This project will aim to reduce the energy use of Western Washington University students living off campus. We will implement a peer-to-peer education program for the off-campus students to encourage them to reduce their environmental impact and save money by engaging in energy efficient behaviors and applying for free energy-related home assessment programs. The pilot program will officially begin in the Fall of 2015 and end during Winter 2016. At the end of the pilot program, we will measure our success and make the necessary changes to transition into a full program by Spring of 2016.

This work is funded by a Sustainable Action Fund grant from the WWU Office of Sustainability! For more information on the Sustainable Action Fund (SAF), please visit http://www.wwu.edu/sustain/programs/saf/​  

How does it work?

  1. Come to an informational table in Red Square, one of our many up and coming exciting events, or simply fill out the contact form below and meet with the program coordinators. They will give you access to more information and help sign you up to meet with a Conservation Educator. Sign up with your roommates, it's more fun that way!
  2. Meet as a small group with a Conservation Educator who will go over the basics of reducing energy. You will learn what simple actions you can do at home to reduce your energy as well as why reducing your environmental impact is important. All participants will receive a free LED light bulb.
  3. Schedule a one-on-one appointment with the Conservation Educator (either alone or as a household) to go over your energy bills, how to track energy consumption, how to significantly reduce consumption, and what free resources your educator can connect you with that will contribute to your energy reduction goals. Examples of these resources include Puget Sound Energy's free Home Print energy assessment and Cascade Natural Gas' free energy-saving kits. Students should voluntarily submit their energy bill data!
  4. Your Conservation Educator will reach out to you after three months to let you know how well you were able to reduce your energy use.  


Other ways to get involved!

  • Georgetown University Energy Prize - Did you know that Bellingham, WA is involved in a two-year competition to become more energy efficient? By reducing your energy use at home, you'll be helping your city compete for a $5 million grant for energy efficiency! To learn more visit: https://www.facebook.com/guepbellingham?fref=ts
  • WWU Net Impact - Business and Sustainability students at Western Washington University have recently started a new chapter, Net Impact, devoted to helping connect students to sustainability-related jobs, internships, and extra curricular activities (including Project RENT). If you are interested in Net Impact, send an email to Kate Thompson at thomp210@students.wwu.edu

"Project RENT is a Western Washington University student-led program that aims to foster a stronger understanding of the importance of conserving energy and maintaining environmentally-conscious behavior." 

See our display in the Wilson Library!

Project RENT
wwuprojectrent@gmail.com

Stefanie Neale, Project RENT Coordinator
Email: stefanienn22@gmail.com

Kate Thompson, Project RENT Coordinator
Email: kate.thompson@outlook.com

Contact

    Are you interested in saving energy in your home? We can help! Let us know below:

Helpful Links

Puget Sound Energy

Cascade Natural Gas

Georgetown University Energy Prize

Bellingham Opportunity Council

Stay up to date!

Read the story about Project RENT in the WESTERN FRONT.