Illinois Green Economy Network
College of Lake County, Grayslake
Grayslake, IL
Intern: Brock Auerbach-Lynn
Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago
The Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN) is a partnership of all
48 community colleges in Illinois. The main focus of IGEN is working
with businesses and local communities to grow a green workforce and
provide employment opportunities in the energy conservation and green
technology sectors.
The intern was tasked with assisting in the development of an energy
conservation campaign that would help college campuses meet energy
conservation goals through behavior changes among students, faculty,
and staff.
Results:
The intern made the following recommendations:
- Develop a pilot campaign involving 3-5 campuses that would be
administered over a 6-month period
- During the first three months of the project, build institutional
support and create tools to support the implementation phase.
- Meet with department heads to explain the project and provide an
opportunity for input.
- Focus on buildings/floors that are sub-metered and where individuals
have a physical tie to the space and can therefore be incentivized to
change their behavior (e.g. college administration offices rather than
lecture rooms)
- Form energy teams and student volunteer corps to conduct monitoring,
communications and other engagement techniques to provide support for
the program.
- Provide participants with education about how electricity is measured,
how much their devices use and where the waste is so that everyone
understands the fundamentals.
- Provide energy conservation equipment to the teams, such as smart
strips for computers, equipment timers and vending misers. Identify
de-lamping opportunities.
- Analyze results and provide feedback and information on program results
to participants.
- Recognize success and identify opportunities to expand the program.
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