North Central opens charging station for electric vehicles

North Central College recently installed its first electric vehicle charging station, making it easier for members of the campus community to own and use electric cars. This new station is part of the college’s ongoing effort to support sustainability values and actions in all aspects of campus life.

The electric vehicle charging station is ready to use and situated on the sidewalk in the Old Main parking lot off Loomis Street. The station can charge two vehicles simultaneously in two adjacent parking spaces. It is free for any North Central College student, faculty or staff members, or approved campus visitors.

“North Central is serious in its efforts to help reduce vehicle emissions,” said Brittany Graham, the college’s sustainability coordinator. North Central already operates two vehicles that use the charging station.

“Encouraging the use of electric vehicles is important. As they become widely used, this has the potential to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and improve air quality around campus. Installing this charging station at the center of campus is a good starting point to get people thinking and purchasing in another direction,” says Graham.

This spring, one of the charging station parking spaces at Old Main will be reserved exclusively for electric vehicles and be limited to three hours per visit. The spaces at Old Main will be clearly marked with signs.

Graham will evaluate the project by gathering data about how often the charging station is being used and how much greenhouse gases have been reduced.

If any campus visitor wants to use the station or wants more information, contact Brittany Graham at bdgraham@noctrl.edu or (630) 637-5623.

North Central College is intentionally choosing to limit its impact on environmental systems. The college’s commitment spans all aspects of the campus, integrating operations and maintenance with curricular and co-curricular sustainability initiatives.

Successful projects include the LEED Silver-certified Residence Hall/Recreation Center, Community Garden, composting projects at the dining halls, Cardinal Red Bike Program, many recycling initiatives and more.

Most notably, the college was included in “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges,” acknowledging North Central as one of the most environmentally responsible colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.