Fox Cities News

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (UWO) has achieved its second victory in the Higher Education Kit Challenge, sponsored by FOCUS ON ENERGY. This success follows a previous first-place finish in 2022. UWO's efforts were rewarded with a $5,000 prize.

The university nearly tripled its participation this year, with over 660 energy efficiency kits ordered compared to 240 kits two years ago. The increase was attributed to an improved outreach strategy that focused on off-campus students and targeted emails. Three campus-wide announcements were made, with the final email highlighting the university’s near-lead position just before the October 31 deadline.

“This approach drove engagement and boosted orders significantly,” said Bradley Spanbauer, UWO’s Sustainability Director.

The challenge aligns with UWO’s commitment to sustainability on campus. A recent waste audit showed improvements in recycling habits due to consistent messaging. The prize funds will support energy efficiency projects like facility upgrades for long-term savings.

“We established a Focus on Energy fund in 2022 to finance projects that reduce energy consumption. This win enables us to continue driving down costs and emissions,” Spanbauer explained.

Looking ahead, UWO plans to explore renewable energy technologies and upgrade infrastructure, including its heating and chiller plant. “Partnerships like the one with Focus on Energy are critical to achieving these goals,” Spanbauer said.

Spanbauer advised other institutions considering similar challenges to start small and adapt strategies over time: “Develop a baseline, take it step by step, and tailor efforts to busy and quieter periods on campus.”

The success of the 2024 Higher Education Kit Challenge highlights how strategic action and strong partnerships can drive meaningful progress toward sustainability. Other participating Wisconsin universities included UW-River Falls, UW-Stout, UW-Parkside, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Madison, UW-Eau Claire, and UW-Stevens Point.

For more information about UWO’s initiatives or the challenge rankings, visit Sustainable UWO – Sustainability Institute or Higher Ed Challenge online.