University President Killeen and Champaign Mayor Feinen will join ceremony at facility which already includes U of I’s first “green” housing option
An on-campus foundation which serves U of I students, Presbyterian worshipers and members of the local community is the latest Champaign-Urbana facility turning to renewable energy to build a more sustainable environment and cut utility costs.
Leaders of the McKinley Foundation will formally unveil their new rooftop solar array during a ceremony on Tuesday, June 27 at 10:00 A.M.
University President Timothy Killeen and Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen, will participate in the ceremony.
The new array includes 68 separate panels that will offset more than 19.5 tons of carbon each year. The McKinley Foundation has long been a leader in environmental stewardship. Presby Hall, which is located at the Foundation and which houses more than 200 students, was the first certified “green” residence option for U of I students, earning LEED Gold Certification when it was built in 2008.
Recently enacted legislation in Illinois, the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), will encourage more houses of worship, non-profit and educational institutions in Illinois to make the switch to solar energy. The new law went into effect June 1.
The project was the result of discussions held by the McKinley Foundation and Faith in Place, a statewide interfaith group that engages with religious congregations on environmental issues.
WHO: University President Killeen, Champaign Mayor Feinen, leaders of the McKinley Foundation, Faith in Place
WHAT: Ceremony to unveil new solar array
WHERE: McKinley Presbyterian Foundation, 5th and Daniel St. Champaign
WHEN: Tuesday, June 27, 10:00 A.M.