What exactly is biomass? Well, it’s the biological material derived from living or recently living organisms. When it comes to energy, biomass is often used to mean plant-based material, but biomass can equally be derived from both animal and vegetable material.

Biomass has helped Illinois become more energy-sufficient and has helped the state lower waste disposal costs and address odor and water quality issues.

Illinois’ Clean Energy Community Foundation is a main supporter of biomass projects.

In 2011, Eastern Illinois University opened a renewable energy center. The center houses four boilers, two that burn biomass, while the others burn natural gas. The center has provided heat and power to buildings and classrooms across campus.  By switching to renewable energy, EIU has reduced its annual carbon dioxide emissions significantly.

Learn more:
Renewable Energy Center - Eastern Illinois University
How Biomass Energy Works - Union of Concerned Scientists