University of Illinois Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment

06/03/2026

The Illinois Climate Action Plan has had a measurable impact on campus, reducing energy use, utility costs, and carbon emissions! Under , the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will continue to conserve energy, improve efficiency, and expand renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and geothermal. These efforts are key to achieving our commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050. ☀️🌱

🔷🔸 Explore the full five-year plan: go.illinois.edu/icap

Facilities & Services | University of Illinois College of ACES

06/02/2026

iSEE is teaming up with the University of Illinois College of ACES on a three-year project to establish plants along a natural drainage area running through the South Farms, to improve soil and water quality. 🌱
🌿 The land isn't suitable for growing crops, and these deep-rooted native can reduce erosion and fertilizer runoff by absorbing excess nutrients. They also add helpful organic matter to the soil and support ! 🐝
Research agronomist Darin Joos of Illinois Crop Sciences oversaw the planting this spring.

06/02/2026

05/28/2026

🌿 Register now for our latest Biomass Webinar Series, beginning July 9!

Explore how perennial crops and supply chains can support sustainable manufacturing, solutions, resilient agriculture, and development. Expert speakers will offer practical insights on profitable perennials, conservation and precision , miscanthus markets, fuels diversification, and more!

This series is open to academics, ag professionals, farmers, and sustainability leaders. All webinars will be held from noon to 12:30 p.m. Thursdays, July 9 to Aug. 6.

➡️ Register: https://loom.ly/iC5F-kE

Visit the Biomass Innovation Hub website for a full list of speakers!
🔗 https://loom.ly/lSh6SzM

University of Illinois College of ACES | Pheasants Forever | Hertz Farm Management, Inc. | Sunflower Fuels | Iowa State University Department of Agronomy | University of Iowa Facilities Management

05/27/2026

Last week, students from iSEE’s Environmental Leadership Program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign traveled to Washington, D.C. to explore how environmental policy moves from ideas to action. ♻️🏛️

Over the course of the week, they met with organizations working across research, advocacy, government, media, and clean energy, including Food & Water Watch, Resources for the Future, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NRDC, Sol Systems LLC, Environmental Defense Fund, and POLITICO, to learn how environmental decisions are shaped at every level.

They also had the opportunity to meet with federal legislators to advocate for policy priorities and better understand the role of public service in advancing environmental change, including Senator Tammy Duckworth, Senator Dick Durbin, and Representatives Mike Quigley and Danny Davis, as well as staff representing Senator Alex Padilla, Representative Jan Schakowsky, Congressman Brad Schneider, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, Congresswoman Mary Miller, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Rep. Joaquin Castro.

Beyond meetings and policy discussions, students explored D.C. together through a Capitol tour, visits around the city, and group dinners.

Thanks to everyone who shared their time, perspectives, and expertise. Experiences like these help students see what is possible when science, communication, and policy come together! 🌎✨

05/08/2026

Wishing you and all the moms you love a Mother's Day as beautiful as this precious Earth we share. 🌍💚

05/05/2026

Take a pledge to make an impact! 🌍💚

Big change starts with small, everyday choices, and the 2026 Illinois Climate Action Plan is all about turning those choices into action. 🦋

💧 Drink out of a reusable water bottle
💡 Turn off lights & unplug when not in use
🚲 Walk or ride your bike
✏️ Volunteer for a sustainable cause
♻️ Use reusable bags

What will you pledge? 🌱 Check out the iCAP to see how you can get involved! 🔶 https://loom.ly/vvuoEEc



Facilities & Services | Student Sustainability Leadership Council | Student Sustainability Committee

04/30/2026

Earth Month 2026 was a big one for sustainability at Illinois! 🌎

On Earth Day, we celebrated the launch of the 2026 Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP), a roadmap that will guide campus sustainability efforts into the future! ♻️✍️ (Check out the iCAP here: isee.illinois.edu/icap/)

Throughout April, the Illinois community showed up for events like the campus trash cleanups, Illini Lights Out, Sustainapalooza, the Green Globes, and Earth Day activities on the Quad. 💡☀️

Thanks to everyone who took part and helped make a greener campus. Let’s keep it going!🌱

04/29/2026

Congratulations to this year’s Green Globes recipients! 🌿🏆

In collaboration with Student Sustainability Leadership Council, we recognize student groups leading the way in sustainability, from reducing waste to protecting pollinators and building more sustainable communities at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ♻️

We’re proud to celebrate their efforts and the impact they’re making across campus. 💚🌎

Student Sustainability Committee | Students for Environmental Concerns UIUC - SECS | Project 4 Less | Engineers Without Borders UIUC

04/28/2026

Join Illinois students in imagining a more future! 🌎

📖 Visit the University of Illinois Archives to see artwork inspired by the "Climaginaries" platform's "Carbon Ruins" exhibition, which takes visitors into a future society that no longer uses fossil fuels.

❇️ The Illinois exhibit features objects curated and created by students in the Spring 2026 Multimedia Environmental Communications Class (ESE/ENGL 467) taught by Leah Becker, which is part of iSEE's Certificate in Environmental Writing. ✍️

🎨 Students were asked to create objects they hoped would be extinct or less ubiquitous by 2050, and objects they hoped would be invented or more widely used by 2050 — all in the name of improving protection and .

♻️ From the extinction of single-use and styrofoam to the creation of -farm satellites, these "climagineries" will inspire you to consider how you can participate in the sustainable revolution!

University Library at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Illinois English | SESE | University of Illinois