Friday marks the beginning of the “Do it in the Dark” competition, an energy conservation contest between residence halls that runs from Oct. 21 to Nov. 4. The residence halls are divided into two teams, blue and gold, and the winner of the competition wins $200 for its hall council.

The contest, which began in 2006, is sponsored by Residence Services. Earlier in the year, university power plant employees tracked the baseline amount of energy each residence hall uses and will compare it to the amount at the end of the contest. The residence hall that reduces its percentage of energy consumption the most at the end of two weeks wins.

The goal is to motivate and educate students on the importance of environmental sustainability.

Andy Weyand, coordinator for administrative operations and facilities, said being efficient with energy use is important.

“Kent State spends approximately $7 million on energy bills each year,” he said. “Students can help reduce that amount tremendously by developing simple habits such as turning off overhead lights, unplugging chargers when not in use and lowering refrigerator temperatures.”

Tommy Walsh, senior political science major, lives in Johnson Hall and said the competition is a great idea.

“I think it’s good that the university is promoting sustainability,” Walsh said. “I think it’s (Kent State’s) responsibility to educate the students. The future of the planet is in our hands.”

Quinn Hull, junior English major, lives in Beall Hall and said he tries to conserve when he can.

“I turn my lights off when they aren’t in use,” he said. “Why not? I don’t think it would hurt anyone to turn off a light or recycle.”

For more tips on how to reduce energy use, click here.

Contact Whitney Gibson at [email protected].