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News Release

Last modified: Tuesday, November 6, 2012

IU Bloomington dorm residents encouraged to go without electricity during Power Hour

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 6, 2012

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- From switching off the lights to unplugging chargers and microwaves, Indiana University Bloomington students are being encouraged to go electricity-free and head outdoors between 6 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7.

During the Power Hour, the IU Office of Sustainability is providing free outdoor events in each residence hall neighborhood to give students alternative, electricity-free options. Activities include flag football at the Read Courtyard, ultimate Frisbee in the Foster Tundra and volleyball at the Wright Courtyard. All events begin at 6 p.m.

The Power Hour is taking place in connection with the IU Office of Sustainability's 2012 Fall Energy Challenge. In seven energy challenges to date, IU has saved 3,673,619 kilowatt hours of electricity and 7,378,873 gallons of water. The reductions in energy use equal almost $1.2 million saved in utility bills.

In order to increase savings this year, the IU Office of Sustainability planned the Power Hour during peak load consumption, the time of day when the most energy is normally used. By collectively participating in the Power Hour, students will save more energy and money than they would at other times of day.

The Indiana University Office of Sustainability aims to advance sustainable human-environment interactions within the Bloomington campus and community by facilitating collaborative academic and operational initiatives. The office defines sustainability as thriving within our means to achieve balance among environmental health, economic prosperity and social equity.

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