Students and visitors in the ECEB lobby have learned about energy efficiency through the Student Sustainability Committee-funded touch-screen energy display since Engineering Open House 2021. Two kiosks present ways to reduce energy use and encourage visitors to commit to one or more of these. In return, their names are entered into a random drawing to receive a solar phone charger. Names are selected for Earth Day in April and Energy Efficiency Day in October.

On the wall behind the kiosks a large touch screen displays a dashboard showing ECEB’s energy use and production in real time, energy efficiencies incorporated into the building design, and drone pictures of the ECEB solar array. A poster above the screen celebrates ECEB achieving net-zero energy.

I had a Q&A with Autumn and her writing talents shine in her responses to the following questions about interaction with and growing awareness of concepts of sustainability:

Q: How were you first exposed to concepts of sustainability?

A: I was first exposed to sustainability in grammar school, starting in third grade. Every year after that, a group from ComEd would visit our classrooms to teach us about energy efficiency. They always brought Super Saver energy kits and walked us through short questionnaires asking things like: how long were our showers, did we leave the water running while brushing our teeth, how often did we travel and by what means. Based on our answers, we’d get an estimate of our yearly carbon footprint. The kits included tools to help us reduce our impact—like 5-minute shower timers, energy-efficient shower heads and faucet covers, and LED lightbulbs. It made me think about how even small habits could make a big difference.

Q: What are some sustainability practices you have implemented into your daily activities?

A: I always make sure to turn the water off while brushing my teeth—something that stuck with me from early lessons in conservation. On campus, I walk to class as much as possible, only taking the bus when the weather’s too cold and rarely using Uber. I bring reusable bags when grocery shopping, turn off lights when they’re not needed, and usually opt to open the blinds for natural light instead of relying on electricity. These small habits have become part of my routine and help me stay mindful of my impact.

Q: Has sustainability influenced your decision making?  If so, how?

A: Yes, it definitely has—because I genuinely worry about our planet and what our future living environment will look like, not just for us, but for the animals we share it with. Sustainability has helped me resist the temptation of overconsumption. When shopping, especially for food, I focus more on fresh produce and only buying what I actually need. I’ve also become more comfortable with shopping secondhand rather than always opting for something new. Even small actions—like walking a bit further to find a recycling bin—feel natural to me now, because it’s been instilled in me to care about how my choices affect the world around me.

Q: What is a rooted belief you hold about sustainability?

A: I believe that sustainability is a shared responsibility—something we all have to take part in, even through the smallest actions. I also believe it’s about care. Care for the planet, care for people, and care for the future. Sustainability isn’t just about preserving resources; it’s about creating a world where both humans and animals can thrive. It starts with awareness, but it’s rooted in empathy and intention.

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Sykes, Power & Energy Office Manager