Our goal: 100 campuses going 100 percent renewable

Clean energy is coming to more of America's college and universities.

Clean energy is coming to more of America’s college and universities.

On Jan. 31, Environment Illinois Research & Education Center launched a campaign to persuade colleges to commit to meeting 100 percent of their energy needs with renewable sources. We’re starting out on 50 campuses in 15 states, with a goal of getting 100 campuses to commit to 100 percent renewable energy by June 2020. More than 950 faculty and campus leaders have signed a statement supporting the campaign.

“Students have organized and mobilized for decades to create the world we want to live in,” said Bronte Payne, director of our national network’s 100% Renewable Campuses campaign. “By shifting to 100 percent renewable energy, colleges and universities can lead the way to a cleaner, healthier future for the whole country.”

Our team is building on our recent successes in winning renewable energy commitments from Boston University, Cornell University and the University of California system.

Read more here.

Photo: Students have been at the forefront of social change for decades, and college campuses are perfectly positioned to lead the way to a renewable energy future. Credit: Giselle Turner