The goal of this project is to find out how much energy is consumed by everyday sources such as lights and computers, so that we can make a more informed decision on how best to reduce our consumption. The motivation for reducing energy is to both save money and to minimize our impact on the environment in the form of greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Curbing the current rapid emissions of greenhouse gasses is essential for slowing global climate change.

Our calculations are based on four main sources:

1. Data gathered from an online survey administered between May 8 and 12, 2004 to 461 Williams students, of whom 37 percent (172 students) responded. The survey included questions about computers, lighting, other electric appliances, and water use.
2. Records from the Office of Information Technology (OIT) about the number of computers in public labs around campus, the types of computer, and their current energy settings.
3. Data on fuel consumption by various contractors working for Williams to renovate the old elementary school on Southworth St. We use this information to balance the impacts of construction with the increased energy efficiency of new buildings.
4. Appliance data and conversion factors culled from previous reports and various Internet sources.

Our results are organized into four parts as shown at right: electricity consumption due to lighting, computer use, and construction; and student water use. In addition, we summarize the results of our study of the hourly power use in Sage Hall. Finally, you can find out who helped us with the project and even get our raw survey data.

If you're interested in taking a realistic look at your own ecological footprint, see this quiz.

Sage: A case study
Take the survey

  Special Thanks
The Data