🌞 NIU Adds Off-Grid Solar Charging Benches: A Bright Step Toward Campus Sustainability
Northern Illinois University recently installed four solar-powered, off-grid charging benches around campus — all donated by a renewable-energy seating company, according to northernpublicradio.org . These aren’t just benches; they’re mini power hubs featuring: Eight total charging ports per bench (4 wireless pads + 4 USB plugs) Solar panels with shady overhangs that charge lithium batteries – making the benches fully off-grid . Built-in LED lighting and backlit advertising panels , which help NIU benefit from ad revenue to fund sustainability initiatives wifr.com 💬 What Campus Leaders Say Matt Deitch , program director at NIU’s Sustainability Center, highlighted the power of small innovations: “It seems so simple… but it’s really innovative. Why don’t we have these at every college campus?” said Matt Deitch He added that pilot projects like these showcase scalable solutions that could extend beyond campus to the broader Northern Illino...