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

The iCAP 2020 objective 7.5 is to "Support programs to develop love of nature and sustainability among children, with an annual Youth Sustainability Summit led by local teenagers with guidance and mentoring from campus and community sustainability leaders." The responsible campus unit for championing this objective is UI Extension.

The iCAP 2020 objective 7.2 is that "The Illini Union and Illini Union Board commit to 80% of their events qualifying as sustainable by FY24." The responsible campus unit for championing this objective is the Illini Union.

The goal of this project is to successfully restore the low-mow site at Orchard Downs Housing Facility to a meadow garden that has more function and biodiversity. This project will incorporate at least 25 native plant species, create habitat for wildlife and pollinators, and increase biodiversity overall. Other goals of this project are to give students hands-on experience and restoration skills. Additionally, it will be important to educate students and the community about Native American Culture through the land acknowledgement.

Based upon building energy modeling and actual results from residential projects we believe a 20-30% reduction in energy usage is achievable when the building envelope is properly installed and verified. We have many buildings on campus where the envelope should be inspected, tested, and appropriately improved to address the energy lost through improper installation and or maintenance.

Funded in Spring 2021, this project seeks to implement an on-campus living laboratory to study a sustainable agricultural system that integrates three elements: a traditional corn/soybean rotation, cover crop seeding, and cattle grazing. 

The iCAP 2020 objective 8.5 is to "By FY23, collaborate with colleges and community groups to inventory existing certification opportunities for green jobs and identify gaps." The responsible campus unit for championing this objective is iSEE.

The iCAP 2020 objective 8.4 is to "Take leadership in addressing the most pressing sustainability challenges in our local communities through collaboration with local governments and related community groups, by

The iCAP 2020 objective 8.3 is to "Develop a collaborative plan for environmental justice that will assess metro area resilience and actively address related issues. The plan should be written and publicized by FY24." The responsible campus unit for championing this objective is iSEE.