ATHENS, Ohio -- The second annual Energy Conservation Residence Challenge will pit Ohio University's 41 residence halls against each other to see which one can conserve the most energy.

The goal is to have a 25 percent improvement from the base year of water and energy use. Rewards for the top conservers include Ohio-Miami football tickets and a portion of the energy-cost savings to the top nine finishers for hall recreation such as pool tables or parties. Last year's first place finisher, Reed Hall on East Green, received $1,346.

Starting Sept. 23, the eight-week challenge is part of the university's Campus Renewal project effort to teach students the importance of energy efficiency and conservation. Each year the university spends about $11 million on utilities such as water and electricity. Energy and water costs were reduced a total of $76,000 during last year's Residence Challenge.