Everyone on campus will recognize the stickers on light switches all over campus reminding us to conserve energy. (Photo/Casey A. Cass)

Building proctors, lab managers and students, faculty and staff members at CU-Boulder will be recognized for their efforts to reduce energy consumption on campus through a new conservation program beginning this fall.

Buff Energy Star Awards will be given to building occupants who cut their building's energy use by at least 5% per square foot while also meeting other criteria — such as an energy audit and followup — set by the campus Environmental Center (a UCSU program) and the Facilities Management Resource Conservation Office, joint sponsors of the program.

Sherre Leonard, fifth floor proctor at the Administrative Research Center, cites several examples of energy-saving measures used in University Communications. "We have turned off three out of every four of our hall lights, we only light the lobby with window light, and we try to recycle as much of our office materials as possible," she said.

Awards may include a recognition plaque for the building proctor, a recognition banner outside of the building, and hosting an ice cream social or other event for all building occupants.

Other benefits of the program include reducing the need to find new energy sources, saving the campus money over the project's lifetime, and teaching students and the public about conservation practices.

Campus building proctors or lab managers interested in an energy audit for their buildings, or who have questions, suggestions or nominations for the award program may contact Moe Tabrizi, CU-Boulder's campus energy conservation officer and program head, or visit www.colorado.edu/conservation.