Why should we care?
Whenever we save energy, we not only save money, we also reduce the demand for fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Less burning of fossil fuels also means lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the primary contributor to global warming, and other pollutants. We must be responsible stewards of the earth's resources to benefit future generations.

Who should care?
All members of the campus community must contribute to energy conservation. Informed faculty, staff, and students know that energy conservation has multiple benefits – saving energy, money, and the environment. Knowledgeable faculty, staff, and students act on their commitment to expand those benefits—to the campus, the community, and the world.

President B. Joseph White:
“We must shift our focus from management of the “demand” side of the equation to slowing the increase in demand for energy, reducing consumption where possible, and changing business and management processes in ways that take energy conservation into account. This focus needs to be both immediate and long-term.”

Chancellor Richard H. Herman:
“…Regardless of our eventual energy procurement or management strategies, the campus will always benefit from reducing consumption. Responsible conservation pays benefits both immediately and for the long term. It is a universally prudent approach to diminish the spiraling costs of energy consumption that reduce funds available for our primary missions…“

University of Illinois Energy Conservation

Why energy conservation?
Energy conservation helps preserve, manage, and care for our resources while protecting our natural environment from change, loss, or damage.