Loyola University Chicago’s Gallons Saved &Shared Project

Aaron Durnbaugh

Research output: Book/Report/Conference proceedingTechnical report

Abstract

In a partnership with the Departments of Residence Life, Facilities, Psychology and the Institute of Environmental Sustainability, Loyola University Chicago installed water efficient fixtures on campus, engaged students to reduce their water use, and shared lessons learned with Illinois colleges and universities. From the residence hall water conservation retrofit, we learned that (1) it takes time and coordination to install retrofits; (2) retrofit installations are best done when students are not living in the residence hall; and (3) it is useful to engage with student teams and have them use the university as a learning laboratory. From the student behavior change campaign, we learned (1) to identify and promote behaviors that are do-able; (2) to create a memorable and well communicated poster, incorporate humor, campus celebrities, social norms, and images of vivid consumption to make messages memorable; and (3) that perceived behavior change does not necessarily translate to water conservation. From the lab retrofit campaign, we learned that (1) staff members and academic units are not incentivized to seek out and use water efficient fixtures; and (2) operational units such as facilities or budget departments are motivated to seek water savings.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Place of PublicationChampaign, IL
PublisherIllinois Sustainable Technology Center
StatePublished - Jan 2016

Publication series

NameBillion Gallon Water Challenge

Keywords

  • Water conservation -- Colleges and universities

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