Grinnell students usually are competitive and like to win. But when it comes to energy efficiency, it seems they couldn't care less.

SGA Student Environmental Committee (SEC) has entered Grinnell College in the National Campus Energy Challenge (NCEC) for the month of February, a contest among colleges, universities and high schools from across the country to see which school can most reduce their energy usage in a month. SEC is sponsoring campus-wide events and themed weeks to promote the Energy Challenge and responsible conservation habits.

"There are so many simple things you can do to save energy," said SEC chair Becky Lyons '10.

To promote energy saving, the committee has teamed with Free the Planet (FTP) to host a number of sexually suggestive events. Last week's "Do It In the Dark" Harris Party turned off more lights than typical parties; other weekly themes include "Shower with a Friend" to encourage responsible water use and "Pull It Out" as a reminder to unplug computers, power strips, and other electronics when not in use.

Grinnell frequently enters contests like the NCEC or Recyclemania, which has been held over the past several years, but, despite its reputation as a progressive, environmentally-aware institution, Grinnell rarely wins. Compared to peer institutions such as Oberlin (named the most eco-friendly campus by the Sierra Club), Macalester and Carleton (both of which already utilize wind power), Grinnell has the greatest financial resources, yet continues to lag behind in competitive assessments of environmentalism.

"It's really hard for us to challenge the notion that we're not that environmentally progressive here," said FTP Co-Chair Caitlin Vaughan '10. "If we really want to cut down on our carbon footprint, we need to invest in technology."

The administration is currently making efforts to make the school more environmentally friendly including a wind turbine project by the Board of Trustees and the signing of the Emissions Reduction Proposal by College President Russell Osgood. The school is experimenting with Dorm Environmental Coordinators and the addition of recycling bins in each dorm room in Hannibal Kershaw, Haines, and Langan Halls.

Despite these efforts, Lyons said student apathy proves to be the most difficult problem. "It's hard to get students inspired, to make them recognize all the little ways that energy is wasted," said Lyons. "Icicle lights in the dining hall, or lights left on in academic buildings or the fireplace room after hours [all waste energy]," she said.

Regardless of final standing in the NCEC, Vaughan hopes that the data gathered from the contest can be used to evaluate where Grinnell stands in terms of "green" efforts, and as motivation for future projects.

"I'd consider this contest an unofficial audit, where we are, and maybe what we can do better," she said. "It's kind of a contest against ourselves."