Throughout the past year, additional bicycle racks have been installed south of the B Building and beneath the north overhang of the Classroom Building to encourage biking to campus. An electric vehicle, which does not use any gasoline, also was purchased for use by facilities management. In addition to saving on fuel costs, this vehicle leaves no emissions.

During the fall, 22 motion sensors were installed in restrooms on campus, mostly in the Classroom Building. These motion sensors are designed to save energy by only activating the lights when motion is detected in the room. The installed cost of these motion sensors was $6,954. However, the University recently received an "incentive rebate" from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in the amount of $1,219, which recouped nearly 18 percent of the cost.

In addition to changes, the Green Fee Committee also plans to implement green projects on NEIU's satellite campuses.

"The Committee may consider installing motion sensors at CCICS (Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies) in the future since students there are also paying green fees," said Ellen Larrimore, a member of the Green Fee Committee. "The project would most likely be able to receive an additional rebate."

Other projects under consideration by the Green Fee Committee include the installation of photovoltaic solar panels, more motion sensor light switches, a battery powered Segway for use by the University Police, rain catchments, roof gardens, solar light posts, additional electric vehicles, and a solar hot water system to heat the water in the pool and showers in the Physical Education Complex.

Additionally, the University is exploring the possibility of conducting an energy audit to identify more ways to save energy. This comprehensive assessment would aid in the development of a model for future energy use on campus and would be compared to current power use. This comparison would provide a clear indication of the potential for overall energy and financial savings.