The Mac Kill-o-Watt Challenge runs from March 4  to 31,  and will see occupants of Chester New Hall and Kenneth Taylor Hall compete to see who can achieve the most energy savings in the month (measured against their own energy use baseline).

Each building has identified “Building Champions” for every floor to offer support and guidance to participants. Through increased awareness and simple behavioural changes, both teams are targeting a 2 per cent reduction in energy consumption. The winning building will have a tree planted in their honour, and all participants will be invited to a thank-you event.

Individuals are encouraged to submit their ideas to clerks@ppims.mcmaster.ca for sustainable energy reduction strategies. The best idea as judged by Joe Emberson and Mohamed Attalla will win a Hospitality Services card. The hope is that this challenge will spur more energy saving activity on campus, and that it will be rolled out to other buildings in the future.

The challenge is a CALM (Certificate in Advanced Leadership & Management) team project, and is championed by Joe Emberson, chief operating engineer director, Energy Management and Utilities, Facility Services; and Mohamed Attalla, AVP, Facility Services.

A kick-off event for each building is being held on Thursday, Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Council Chambers (GH 111). Energy saving kits will be available to the first 35 attendees, and refreshments will be provided.