Register for 'Shut the Sash' competition
From: Division of Facilities
The Division of Facilities Office of Energy Management, encourages students, faculty, staff, and researchers at Virginia Tech to engage in sustainable lab practices through the “Shut the Sash” competition. The program reminds fume hood users to close the fume hood sashes, when not in use, to conserve energy and maintain laboratory safety.
When a fume hood is left open, it can consume as much energy as 3.5 houses in the United States. It also jeopardizes the integrity of the lab's ventilation system, putting occupants at risk.
The spring 2026 "Shut the Sash" competition will be open to students, faculty, and staff in 10 academic and laboratory buildings across campus. The competition will open on Feb. 10 and run until April 10. Occupants in the following buildings will have the opportunity to register themselves or their lab to participate in the competition:
- Fralin Hall
- Goodwin Hall
- Holden Hall
- Human and Agricultural Biosciences Building 1
- ICTAS II
- Latham Hall
- Steger Hall
Upon registration, the lab’s fume hoods will be remotely monitored using Virginia Tech's Building Automation Systems. The objectives that will be monitored are:
- Amount of energy saved
- Lowest average sash position
- Improvements over the eight weeks
Register today for a chance to win the raffle and/or grand prize.
For more information, please contact the Office of Energy Management at energymanagement-g@vt.edu or call (540) 231-7834.