SHUT THE SASH CHALLENGE:
Tasks
The Shut the Sash Challenge is a six-week competition that aims to encourage lab users to reduce energy through one simple action—closing laboratory fume hood sashes. This year, research and undergraduate labs in the Science, EME and Innovation Precinct #1 buildings will be taking part the October – November 2024 event.
In addition to implementing the Shut the Sash action, lab faculty, staff and students are encouraged to demonstrate their energy reduction spirit. By completing the spirit tasks described below each lab will be awarded points that will be added to the energy conservation achieved from closing the lab fume hoods.
2024 Challenge Results & Winners
The participating labs achieved a 16% reduction in fume hood sash height over the challenge compared to baseline. Actions undertaken during this year’s event also conserved 3,016 kWh and 11.21 gj of enery, reduced emissions by 593.23 kgCO2e and saved the campus $470 in associated costs.
| Energy Reduction Winners | Height Reduction Winners |
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Download the full list of results.
Challenge Tasks
Spirit Tasks
Photo – 2 POINTS
Take a picture of you and your lab members shutting the sash.
Email picture to sustainability.ok@ubc.ca. Let us know if we can use the photo in a future newsletter article!
Sticker – 4 POINTS
Make sure that the new Shut the Sash sticker has been attached to all of your lab’s fume hoods.
To receive points, email sustainability.ok@ubc.ca and request that the spot checker verify on their next visit.
Tongue twister – 3 POINTS
Take a video of a group member saying “Shut the Sash” as fast as they can 10 times. Bet you can’t get past 5!
Email video or post online and email link to sustainability.ok@ubc.ca.
Prompt – 4 POINTS
Create a custom “prompt” (e.g. sign or sticker) to remind lab mates to Shut the Sash and display it in your lab.
Take a photo of it and email it to sustainability.ok@ubc.ca.
Email – 4 POINTS (+ BONUS)
Send an informative or humorous email to your lab group about “why fume hoods are energy intensive and how shutting the sash saves energy”. Check the FAQs for information.
To receive points, cc sustainability.ok@ubc.ca in your email.
*Bonus: 1 extra point if it makes us laugh.
Audio – 3 POINTS
Install some kind of noise-making device at your fume hood to reinforce/celebrate each time you shut the sash, e.g. an “easy” button from Staples, or a slide whistle.
Email the picture to sustainability.ok@ubc.ca
Song – 4 POINTS (+ BONUS)
Rewrite the lyrics to a song – or write an original song – to encourage sash shutting and/or energy saving behaviours.
Email the lyrics to your team and cc sustainability.ok@ubc.ca
*Bonus: 2 extra points if you perform the song. Take a video of your team performing, upload the video and send a link to sustainability.ok@ubc.ca.
Interested to start a competition in your building or department?
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