F.A.Q.

The battle begins in less than a week, and excitement is clearly building around campus. Hopefully you have heard some information about the battle already from your IHC rep, so get ready!

Here are some F.A.Q.s about the Battle:

Q: "What the heck is this all about?"
A: The Battle of the Bulbs is a month-long competition between the dormitories to see which dorm can reduce its electricity use the most, in comparison with February 2006.

Q: "How do I compete?"
A: Sign up with your IHC rep today! CORRECTION: At the KICK-OFF EVENT, your IHC rep will receive the materials needed for you to participate. Talk to them in person, or at your house meeting to sign a pledge. In return, you will receive a "door-hanger" that you can hang on your doorknob to indicate your participation. IHC will keep track of the total number of participants by dorm so we can track which dorm is winning the participation award.

Q: "Are there any rules?"
A: There are no rules, but there are weekly guidelines. Each week in February has a different reduction theme; and we outline the necessary steps you need to take to reduce your dormitory's electricity use by 5% for that week. Every Thursday evening, we will post the electricity reduction target for each dorm and the weekly results on a spreadsheet. The spreadsheet will be available on this website and on the information boards located in each of the dining halls, the Admin building, the Reg and the Reynolds Club.

Q: "Are there t-shirts for sale?"
A: Of course. We have specially made American Apparel organic cotton t-shirts for sale, for a limited time only. Come to the Kick-Off event this Wednesday, January 31, at 8:30pm in the McCormick Lounge (in the Reynolds Club) to get your t-shirts, eat food, and find out more about the competition. We will also be tabling in the Reynolds Club every Tuesday and Wednesday of February, and some extra days at the beginning and end of the competition.

Q: "That's all well and good, but why do I care?"
A: Not only are you competing for your dorm to win a ridiculously cool prize, but you are saving energy and saving money. In fact, if energy use were to go down substantially in the long run, it could mitigate housing cost increases over the next several years. If all that's not good enough, you're being a responsible global citizen!