Residence energy challenge

Us and Residence Life host the annual Residence Energy Challenge. Participating residences compete against one another in hopes of reducing their energy consumption and taking sustainable action.

Residence Energy Challenge will take place from Feb. 2 - 17, 2023, with the winning residence being announced on Feb. 20.

Challenge details

Lights out Bingo

Any UNB student can enter a prize draw by completing all tasks on the Lights out Bingo sheet and uploading photos of the completed tasks to the Lights out Bingo form before midnight on Feb. 28.

We also partnered with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society to provide fun nature conservation activities on the sheet.

If you have any questions, please reach out to sustain@unb.ca.


The (Sustainability) Office Trivia

Think you know a thing or two about “The Office” and sustainability? Test your knowledge at our Sustainability and The Office mash-up this Trivia Night hosted by the Grad House and us. Prizes will be provided!

Date: Feb. 8
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Location: Grad House


Lights out Coffee House

Come hang out with the Renaissance College Society as they host the Lights out Coffee House event; there will be snacks, Fair Trade coffee, entertainment, and fun! You will not want to miss it. 

Date: Feb. 9
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Location: Renaissance College building


Stop the draft

Is it feeling drafty in your apartment? Is your electric bill too high? Come to the Fab Lab to learn how to make your own draft stopper! They are great for blocking chilly winds from coming in and can also reduce unwanted smells and sounds. 

Date: Feb. 15
Time: 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Location: Fab Lab


Lights out Karaoke

Do you like to sing? Then, we have the Green Event for you! Come and enjoy Lights out Karaoke hosted by the Joy Kidd House. So sing your little heart out, enjoy tasty snacks, and listen to funky music.

Date: Feb. 16
Time: 8:30 – 10 p.m.
Location: DKT Lounge


Our team will track energy consumption from participating residences two weeks before the start of the competition to establish a baseline. Then, energy consumption during the challenge will be compared to the baseline to see if residences reduced their energy usage and displayed any behaviour changes.

Student participation is also measured; students can earn extra points for their residence by participating in Residence Energy Challenge-related events and activities or displaying energy efficiency behaviour.

Daily updates will be provided via Facebook and Instagram, with the latest results for each participating residence as the challenge progresses. The data will show the average reduction in energy usage since the challenge began.


  • Have an engaging and competitive residence-wide energy consumption competition.
  • Raise awareness of sustainability initiatives at UNB.
  • Educate community members and participants about sustainable action through energy-saving tips.
  • Have the competition influence adoption of more sustainable lifestyle choices.
  • Reduce UNB’s carbon footprint.

  • Turn off the lights.
  • Turn off computers and set energy-saving functions.
  • Minimize your phantom load.
  • Unplug your mini-fridge (as applicable).
  • Take short showers.
  • Do your laundry in a cold-water wash.
  • Use a drying rack instead of the dryer.
  • Don’t leave your music playing while you’re away.
  • Engage with other individuals on the topic.

Learn more by visiting our Green Review.