The GreenHouse Effect

Buildings in the U.S. are responsible for 71% of electricity use, 65% of waste output and 12% of water use. It also happens to be where we spend 90% of our time.  Landlords and rental agencies in the Madison area that provide housing for students have little incentive to increase the efficiency of their units, which would reduce the electricity, gas and water usage.  While few of us have the financial resources to upgrade our own residences, we as students shouldn't have to live in housing that increases the size of our environmental footprint. 

So, we need your help in moving towards an alternative.  If students voice that green housing is more desirable, landlords will follow suit.  This is a win-win-win: landlords, tenants, and the environment all stand to gain a great deal.  This petition's purpose is to gather momentum in pushing Madison landlords and realtors to provide more eco-friendly student housing.  This will be done by installing energy and water efficient housing upgrades including but not limited to energy efficient lighting, low-flow showerheads, energy star appliances, sink aerators, and using MG&E's Green Power program.   By signing, your collective names will be used as a bargaining chip in demonstrating the need and desire for affordable green housing in Madison, Wisconsin.  We will be approaching landlords in late April, using this petition as physical evidence that the demand for greener housing has arrived.  Thanks!

For more information, email Joe at silberschmid@wisc.edu