Friday, September 23, 2011

University of Kansas students are swapping out inefficient light bulbs as they try to outdo Kansas State University in a contest to save energy.

The cities of Lawrence and Manhattan are in a competition to reduce energy consumption. The city with the highest participation will receive $100,000 for a community energy project.

In Lawrence, most overhead lighting at the University of Kansas has been upgraded, but there are still thousands of task lights and lamps with traditional incandescent bulbs. Now, its Center for Sustainability is joining forces with Overland Park-based Energy Solutions Professionals to update the old lighting with compact fluorescent bulbs.

The initial goal is to replace about 150 bulbs in five residence halls. Jayhawk volunteers were to begin the process Thursday.