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Sustainability
Lamps light up the sidewalks on the quad.

Energy

Illinois State is reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions across the University. We do this through energy conservation projects, our daily operations, outreach, and academic programs.

Our office provides guidance on environmental, economic, and social responsibility across campus. The Office of Energy Management procures the energy and resources to make sure we're being environmentally and fiscally responsible.

Energy at Illinois State

We're conserving energy across campus and taking action to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Our energy sources are teaching tools. Students and faculty can evaluate our consumptions and areas for improvements.

Our future is renewable energy.

We're actively pursing renewable energy sources to power our campus, including solar and wind with opportunities for onsite generation. This means we create the energy and use the energy.

Students sit at a solar picnic table.
A solar panel sits on top of a wooden trellis.
Five students stand around the Twin Groves Wind Farm sign.
Students demonstrate how a solar panel and a wind turbine work.

Conservation Strategies

  • Metering on Major Buildings

    We have recently installed steam, chilled water and electricity meters on our major buildings. We use this information to compare buildings to each other and EPA Energy Star standards. We also analyze trends and patterns to determine which buildings require attention to get them operating as designed in a comfortable and efficient manner.

  • LED Lighting

    Lights on campus consume a significant portion of the electricity. ISU has been upgrading to LED lights throughout the campus either as part of location remodels or as a stand alone projects when energy cost and maintenance costs justify the upgrades. In many cases lighting controls are also upgraded to take advantage of natural light and occupancy sensing. Some prominent examples of upgrades include the lights on the quad and the Main Street pedestrian underpasses.

  • Solar

    We're working to add more solar panels around campus to lessen our dependence on fossil fuel. Our current solar panels on campus serve as research and educational tools for renewable energy majors. They are located at:

    Horticulture Center

    Type: Demonstration hybrid 1kW wind/1 kW Solar grid-tie

    Turner Hall

    Type: Photovoltaic panels

    You can also find solar picnic tables around campus to sit and charge your devices.

Get Involved with Renewable Energy

Make renewable energy part of your future career.

There are lots of words associated with sustainability.

Learn what they all mean

View the Data

See how much energy we're using around campus.

  • -21.4%

    ISU tons of C02 from gas from 2008

  • -37.1%

    ISU Tons of CO2 from Electricity from 2008

  • -30.8%

    ISU Total Tons of CO2 (Carbon Footprint) from 2008


Download our energy consumption report

We’ve reduced our carbon footprint by 32 percent since 2008.

Reduce Your Energy Consumption

Here's how you can play an important role in conserving energy.

  • Use LED lightbulbs.

    These lightbulbs use less energy than traditional bulbs. They also last longer and help reduce your electric bill.

  • Power off and unplug.

    Turn off your lights when you're not home or in a specific room. Unplug your electronics when you're not using them.

  • Adjust the temperature.

    When you're not home, adjust your heat or air conditioning so it's not running as often.

  • Close windows and doors during extreme temperatures.

    Heating and cooling systems require more energy when outside air comes in through open windows and doors.

See It in Action

Take a tour or schedule a presentation to see all our energy conservation improvements.

Contact the Office of Energy Management to learn more