Greenville U Finalist for Sustainability Award

Greenville University is a finalist for the 2018 Illinois Sustainability Award, the nation’s longest-running state award for excellence in environmental performance.

Illinois Sustainability Awardees are committed to reducing environmental impact. They contribute to the growth of a more sustainable economy in Illinois. By prioritizing sustainability throughout their operations, programs, technology, products and company culture, they serve as models within their industries and communities.

G.U.’s selection was based on a narrative G.U. submitted, documenting its implementation of two phases of The Greenville University Revolving Green Action Project.

The project aims to reduce energy consumption and create a sustainable fund for future energy efficiency and green initiative projects. G.U.’s submission for the 2018 award focused on replacement lighting in H.J. Long Gymnasium and the Crum Recreation Center. 

1. Phase one: replace incandescent with energy efficient LED – G.U. replaced all of the existing incandescent bulbs and 5,000 32-watt 4’ bulbs in the targeted areas.
2. Phase two: fund future green projects – G.U. created a protected account designated for future revolving green projects and a method for funneling savings into it.

Replacement lighting resulted in 33 percent wattage reduction in the gymnasium and 55 percent wattage reduction in the Rec Center. At the same time, both facilities realized increased lighting. In the case of the Rec Center, the new fixtures provide almost four times the amount of previous lighting.

The combined savings translates into $10,619 annually in energy consumption and maintenance savings. This amount will be added to the revolving green fund.

Investing in energy-efficient infrastructure and pursuing an Illinois Sustainability Award is part of Greenville University’s five-year (2018-2023) strategic plan.

Greenville University is an accredited Christian liberal arts university with more than 1,200 traditional undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree completion students. Founded in 1892 and affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, the University is located in Greenville. For more information visit www.greenville.edu.