I know you were wondering, just how did the U of M do it?? Well, here's part of the answer:

With the help of Energy Management, the U conducted a lighting retrofit of eight residence halls, replacing over 7,400 inefficient fixtures with high-efficiency bulbs.

"The lighting retrofit has improved the quality of light provided in the students’ living spaces, study areas, common areas and dining facilities, while saving money and reducing the University’s carbon footprint. The project cost was $404,000, with a payback of 2.6 years. The University will receive a $142,772 rebate from Xcel Energy for the improvements and save about $100,000 annually."

The U of M continues to win national accolades in sustainability and energy-efficiency. See?

"The University of Minnesota's Donhowe Building, located at the corner of 15th and University Avenues, is the first campus building to be rated as an ENERGY STAR Building by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)."

Not yet impressed? Read the full article and have your mind blown!

(On second though, maybe that's a little over-exaggeration, huh?)