Rain is a blessing and a curse on our research farms.  We cannot grow a crop with out it but when it comes in excessive quantities has a destructive result on University farms.  Our farms are intertwined too so as water flows downhill it passes from one department farm to the next.  This project looks to redesign the Energy Farm waterway and install a waterway on the Animal Sciences farm to the west so that water flow can be channeled to the Embarrass River in a more direct and environmentally sound path.

In 2010, grant funding from the Energy Biosciences Institute established buildings that support the research, education, and operations of the Energy Farm.  This facility is utilized by students and researchers in biofuel and sustainability research.  HID lighting in the main high bay work area has been measured to be well below minimum standards for a safe and efficient work space. 

This project will upgrade fixtures from HID to LED and also install occupancy sensors in workspaces that are observed to remain lit well after activities have concluded by the occupants. 

This project proposes using funds for setting up one monitoring station for Air Quality for streaming live data through an open access web dashboard accessbile to all campus community members.  

The Illini Union piloted new recycing bins to encourage appropriate recycling behavior.

As the iCAP 2020 says, "Using information gathered from capital projects, faculty members and researchers can collaborate with F&S to develop a reference database of calibrated energy models for campus buildings. This might be the product of student classroom projects. The campus could then use these models to prioritize building retrofits and determine the preferred level of improvements (i.e., envelope versus mechanicals) for each building." (Page 41).

iSEE is excited to host a TED Talk: Eco-Edition series. Together, participants will view a TED Talk, followed by a guided discussion and roundtable. Everyone is welcome to attend. Learn, discuss, and connect with peers in a casual, social setting. Grab your favorite snack and get comfortable! Topic and hosts will vary each month.

In connection with the Resilient Landscape Strategy and the Illinois Climate Action Plan, this project is aimed at enhancing one of the few water features on campus—the Dorner Drive Retention Pond.  This rainwater collection site is also a destination for several students who like to picnic on the side of the pond, and it is immediately adjacent to the Red Oak Rain Garden (RORG). This project is to renew the Dorner Drive pond and incorporate native plants throughout the surrounding area, to enhance the sustainability and increase wildlife habitat.

The iCAP 2020 objective 7.3 is: Increase visibility of campus sustainability efforts by joining the Green Sports Alliance through the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) by summer 2021. The responsible campus unit for championing this objective is DIA.

The iCAP 2020 objective 9.1 is to "Divest from Fossil Fuels." The responsible campus unit for championing this objective is the Office of the Chancellor.