How Energy is Consumed at WPI WPI uses energy for heating buildings, lighting, restrooms, cooking, transportation, landscaping, etc. The energy is obtained in a variety of ways, including from natural gases, nuclear fusion, coal, oil, municipal trash, hydroelectric, and wind. WPI’s Energy Research Group WPI students and faculty collectively work on common research topics including fuel cells, batteries, photovoltaics, catalysis, biomass, and electric power systems. Ways WPI is Reducing its Energy Consumption In the past couple years WPI has installed, and continues to install, products that use less energy as well as help the WPI community use less energy. For example, motion-sensored lighting is prevalent in many academic buildings on campus, especially restrooms. WPI continues to make sustainable switches to reduce energy consumption such as low-flow shower heads in residence halls and LEED lighting. Green Revolving Fund A budget for sustainable projects and renovations on WPI campus. Cost savings from sustainable switches and additions are recycled back into the fund. For example, the switch to low-flow shower heads in the residence halls and LEED lighting reduced WPI’s electricity expenditure. The yearly cost reduction cycles back into the fund to maintain a balance for future sustainable energy projects. WPI Sustainable Energy Project Center The purpose of this project center is to coordinate and support undergraduate student project work in all aspects of energy as well as across all areas of academic inquiry at WPI. It includes consideration of projects on the WPI campus as well as projects off-campus in collaboration with external organizations. After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, involvement with the project center is expected for fall of 2021. Some Projects Related to Energy Sustainability