Start a Conservation committee for your department or building

Problem: Some conservation practices go unfulfilled due to lack of consensus or without endorsement by more than one advocate.

Solution: An ad hoc or appointed group of students, staff and faculty can periodically address new ideas and develop consensus among many users, such as preferred lighting levels in hallways, installing timers on communal ovens, or pursuing energy efficient appliances.

Benefits: Credibility comes from more than one voice. Many energy efficient practices may be adopted saving hundreds of kWh per day. Departmental camaraderie can be enhanced with social events or humorous skits about resource conservation.

Costs: Any committee can sap time and energy if it is poorly run and does not have focused goals or esprit de corps.