September 26, 2007—Stanford University students returning to the California campus this month will take part in a new energy conservation program that Student Housing is calling the largest of its kind at an American university. That university department—in cooperation with the Office of Residential Education, Students for a Sustainable Stanford, the Sierra Club and Resource Solutions Group—will distribute 7,000 compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) to student residents and other Stanford affiliates.
Student Housing administrators said that, based on Energy Star metrics, a collective switch would make a big difference.
“If every Stanford student were to replace a 60-watt incandescent bulb with a 13-watt CFL, annual savings would amount to 450,000 kilowatts of electricity; 220,000 pounds of carbon emissions; and $50,000 in utility costs,” according to Nik Kaestner, Student Housing’s new sustainability and utilities coordinator.
Student Housing already uses CFLs in ceiling lights in student rooms and hallways. The new program will encourage students to use the bulbs in personal desk lamps as well.
The program is funded by state utility ratepayers under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.
The CFL giveaway is part of Stanford Student Housing’s Living Green program, which encourages students to use energy and water efficiently, to reduce and recycle waste, and to make sustainable choices when eating or shopping.
For more information, see the Student Housing Web site of Stanford University.
