Victoria University student Bethany Paterson organised for Weir House and Te Puni Village to have a power-saving face off.

Two of Victoria University's halls of residence saved enough power over the past two and a half months to power a house for two and a half years.

Weir House and Te Puni Village competed between July 19 and October 9 to see which residence could save the most power compared to the previous year's usage.

Weir House was declared the victor on Monday, October 19, with a 5.4 per cent decrease.

Te Puni Village had a 3.7 per cent decrease, and both residences saved a combined cost of more than $2000.

Second-year law, ecology and biodiversity student Bethany Paterson organised the competition.

Victoria University environmental manager Andrew Wilks, who helped bring Paterson's idea to life, says it was a pleasure working on the initiative with her.

"It's always exciting when motivated students such as Bethany come to you with ideas like this," he says.

Paterson says the competition got students thinking about their everyday energy habits and also showed how collective action can make a difference.

"It's about developing a mindset around those little everyday decisions that have no significant impact on your day-to-day life, but over time, and en masse, can result in massive energy and cost reductions."

Even the slightest of modifications in behaviour can have a great impact, she says.

"Instead of boiling a litre of water to make a cup of tea, just boil what you need.

"Cut back on daydreaming time in the shower, and open a window instead of using an extractor fan to get the steam out."

Students showed a positive attitude to the competition and used their initiative to reduce power, she says.

They were encouraged to use blankets when cold, turn off lights when not in use, and even to cook their two-minute noodles in bulk instead of in single portions.

Victoria University students' association wellbeing and sustainability officer Rory Lenihan-Ikin says the competition is a great way for first-year students to learn sustainable energy-saving habits before they move into flats.

One senior resident went around on the weekend turning off lights after the students had gone out to town.

Paterson says the heads of the residences have been positive about the competition, which she hopes to roll out to most Victoria University halls next year.

The money saved by the students will be invested back into the two halls through the purchase of communal bikes.

Weir House will get four bikes and Te Puni Village will get two.