|
He started with a bandana, traded up for a top
hat, and is now going for his most masculine look yet. Move over
Marlboro Man, Wattson is back, and this time, CMC’s celebrity
toy skull is sporting stubble and a black Stetson in his continuing
role as ringmaster of campus conservation.
At the reins of Wattson’s evolving style is
Facilities and Campus Services staff members, charged for the third
consecutive summer with making sure CMC employees are doing their
utmost to save energy, presumably during the warmest months of the
year. “Our focus this year is not only electricity, but gas
and water as well,” said assistant director Kacy Drury, who
dreamed up this year’s game concept with administrative coordinator
Lynn Price. “The summer of 2003 is the third year of the program,
and possibly the most important summer to date. We’re also
incorporating recycling into the mix, to ensure that all four of
these areas weigh on everyone’s minds as they go about their
day-to-day tasks.”
Goals this time are reducing electricity, gas,
and water consumption by at least 5 percent overall, Drury said.
With that in mind, members of the Facilities and Campus Services
posse have been making unannounced visits to buildings across campus,
looking for conservation violations such as leaving extra lights
on in hallways and private offices, when not in use.
(For a run-down of the game and the most current results, visit:
http://facilities.admin.claremontmckenna.edu/conservation/index.htm)
Drury says conservation continues to be a priority as the College
is always subject to higher costs during the “peak demand”
period of the day, from about noon to 6 p.m., and extending through
the last Sunday in September. A reduction in consumption usually
results in a reduction cost, but there isn’t a direct correlation
between the two, Drury says. “For instance, during April, the
campus used 3.1 percent more electricity than last year during the
same period, but the financial impact was a 10.5 percent increase.”
Generators on campus will continue to provide a
seamless transition of power in the event that Edison orders CMC
to shut down its substation. Peak demand over summer hovers at about
12,000 megawatts, “but the generators can supply only 10,000
megawatts,” Drury said. “Should we need to switch to generator
power, we’ll likely shut off air-conditioning across the campuses
on a prioritized basis to stay within the maximum generator capacity.”
In concert with Wattson’s return, Facilities and Campus Services
has planned a menu of entertainment for CMC staff and faculty working
(and conserving!) on campus, including monthly luncheons.
“Although the spirit, games, and luncheons
promote fun, we hope everyone realizes how serious the utility business
has become,” Drury says. “Utility rates are increasing
overall in gas, electric, and water by more than 30 percent. Bottom
line, that will have a significant impact on the College. We want
everyone to know that his or her participation is essential.”
|
Upcoming Conservation Lunch Schedules:
Friday, June 27:
Carnival Day (cotton candy, corn dogs, ice cream, churros,
etc.)
Entertainment (it's a secret...)
Prizes
Tuesday, July 22
Facilities and Campus Services posse delivering ice cream around
campus.
Monday, August 18
Final luncheon at the Athenaeum,
Team and individual prizes
Drawing
|
