UMD and Minnesota Power recently collaborated to bring the 3rd annual “Brighter UMD Energy Event” to UMD stores. The event ran from September to through October, and included the sale of discounted ENERGY STAR energy efficient lamps, CFL’s, and LED holiday lights.

Having energy efficient goods available for sale reduces environmental impact through electricity savings, and it also helps to raise awareness about wise consumer choices.  Using energy efficient products helps reduce UMD’s carbon footprint (which when completed in early 2009 will account for all the electricity usage on campus).  In the end, Minnesota Power made a contribution of $4,500 from the event sales to the U-Pass Bus Program.  The U-Pass  program provides students, faculty, and staff with free public transportation, further reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

 Here are the final numbers from the program, and how they cumulatively make a difference:

 • 3,000 energy-saving products purchased

 • 244,993 kWh of energy saved

 • The equivalent of powering 21 homes for a year

 • 255 ton reduction in annual carbon dioxide emissions