Students living in Metcalf Residence Hall have claimed first place in the 2025 Energy and Water Competition with an impressive 11.4% reduction in resource use over the month-long challenge. Carroll Residence Hall students placed second with a 10.28% reduction, followed closely by Bowen Residence Hall at 10%.

Hosted by the Sustainability Stewards in partnership with NC State Housing and Energy Management, the annual competition encourages residents in the Tri-Towers to adopt simple, everyday behaviors that collectively make a big impact. This year’s reductions reflect hundreds of students working together to cut consumption.

“The competition helps establish easy, sustainable practices into the routines of those participating,” said student organizer Cooper Smith, a College of Engineering and College of Natural Resources senior. “These practices can then spark curiosity in students as they find new ways to bring other areas of sustainability into their day-to-day life.”

Fellow organizer Payton Bell, a senior in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Natural Resources, emphasized how the challenge deepens students’ awareness of their choices. 

“Something as small as leaving the faucet running every time you brush your teeth can add up to a significant amount of wasted water, but many people have a hard time grasping the true scale of choices like this,” Bell said. “The competition allows students to see how easy it is to make small changes to their daily lives that can create a big impact. This is not only important when thinking sustainably, but also when facing problems in college and adult life.”

To celebrate their win, Metcalf residents received a custom-designed competition T-shirt.

As the campus heads toward cooler months and lower building occupancy, students, faculty and staff can continue the momentum by completing a few simple steps from the Sustain Our Pack website before leaving campus: 

1. Save and Secure. Shut exterior windows and doors to boost security and energy efficiency.
2. Switch It Off. Turn off overhead and task lighting before leaving your office, residence hall or lab.
3. Unplug. Turn off nonessential electronics such as coffee makers, toasters, radios, fans, printers, scanners and other small appliances. Consider also powering down your computer and unplugging desk-side devices or chargers.
4. Clear the Fridge. If you don’t want to return to a smelly break room refrigerator in January, consider cleaning it out before you leave for winter holiday. Empty refrigerators can be defrosted and left unplugged for energy savings. Be sure to leave the door open and use towels both inside and out to absorb any moisture.
5. Shut the Sash. Lab users should close all fume hood sashes and power down non-essential lab equipment. 
6. Embrace Eco-Mode. Take part in and encourage others to engage in university-wide efforts to conserve energy and water.