Energy Resources Center, UIC

The Energy Resources Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago provides comprehensive and cutting edge solutions for energy and environmental challenges in the institutional, industrial, and commercial sectors.

Working in the areas of energy efficiency, distributed generation, utilities billing data management, and biofuels and bioenergy we have made distinct progress in energy conservation and production technologies while providing cost-effective solutions through our program implementation, educational outreach, modeling, and technical assistance.

For over thirty years the ERC has made significant contributions to the fields of energy conservation and production technologies. Our work helps to create a cleaner and more sustainable environment.


Currently, the ERC is piloting an after school program designed to encourage students to pursue secondary-education and careers in STEM fields. The ERC is collaborating with high schools in Northern Illinois to provide students additional education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); opportunities for mentorship from STEM professionals; and information about career options relating to these fields.

Once completed, a subset of students who demonstrate enthusiasm to continue the program will be offered a paid practicum over the summer to further their education, and develop and carry out a project that has a positive impact in their neighborhood. The students over the summer will be educated in STEM, energy efficiency, and consumer-facing technologies. The students will use what they learn to gain hands-on experience in engineering and educating community members and will become energy ambassadors among their peers.