Students in residences are going for the gold by going green. The Residence Energy Challenge, which takes place all this month, is a contest that encourages students in residences to conserve energy and learn sustainable habits. Residences compete to win the title based on participation and energy savings.

“We’re hoping the students will continue to use the habits and knowledge they learned during this challenge when they move on and become members of a greater community,” says Rebecca Goldberg, the Committees Deputy of the AMS Sustainability Office.

The challenge encourages students to develop good green habits, such as washing their clothes in cold water, turning their thermostats down a degree or two, using the stairs instead of the elevator, and using reusable water bottles.

“I am having a lot of fun. Doing the small, symbolic actions to help the environment makes me feel good inside,” says student Yan Yu. “And also taking the stairs everyday is great way to get exercise between class.”

Last year, the residences saved 40 kWh and about $3,800 in electricity costs.

All the residences on main campus are participating, as well as West Campus and Harkness Hall. An official winning residence will be announced on March 21 and the final amount of total energy saved will be revealed on April 1.