By DAN BAUER

News Editor

Allegheny wrapped up its 3rd Annual October Energy Challenge last Thursday with its lowest results yet.
The college reduced its energy consumption by 7.8 percent falling short of the 9.8 percent reduction in 2011 and the 10.4 percent savings in 2010.
This year, Allegheny saved $7,100 to be put towards solar panels to be added to Steffee Hall.
The Green Living House saw the most significant reduction of energy use among campus-owned houses, with a 49 percent decrease.
“It’s more about habits,” said resident Nathan Malachowski, ‘14. “But we were a little more careful about it.”
Such habits included using drying racks, unplugging appliances and congregating in the same room at night to reduce the use of lamps.
A sticky note hangs on the front door of Green Living, with “GREEN ENERGY CHALLENGE” written in all capital letters in green marker.
Resident C.C. Licina, ‘13, put it there to remind her housemates to conserve energy.
During October, similar notes were posted next to the house’s appliances, with reminders such as “TURN OFF.”
Resident Abby Beerman, ‘14, joked that Licina used “scare tactics” to threaten her housemates into reducing their energy consumption, but admitted these practices weren’t much of a stretch.
“We’re all passionate about the environment,” Beerman said. “We all have the lifestyle for this house instead of a dorm.”
That lifestyle revolves largely around food. On Thursday night, Beerman and Brittany Iafrate, ‘14, were canning beets in the kitchen. Malachowski was in the first stages of making vegan cheese. Licina had a pot of soup simmering on the stovetop.
“There’s always food,” said resident Tiffany Ng, ’14. “Someone’s always cooking.”
As a special-interest house, Green Living holds events for the student body, such as a canning workshop and an upcoming class about weatherproofing.
“It’s a common area,” said Beerman. “It’s a space for the community.”