Penn State Advanced Vehicle Team

WE ARE…Going Green!

As some of you may know, October is Energy Awareness Month.  Although Penn State is a large university, we are doing our part to help the environment!  The EcoCAR challenge is an exciting step in Penn State’s initiative to go green!  The team has received their GM-donated car this month which has gotten everyone excited about the project!  Through outreach events around campus and the community EcoCAR has played a vital role in educating others about energy awareness.  However, EcoCAR is not the only step in Penn State’s efforts to be environmentally friendly.  Throughout the residence halls on campus a challenge has been issued- “The Great Penn State Energy Challenge”.  Each residence area will measure the amount of energy used from October 19th-30th and the residence area that uses the least amount of energy wins!  On each floor, posters and flyers suggest different ways to reduce energy consumption and within each building, recycling centers can be found, making recycling convenient and efficient!  Some innovative ways to conserve energy include:

• Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
• Keeping your refrigerator full
• Unplugging cellphone and computer chargers when not in use
• Using public transportation whenever possible
• Riding your bike to work or school

It is great to see how students are becoming more environmentally aware through different outlets at Penn State.  EcoCAR is a great model for how the government and corporations can help college campuses do their part in conserving energy.  By facilitating students to create and engineer an energy efficient car, the government and EcoCAR’s corporate sponsors are investing in a future for energy conservation.