“From fiscal years 2002 to 2006 the Urbana-Champaign campus of the University of Illinois realized an increase in utility costs of approximately 150%. The adverse financial impact was exacerbated by new or deepening cost pressures in nearly every area of campus operation. Spiraling energy costs in that period were a result of world-wide demand for energy; increasingly volatile fuel costs; and to a lesser extent, growth in the campus plant. There are no signs those trends will abate. Our ability to control utility costs in the future lies largely in our ability - and willingness - to reduce our consumption. There is no realistic alternative to stem the spiraling cost that diminishes the funding of our primary missions.”  ~ Richard H. Herman, Chancellor

In this context, the campus implements this energy policy that is fiscally, environmentally, and socially responsible. In the short-term (until 2012), this policy will aggressively reduce our energy consumption and improve energy efficiency. In the long-term, it will proactively increase our use of renewable energy to power our campus. In doing so, we will reduce our energy costs and reduce air emissions, including greenhouse gases.