The UVM Eco-Reps are currently working in collaboration with local non-profit organization Efficiency Vermont.

Efficiency Vermont, which aims to “reduce energy costs, strengthen the local economy, and protect the environment by making homes and businesses energy efficient,” have supplied free APS units, or advanced power strips used to decrease energy usage by shutting off automatically, to Eco-Reps who, in turn, are organizing an energy campaign and power strip study on campus.

These APS units, or Advanced Power Strips, decrease energy usage by turning off automatically.

The campaign, “Is There a Phantom in Your Room?” was created as a way to target wasteful energy habits among students. One behavior in particular is unplugging electronics that are not in use. This significantly decreases the amount of “phantom energy” given off, consequently saving energy and money.

A pre-screening was conducted last week as Eco-Reps began randomly selecting students on Central Campus in an attempt to get volunteers to participate in the campaign.

This week, Eco-Reps returned to the students who were eligible to volunteer and installed meters which track the energy usage of students’ current power strips.

In two weeks’ time, APS units will be installed to replace students’ current power strips. After the final two week period, the energy usage of the two power strips will be compared. 

This study is intended to reduce energy costs on Central Campus by reducing phantom energy, provide APS units to students, and ultimately track, record, and evaluate the efficiency of these APS units.

In addition to the energy campaign, Eco-Reps have also enacted six additional campaigns, all unique and student run, put in place to promote a more sustainable University campus and benefit student life. These campaigns include topics such as reuse, composting, recycling, transportation, water, and food.

For more information students can contact the Eco-Reps working within their residential complex.