The Energy Conservation Incentive Program (ECIP) provides awards to campus buildings which demonstrate the greatest percentage of energy savings over the previous fiscal year. University-owned buildings of 10,000 square feet or more on the Urbana- Champaign campus are automatically entered in the program each year. Previously winning buildings are eligible to win again, and there are often repeat winners.
Buildings compete in one of two categories: occupant action and energy advancement. Four winners are chosen from each category. Occupant Action includes things building users can do themselves to collectively reduce energy use, such as turning off lights when they leave a room. Energy Advancement includes energy conservation improvements to the building itself, such as optimizing heating and air conditioning systems and controls.
Winners are announced in October each year, and awards are presented at the annual Campus Sustainability Celebration.