The third annual Energy Challenge, hosted by Dickinson’s Center for Sustainable Education (CSE), officially ended this past week with a bonfire on Friday, April 21.

This year’s Energy Challenge was the first time that the school matched up against another school, Haverford College. The final results showed that, on average, Dickinson residence halls reduced their energy by 21.2 percent whereas Haverford’s residence halls only reduced their energy by an average of 7.6 percent.

Dickinson’s three electric-heated buildings, McKenney Suits, Malcolm and Kisner-Woodward, all reduced their electricity use by almost 30 percent each. The trio was led by McKenney which had the largest reduction in electricity usage of the three with an 33.8 percent reduction. Of the remaining 12 gas-heated dormitories, 11 reduced their electricity usage. Cooper reduced their energy consumption the most out of all dorms on campus. Armstrong was the least successful of the event with a -2.9 percent net reduction of energy consumption, which means that their energy usage actually went up.

In total, this challenge helped save $2,993. The total reduction saved 29,672 kWh of energy as well as 34,790 pounds of CO2.

Each week, throughout the three-week process, had a different assigned theme.

For week one, the theme was “Find Your Outlet, Spark the Change.” According to a video published on the Dickinson website, this theme pushed people to be cognizant of the appliances that they plug in. This challenge aimed to highlight how unplugging items that are not in use can help save energy.

The second week’s theme was titled “Watch Your Waste.” During this week, CSE pushed for the reduction of waste. This educational program highlighted the importance of recycling as well as composting.

Finally, according to the video, the “Pull the CO2rd, Go Outside” theme of week three pushed people to go outside. The video stated that hiking, biking and walks in the many parks around Carlisle are all environmentally clean ways to enjoy one’s time outdoors, carbon free.

On Friday, April 21, a bonfire was held on Morgan Field to celebrate the success of the challenge. Awards were given to resident halls McKenney and Cooper. The bluegrass band Mountain Ride also performed at the celebration.

The Energy Challenge was part the college’s aim to become carbon neutral by 2020.