About
University Housing supports the Division of Student Affairs mission to engage meaningfully, grow intellectually, and build character so students will create thriving communities. University Housing implements these elements through sustainable initiatives, education and training, and engagement efforts for students and staff within the department.
Waste reduction
Reuse and recycling
In an effort to limit unnecessary trips and our collective impact on the local Athens-Clarke County landfill, University Housing encourages residents to take steps towards reducing their waste by using items like reusable water bottles and properly recycling items.
Not sure where your nearest recycling dumpster is? Check the map on the right for the blue pin to find your closest outdoor recycling dumpster.
Film plastic recycling
Like many store drop off locations, University Housing has plastic bag collection bins in various residence halls. Plastic bags do not go into mixed recycling due to the plastic film getting caught in the sorting equipment at the recycling facility. Plastic film gets recycled differently and often gets remade into plastic benches! Take a look on the map on the right for a pink pin to see the closest location to recycle your plastic bags and film plastic.
Energy conservation
Green Cup Challenge
The Green Cup Challenge is a friendly conservation competition in specific residence halls (Mell, Lipscomb, Church, Hill and Boggs) that occurs every October. Residents compete to learn which hall can conserve the most amount of electricity and water, as well as participate in educational programs. Residents can see their hall’s daily scores via Instagram @ugasustainablehousing. The challenge concludes at the end of the month with a final celebration. This event features live music from local musicians, food sourced from local vendors, environmentally focused organizations tabling, and the announcement of the winning hall. The residents of the winning hall not only receive bragging rights, but a reusable mug as well. The Green Cup Challenge educates and inspires students to think more deeply about their impact on the world around them, not only during their time living on campus but as they move off campus as well.
Watt Wars
Watt Wars is an energy-saving competition held annually in Black Diallo Miller Hall each February. Residents on floors 2–6 compete to see which floor can use the least outlet energy over the course of three weeks. Easy ways to earn points include unplugging unused appliances, turning off lights and fans when leaving the room, and setting refrigerators to the optimal temperature of 37°F. University Housing posts updated floor rankings every Tuesday and Friday via Instagram @ugasustainablehousing so residents can track their progress throughout the competition. Students who sign the energy-saving pledge receive a special door decoration recognizing them as a proud Watt Wars participant. The floor that conserves the most energy wins a free Chick-fil-A breakfast to celebrate their efforts. Watt Wars challenges residents to think critically about their everyday energy habits — both during their time on campus and beyond.
Engagement
Follow us on Instagram to see the latest events, EcoReps in action, giveaways and more! Email us at sustainablehousing@uga.edu. For more info about sustainability at UGA, visit https://sustainability.uga.edu/
Green Room Certification
Join other residents by getting your room Green Room Certified! This is a great starting point for anyone wanting to learn what steps they can take to reduce their impact while living on campus. Simply fill out the survey to see which level your room. Once completed you will receive a special door decoration delivered to your room.