Research is currently underway by two students to determine the extent to which it is possible to reduce this water usage. The Upper Campus of Rensselaer, where there are several residence halls including Married Student housing is an important part of the equation for Rensselaer water use. Water conservation in these buildings should ideally be carried out by student residents of these buildings. The water conservation initiative is finding that simple reminders and consciousness raising about the issue will be successful at lowering water usage in residence halls. It has been determined that translation of promotional materials should be done in at least Spanish and Chinese, and as the program grows perhaps more languages.
Several projects are underway in residence halls and recreational buildings.
A comparison of water use between two dorms in underway, conducted by two students and publicized with the help of the Water Coordinator. The information gained from these studies will be used to locate the sources of the greatest water use, as well as to determine break-downs for per capita water use, and purpose. The promotional campaign for the academic buildings will extend to the residence halls and recreational facilities. Extensive and effective materials will be used. In order to accomplish this, several pilot projects are in the planning stages, for implementation by student research projects in the spring semester.