In recent years, Rice has taken many steps to control its overall energy consumption. One such efficiency measure of the university is to enforce front loading washing machine in residential colleges. The Director of Sustainability Richard Johnson said that the new machines consumes just half the energy and a fraction of water when compared to conventional top loading washing machines. It is been reported that these machines were introduced to Rice three years ago starting with the masters’ houses.

Mark Godard conducted a study and concluded that if the campus switches to front loading washing machine, it would save approximately about $17000 in utility cost each year. A single washing machines can save up to $200-$300 per unit and 30,000 to 40,000 gallons of water annually said Mr.Johnson. He also added that when it came to replace the unit in the Martel College, the apparent choice was front loading washing machine.