University of Washington “Greeks” Go Green
Fraternity and Sorority Houses Install Water and Energy Efficient Fixtures

For immediate release: 5/28/08
For more information, Contact: SPU Customer Service, (206) 684-3000

SEATTLE – Students at University of Washington fraternity and sorority houses have teamed up with Seattle Public Utilities, the Saving Water Partnership and Seattle City Light in a program which will deliver big environmental benefits.

Under the “Greener Greeks” project, all 46 fraternities and sororities have installed high efficiency showerheads and faucet aerators, and replaced all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CF) light bulbs.

Chris Bruno, spokesperson for the project, said approximately 280 showerheads, 500 faucet aerators and 4,400 light bulbs will be replaced under the program. Approximately 3,000 undergraduate students live in the fraternities and sororities.

““Greener Greeks” is one way to show students both the environmental and economic benefits of conservation,” Bruno said.

“Once involved in this type of project, I hope students will be inspired to continue to work with each other and the city to tackle climate change and spearhead other innovative community projects,” Bruno added.

Replacing the showerheads will save almost 2.75 million gallons of water a year, more than three times the amount of water held by the 50 meter Olympic size pool used by Husky swimmers at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center. Switching to CF bulbs will save 145,000 kWh of energy per year.

Seattle Public Utilities, the Saving Water Partnership and Seattle City Light provided the efficient showerheads, aerators and CF bulbs at no-cost as part of their commercial and multi-family programs.

Philip Paschke, project manager with Seattle Public Utilities, applauded the students for installing the efficient fixtures. “These students recognized that by making small changes to their houses, they can make a big impact on their water and energy use,” Paschke said. “We hope that more public institutions follow the students’ lead.”

Businesses and public institutions can get free advice on water- and energy-efficient fixtures on the Resource Venture website, or by calling the Resource Venture at (206) 343-8505.

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Seattle Public Utilities