Knox College has earned a top ranking in its athletic conference for its commitment to supporting renewable energy, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2015-2016 College & University Green Power Challenge.

For the 2015-2016 academic year, Knox purchased Renewable Energy Certificates that represent 125 percent of the college's annual electricity consumption, approximately 11-million kilowatt hours.

Knox gained the top spot in the eleven-member Midwest Conference, according to the USEPA Green Power Challenge. The challenge is open to 478 schools in 41 athletic conferences.

A Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) is a legal document that proves a specified unit of electricity was generated from a renewable source, such as wind or solar. According to the USEPA, RECs allow consumers to make use of renewable energy generated anywhere in the country.

Energy usage and other details of Knox's sustainability practices are covered in the 2014-15 annual report from the College's Office of Sustainability.

EPA launched the Green Power Partnership in 2001 to increase the use of renewable electricity in the United States. The voluntary program encourages organizations to use green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with conventional electricity use.

In return for technical assistance and recognition, Partners commit to shift some or all of their annual electricity consumption to renewable resources that offer the highest environmental benefit.

Pictured Above: Knox College's electrician installs LED lighting on campus.