Rend Lake College completes energy-efficient Student Center renovations

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

INA, Ill., (KBSI) — Rend Lake College has completed renovations to its Student Center through a project aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing heating and cooling costs.

The Student Center Efficiency Project included removing the existing 2,490-square-foot window system on the north side of the building and replacing it with a 985-square-foot curtain wall. New energy-efficient double doors were also installed.

College officials said reducing the amount of glass will lower the building’s heat load, improve comfort and provide long-term energy savings.

“By reducing the amount of glass while using modern, high-performance materials, these improvements will make the building more comfortable for students, faculty, staff and visitors, lower heating and cooling costs, and improve the college’s overall energy efficiency,” said Lynne French, assistant director of facilities management and campus operations.

The project was partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Green Economy Network, a consortium representing all 39 Illinois community college districts.

“IGEN has been an invaluable partner to Rend Lake College by providing not only funding opportunities, but also technical guidance and resources that help colleges complete meaningful projects like this one,” French said.