The Kansas University men’s basketball team won’t be the only ones ready with a game plan on Jan. 29 when the Jayhawks take on Kansas State University in a Kansas Day showdown.

A group of Lawrence officials met to map out their own offense Friday as part of the Take Charge Challenge. It’s a strategy that includes home energy audits, energy-saving light bulbs and community outreach.

Part of a statewide energy savings program, the Take Charge Challenge pits Lawrence against Manhattan to see which group of residents can save the most energy. The contest is for more than bragging rights. The city that garners the most participation after nine months will receive $100,000 to put toward a community renewable-energy or energy-efficiency project.

It should be no surprise that the Take Charge Challenge kickoff event coincides with the in-state rivalry.

The Jan. 29 kickoff will include a watch party for the KU and K-State men’s basketball game. The event will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Liberty Hall, 644 Mass.

“This is a family-friendly event that is a great way to build community spirit,” said Eileen Horn, who is the sustainability coordinator for Douglas County and the city of Lawrence.

On Friday, a leadership team of about 20 people met at City Hall to discuss how to encourage people to conserve energy and win the contest.

Lawrence Vice Mayor Aron Cromwell said there was some “low-lying fruit” in energy efficiency upgrades that residents can do, such as improving lighting, windows and insulation in homes and businesses.

“Most of us have an understanding of what it is we basically need to do, but to actually achieve it is the concept of this contest. And it presents it in a fun way,” Cromwell said.

Some expressed the need and challenge of reaching college students who live in some of the most inefficient homes in town and the landlords who own the properties.

“That I think is the one thing that could bring about real savings, but it is going to take some extra thought,” said Jeff Weinberg, who is an assistant to the KU chancellor.

The Take Charge Challenge is sponsored through a $25,000 community block grant from the Kansas Energy Office and is coordinated by the Climate and Energy Project.