Energy Benchmarking and Efficiency at Community Colleges (EBECC)

The U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) State Energy Program Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (SEP–IIJA) funding supports technical assistance to help states advance their energy initiatives and reduce energy waste. At the state level, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Office of Energy oversees program development and management.

With $1.4 million in USDOE funds administered by the Illinois EPA, IGEN is able to offer a grant opportunity focused on developing, managing, and implementing a comprehensive energy benchmarking program, along with related technical assistance services for Illinois community colleges facing financial constraints.

The program includes College of Lake County, Morton College, Lewis and Clark Community College, Southwestern Illinois Community College, and Shawnee Community College. Through this initiative, participating schools will receive technical assistance to:

• Benchmark energy use
• Plan energy reduction strategies
• Identify and apply best management practices to lower consumption

By analyzing building energy performance, strengthening energy-saving practices, and expanding educational opportunities for students and community members, these colleges will be positioned to extend energy savings across the broader community.