In 2006, the Green Team created the Environmental Stewardship Award. The goal of this annual award is to recognize campus groups and departments that are helping to further the Green Team’s mission. Research projects, ongoing environmental education programs, individual efforts, and innovative program implementation are just a few of the efforts that are acceptable for recognition. Recipients of the Environmental Stewardship Award are given public recognition at Founder's Day and Earth Day and are awarded a plaque to be placed in the Bone Student Center. Additionally, recipients receive a $500 award to be used toward future environmental initiatives at Illinois State University.
The 2007 recipient of the Environmental Stewardship Award is the Illinois State University Wind Team. Formed in 2002, it is comprised of Randy Winter, Department of Agriculture; David Loomis, Department of Economics; and David Kennell, Department of Technology. The Wind Team has secured a “$1 million” grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and a $500,000 grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation to support a variety of initiatives that promote environmental stewardship, education and outreach at Illinois State University, within the community and across the state.
In recognition of the growing need for alternative energy sources to support economic growth, to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, to diversify our sources of energy, and to reduce the impact of energy production on the environment, the Wind Team created a new undergraduate major in renewable energy. To help develop the program, the team established an industry advisory board to ensure that the program meets the work force needs of the renewable energy industry. The program is believed be the first undergraduate major of its kind in the U.S. and the development of the program has attracted national attention.
The team has also created the Center for Renewable Energy at Illinois State University. The Center has been approved by the Illinois State University Board of Trustees and the proposal is under review by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. The Center will promote applied research in renewable energy at Illinois State University and collaboration with other universities and research organizations.
In addition to their efforts on campus, the Wind Team has established and provides leadership for the Illinois Wind Working Group. The group is comprised of over fifty members representing a wide range of business interests impacted by wind energy development as well as individuals, university representatives, and representatives of other state agencies who support wind energy in Illinois.
The Recycling Program of University Housing Services was the recipient of the 2006 Environmental Stewardship Award. Their exceptional efforts in the programming and education of on-campus students regarding recycling and environmental concerns are exemplary.
Green Team Chairperson, Chuck Scott (left) presents UHS Recycling representative Donald Reed (right) with thte 2006 Environmental Stewardship Award.
