This empirical study examined the effect of placing energy saving stickers on light switches in student residence halls at Anderson University. Stickers were placed in some buildings but not others to serve as controls. Results showed that buildings with stickers saw a 12.7% decrease in energy usage and 7.1% decrease in costs compared to the previous year. Buildings without stickers saw a 28.8% increase in usage and 29.8% increase in costs. Overall, simply placing the stickers led to an estimated savings of $244.60.

1. Empirical Study of a Passive
Energy Saving Method
Patrick Nogueira

2. Purpose:
• To create awareness within the University
about how important it is to save energy
• To influence change in students’ habits and
motivate them to save energy

3. Target:
• Anderson University Students
• Students’ Residence Halls as the main focus

4. The Project
• January – distribution of stickers
– Total of 1050 stickers placed on light switches
• February – month tested
– Measure efficiency and effectiveness
• March – collection and analysis of results
• Mr. Dennis Mckee, director of the
Engineering Department

5. Buildings measured:
• Stringer Commons (control groups)
• The Village Stringer
Building
Sticker
A No
B Yes
C No
D Yes
E Yes

6. 2009 2008
February February
214.18$ 259.73$ (45.55)$
284.98$ 260.20$ 24.78$
280.68$ 345.74$ (65.06)$
2,908.95$ 2,953.49$ (44.54)$
3,688.79$ 3,819.16$ (130.37)$
Village
Total
Total Difference in $
DORMS WITH STICKERS
Costs in $
Stringer B
Stringer D
Stringer E

7. 2009 2008
February February
292.28$ 260.68$ 31.60$
256.37$ 173.74$ 82.63$
548.65$ 434.42$ 114.23$Total
Total Difference in $
DORMS WITHOUT STICKERS
Costs in $
Stringer A
Stringer C

8. 2009 2008
February February
2,254 2,948 (694)
3,096 2,954 142
3,045 3,991 (946)
Total 8,395 9,893 (1,498)
3,183 2,960 223
2,626 1,749 877
Total 5,809 4,709 1,100
Stringer A
Stringer C
DORMS WITHOUT STICKERS
DORMS WITH STICKERS
Usage in P-KWH
Total Difference in
P-KWH
Stringer B
Stringer D
Stringer E

9. February January February January
2,254 1,800 2,948 1,941
3,096 2,305 2,954 2,083
3,045 2,194 3,991 2,719
40,901 28,302 44,675 27,437
49,296 34,601 54,568 34,180
Total E
Village
Total
Differences
42% increase in 2009
from january to
60% increase in 2008
from january to february
DORMS WITH STICKERS
Usage in P-KWH
2009 2008
Total B
Total D

10. Results
•Stickers
•Energy usage decreased by 12.7%
•Energy cost decreased by 7.1% = 130.47 dollars
•No Stickers
•Energy usage increased by 28.8%
•Energy cost increased by 29.8% = 114.23 dollars
•Total difference in dollars just by putting the stickers = 244.60