup. Complete results are posted at www.westminster.edu/green.

Runners-up were Ferguson Hall and Jeffers Hall, with reductions of 9.1 % and 7.8%, respectively.

Dr. Neal Edman, dean of student affairs, said, "Overall, the residence halls reduced energy consumption by more than 60,000 kilowatt hours from the previous three-year average. This resulted in a savings of over $7,200 and is a reduction of 35 metric tons of carbon into the atmosphere."

Laura Sahar, a senior Christian education major and Browne Hall community adviser, shared some of the methods residents used to reduce their energy use.

"Residents unplugged electronics that weren't in use; took advantage of natural light during the day, rather than using overhead lighting; and only used half of the hallway and lobby lights at night," she said.

Sahar, a daughter of Mary Abbott of Pittsburgh and Rich Sahar of South Park, is a graduate of Mount Lebanon High School.

Dr. Shahroukh Mistry, assistant professor of biology and adviser to SSC, said, "The interest and response to this competition has far exceeded our expectations. This competition underscores how a small change in our daily activities can result in substantial benefits to the community."

Matt Shaffer, assistant director of residence life, worked closely with SSC and the residence hall staff to coordinate the competition.

Contact Stitt at stittlm@westminster.edu or Mistry at (724) 946-7210 (e-mail mistrys@westminster.edu) for additional information. 

Leanna Stitt, Dr. Neal Edman, Matt Shaffer, Dr. Shahroukh Mistry, Laura Sahar

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