Kirkland Wins Energy Prize, Receives $500

Kirkland House won the $500 first-place prize this month for achieving the largest energy reduction of any residential house or freshman dormitory during March.

By reducing its electricity consumption almost 12 per cent over the same period last year (February 20-March 20), Kirkland captured the first monthly energy conservation contest, sponsored by the Harvard Energy Group and the Student Assembly.

Winthrop House won second place in the contest, while Currier House placed third; they will receive $300 and $200, respectively.

Eugene J. Arcand, a member of the Harvard Energy Group, said yesterday the total reduction in electricity use would save Harvard over $6000.

Quincy House had the worst energy-saving record of any residential house, while several Freshman dormitories did not reduce their consumption at all.

Evon Z. Vogt, master of Kirkland House, said yesterday the win was due to "exceptional" house spirit.

"When Kirkland House sets out to accomplish something, whether it's winning the Straus Cup or the energy contest, it pulls together in the most extraordinary way," he added.

Kirkland House residents contacted yesterday, however, expressed surprise at the results of the contest. Gwen E. Gorman '81, a member of the Kirkland House Committee, said yesterday, "We didn't expect to win."

Another Kirkland House resident added that many students were skeptical of the concept of an energy contest. "Kirkland's energy savings may be a reflection of how much energy we were wasting in the first place," Sally Atha '80 said.

The Kirkland House Committee will probably use the prize money to give a party which won't use any electricity, Stephen D. King '81, chairman of the committee, said yesterday. "We hope it will 're-generate' interest in conservation, if you'll excuse the pun," he added.

James B. Debello '80, co-chairman of the Harvard Energy Group, said yesterday he is very pleased with the results of the contest. "Our biggest problem will be maintaining student interest next month," he added.