Green Cup Challenge 2008: WA Launches CFL Bulb Initiative

To help kick off the GCC 2008, WA began its 2,350 Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb Initiative tonight by administering 132 of the energy efficient bulbs to dorm students. AOD Mr. Boccuzzi has been a key player in working to prep the boarders for the challenge. Resident faculty are currently ordering bulbs based on their needs and WA will be working this week with Oak Hill CDC to administer the remaining bulbs between the WA community and our Oak and Union Hill neighbors. The impact will be huge: up to 7,600 kW-hrs conserved for the WA campus during the GCC and an annual 99,000 kW-hr reduction for the entire project. This annual savings is equal to the amount of power used each year by 8-10 average households. (click on document below for more numbers).  cflroi.doc

WA converts to LED Exit Signs

Worcester Academy’s head electrician has been busy installing 73 LED (Light Emitting Diode) exit signs (use 2 watts/sign) in place of the older incandescent exit signs that used up to 40 watts/sign. Since exit signs are on 24-7 they make a huge impact on our energy use. This LED project will save WA $2,570 a year, pay for the cost of the new signs in 3.5 months, and reduce our monthly energy consumption by 1,643 kW-hrs (roughly equal to two homes total monthly electricity use). Another huge benefit of this green technology is that these LED exit signs will only need to be replaced every 10 years or longer compared to the older signs which needed to be replaced every 6 months: translates to a huge savings in labor costs.

Worcester Academy Preps for Green Cup Challenge 2008

32 secondary schools across the east coast are following the precedent set by American College and University University Presidents Climate Commitment and the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement by agreeing to compete to decrease their electricity consumption, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and instill sustainability practices in campus culture. The Green Cup Challenge (GCC) began two years ago between 3 schools (Exeter, Lawrenceville, and Northfield Mount Hermon) and has exploded quickly. W.A., out to win the Cup, set an ambitious goal of a 20% reduction and is in the process of setting up workshops, lectures, film series, and dorm and grade-level competitions to meet this goal and move the school forward with a more sustainability culture. Stay tuned for more information about the GCC.