TGIF and Energy Star Appliances

When asked how to make Ole Miss a greener campus, four male focus group participants suggested energy conservation techniques. Though the costs of making the campus greener are expensive, the participants seemed ready and willing to put forth the extra dollar and make their suggestions a reality. “You feel like you are in a clean environment, you will get your enrollment up and that will defiantly cover the cost,” said Jason Thomas.


One suggestion in particular consisted of placing energy star appliances on all dorm floors. Energy star appliances use from 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard appliances and the label produces refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines. The appliances save money and energy, and reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants. Benefits of using Energy Star appliances include lower utility bills, improved quality of the machines, and an enhanced performance.

Since appliances are the cause for nearly 20 percent of a household’s energy use, it is important to consider energy efficient appliances. By placing energy star approved appliances in the dorms, laundry rooms would be much quieter, and both water and energy would be saved. This could result in lower utility bills for the university and could potentially lower tuition costs for students. Also, energy efficient refrigerators and stoves in the kitchens on campus would reduce the amount of energy used. Energy Star efficient products can save up to $80 a year in energy costs when compared to other standard appliances.

Improving dorm life on the campus through the use of energy star appliances would greatly benefit students. No one at the focus group meeting mentioned a complaint about lower tuition bills and a cleaner, quieter living arrangement. “Dorms would be the last thing you would look at,” said Elliot Warren, TGIF intern. “Many students when I lived there didn’t treat it with a lot of respect. The dorms are just abused. They aren’t going to put a lot of money into something that gets treated like that.”