At Harper, it appears that efforts to promote sustainability have stagnated in recent years. The Sustainability Manager Position for Harper College has remained vacant for several years now while almost all community colleges in the area have installed solar panels already (Oakton Community College, College of Lake County, Elgin Community College, McHenry Community College) or are in the process of installing them (College of DuPage). Certainly, the Harper Net Zero Plan is outdated and the need for immediate action is critical.

Harper Net Zero Plan

It is essential that greater efforts be made to advance sustainability so that future Harper students can live in a more peaceful world, breaking free from environmental injustices and growing concerns about the climate crisis. The consequences of inaction are dire, affecting not only our generation but also the generations to come. As students, we will soon inherit this planet, and it is our duty to act as responsible stewards of its future and invest in renewable energy. 

Sign this petition and show Harper’s administration that we need solar panels FUNDED BY GRANTS and small sustainability fees for students, not taxpayers, and won’t let them delay the climate action that’s needed now. Together, we can hold them accountable and make Harper a beacon of sustainability for the future. Let’s build a world that values justice, equity, and the well-being of our planet— because the time for change is right now. 

Your support can make all the difference. Thank you for taking the time to read this. We must keep pushing for a better world, and we need your voice and action to help turn the tide. Together, we can build a future where sustainability and justice are at the heart of our community. 

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Here is some additional information to learn more about the benefits of solar at Harper:

1. Environmental Responsibility: Solar energy is a renewable source of power that has a significant role in lowering greenhouse gasses and mitigating climate change which are essential for the protection of ecosystems, wildlife, and humans. Solar energy can also reduce water usage and improve air quality. By installing them on our campus, we can set an example for our community and other colleges, as well as help position Illinois to reach its goal of 100% clean energy by 2050. 

Illinois Department of Natural Resources- INDR Climate Action Plan​

Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act​

Illinois Shines​

Rise Up Midwest- Climate and Equitable Jobs Act

2. Financial Benefits: Solar energy can result in long-term cost savings for our college. The initial investment in solar panels will eventually pay off through reduced energy bills, providing more resources for academic and extracurricular activities. There are also plenty of grants available, and other community colleges like the in Elgin have already received them. According to Google Project Sunroof, Harper College is a very ideal location for solar panels, with the capacity to generate electricity to cover most campus energy needs. The solar panels would pay themselves off in ten years or less.

Google Project Sunroof- Harper Library Building Solar Panel Estimate​

NREL Helps Universities Go Solar​

Elgin Community College Receives $39K Solar Grant​

Illinois Climate and Equitable Act- Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program 

3. Educational Opportunities: Solar panels can serve as a practical learning tool for students in various disciplines, such as engineering, environmental science, and solar panel installation. They can help enhance our curriculum and give students hands-on experience in sustainable technology.

Solar Programs at Harper College​

Green Energy Courses at Harper College

4. Community Involvement/Empowerment: Engaging the community in this initiative can foster a sense of pride in our community college, strengthening our bonds with local residents and businesses. Other public spaces in Illinois, including District 39 schools and the Indian Trails Library in Wheeling have already installed solar panels with the help of incentives and grants. Over 425 major city-owned buildings and institutions in Chicago will be powered by electricity generated by a downstate solar farm by 2025 as well. The installation of solar panels at Harper may cause a ripple effect, encouraging other community colleges, organizations, and homeowners to do the same. This could be very impactful and decrease carbon emissions across Illinois, which could help combat climate change.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory- Solar Decision Support for Universities​

Daily Herald- Indian Trails Library solar panels go online​

District 39 Awarded a Grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation​

City of Chicago- Mayor Lightfoot Announces Agreement to Purchase 100% Clean, Renewable Energy Starting in 2025

We would like to petition within our student body and community to demonstrate our collective support for this endeavor. Many of our classmates have expressed interest and are in favor of this initiative. By gathering signatures from fellow students and members of our fellow community who share our concerns about the environment and the need for sustainability, we will demonstrate a stronger commitment towards making positive change.

Thank you again for your time and support of this petition.

Together, we can lead the way towards a greener and more sustainable future for our campus!!! Please spread the word.