It has been widely observed that humans have been living unsustainably, as evidenced by our ever-increasing consumption of natural resources including fossil fuels and alarming emissions of greenhouse gas. In order for the Earth to continuously support human lives, we need to achieve sustainability for the global social, economic and environmental systems that meet “the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” To accomplish the global sustainability, we must develop policies and technologies which embrace a diverse range of energy solutions especially renewable energy.
Renewable energy offers great potential for the world to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, which can lead to cleaner environment, better preservation of natural resources and more economic opportunities to the communities. The construction of a new Renewable Energy Center (REC) at EIU exemplifies the institution’s leadership and commitment to a sustainable energy practice. The new energy center will afford students the first-hand opportunity to learn how renewable energy is utilized to support the needs of a campus or community.
In order to fully integrate student learning with opportunities brought with the Renewable Energy Center (REC), a cohesive interdisciplinary research and educational effort is needed across the entire campus. To this goal, Eastern Illinois University has established the Center for Clean Energy Research and Education (CENCERE).
The following lists the major stake holders of CENCERE:
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Academic Schools/Departments
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Students and Student Organizations
