You are here

Project Updates for collection: Living Lab Facilities / Programs

Search

Search tips:

  • This form will search for words in the title OR the description. If you would like to search for the same term(s) across both the title and description, enter the same search term(s) in both fields.
  • This form will search for any of the words you enter in a field, not the exact phrase you enter. If you would like to search for an exact phrase, put double quotes (") around the phrase. For example, if you search for Bike Path you will get results containing either the word Bike OR the word Path, but if you search for "Bike Path" you will get results containing the exact phrase Bike Path.

  1. Two 100% all electric 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning trucks purchased for F&S fleet

    Associated Project(s): 
    F&S Sustainable Fleet Plan
    Decrease Emissions from UI Fleet
    Use Electric Vehicles (EV)
    Increase use of EVs and other Alternative Service Vehicles

    From: Varney, Peter W
    Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2022 12:38 PM
    To: FandS Executive Management Team ; Gordon, Malikah Asrayyah ; Breitwieser, Steven
    Cc: Patterson, Shawn L ; Franzen, Neil
    Subject: Ford Lightnings for F&S

    As mentioned this morning, I have been able to secure two of the brand new 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning for F&S. These are all-electric crew cab pickup trucks with a ~200 mile range. The vehicles are equipped with a 9.6kW power system including multiple 120V and a single 240V outlet. Cargo payload is only about 1,600# or 2/3 of a standard F-150.

    These vehicles should allow for my team to gain familiarity with all-electric vehicles in our fleet as well as campus visibility regarding F&S’ commitment to sustainable fleet technology. I believe one of the vehicles would be a good fit in my Transportation Shop but I’m open to suggestions for the second truck. ETA will be in the June/July timeframe.

    Malikah – I want your team to be aware for any story/messaging opportunities. I also think we can use some special signage or wrap on the vehicle exterior.

    Pete W Varney
    DIRECTOR
    Transportation & Building Services
    Facilities & Services
    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  2. Weekly Update: Bicycle Donations; Collaborations

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, Had some intense weather mid-week that kept folks away from visiting us. A new student staffer started this week and hit the ground running. We got two quality bikes donated last week that are in-progress and one very nice near-new bike that is already on the sales floor.

    TBP prices bumped up slightly last week to no Ill effect here at CBC. In fact, the first mention of the higher prices was met with “A used tire for $8? That’s a great deal!”

    On Thursday, I consulted with a student from University of Connecticut about starting a bicycle cooperative space at his school. He’d heard good things about our operations from a former TBP member. Small world, too, since I grew up 20 minutes from UConn.

    This week is the Campus Transportation Advisory Committee meeting and the last week for one of my student staffers.

    The numbers:
    Visitors: 26
    Sales: $912.50
    Bikes (refurb): 1 for $180
    Bikes (B-a-B): 1 for $50
    Tires/tubes: 2 for $21

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Campus Bike Center Coordinator

  3. Wand TV article about CLMP Public Forum

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Landscape Master Plan (CLMP)

    Wand TV published an article about the CLMP Public Forum on April 18, 2022, titled "Public invited to give input on U of I landscaping master plan" - https://www.wandtv.com/news/public-invited-to-give-input-on-u-of-i-lands...

    Attached are the article in .pdf format as well as the Press Release.

    Attached Files: 

  5. Res003 Collecting Info about Environmental Justice Needs - Submitted

    Associated Project(s): 
    Resilience iCAP Team Recommendations Summary
    Resilience iCAP Team
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)

    The Resilience iCAP Team submitted the following recommendation to the iCAP Working Group on 4/7/22:

    "iSEE should assign a staff person to meet with local governmental and community leaders to discuss how the University can plan to assist communities to address environmental justice challenges."

    The Res003 Collecting Info About Environmental Justice Needs recommendation is attached. 

    Attached Files: 

  7. SSC Seeking Subject Matter Experts for Sustainability Competition this Fall

    Associated Project(s): 
    ReImagine Our Future
    Student Sustainability Committee (SSC)
    Sustainability Competitions

    The Student Sustainability Committee will be managing the Reimagine Our Future Undergraduate Sustainability Competition.

    If any subject-matter experts are interested in participating this year, we ask that you fill out this google form indicating your availability and your specialty before August 6th.

    For more information, you can view the attached the PowerPoint describing this year’s competition or check out Reimagine's website.

     

    Attached Files: 

  9. Urbana-Champaign Solar Group Buy Celebrates Another Successful Year

    Associated Project(s): 
    Solar Urbana-Champaign

    From: Marta Monti <marta@midwestrenew.org>
    Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2022 10:05 AM
    To: jhoeflinger@gmail.com; Scott Tess <srtess@urbanaillinois.us>; White, Morgan <mbwhite at illinois.edu>; christina@faithinplace.org; Amanda Pankau <apankau@prairierivers.org>; alruedi@urbanaillinois.us; lawilcock@urbanaillinois.us; cjm@cityofmonticello.net; bamilton@piattfs.com; Dennis.Donaldson@savoy.illinois.gov; stacygloss@gmail.com; g-hazel@village.rantoul.il.us; jbustard@parkland.edu; kpfeifer@mahomet-il.gov; Paul.Storke@cityofdanville.org; nichole.millage@champaignil.gov; Kim Knowles <kknowles@prairierivers.org>; Andy Robinson <andrew.robinson.1980@gmail.com>; Cassie Carroll <casandcarroll@gmail.com>
    Cc: Taylor Ball <taylorb@midwestrenew.org>; Peter Murphy <peterm@midwestrenew.org>
    Subject: [THANK YOU!] Urbana-Champaign Solar Group Buy Celebrates Another Successful Year

     

    Hi everyone,

     

    Thank you for your support of the Grow Solar Urbana-Champaign program. It's been another successful program, with 16 properties decided to go solar, resulting in 120.12 kW of new renewable energy generating capacity in our region. We passed our 50 kW benchmark, resulting in an average household bulk buying discount of an additional $270.

     

    Final press release for the 2021 program, if you're interested and would like to share with your networks. If you are able to help circulate the press release, or the results, that would be great. Let me know what you need from me if you are going to share the press release!

     

    We have one final ask of you to help us wrap up the program: If you could be so kind as to fill out this program evaluation survey. The feedback you provide will help us continue to improve and facilitate more successful Grow Solar programs like this one. https://forms.gle/9MouKj8NKt3frqcP9 

     

    This program couldn't have happened without your support. So whether you went solar yourself (congratulations!), or represented one of the partnering municipalities, neighborhood associations, or organizations, whether you co-hosted a Solar Power Hour presentation, or simply helped spread the word about the program to your network, thank you!

     

    All the best, 

    Marta

     

    --

    Marta Monti, she/her/hers

    Solar Program Manager

    marta@midwestrenew.org

    414-988-7963

     

    Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA)

    3628 W Pierce St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53215

    www.midwestrenew.org

     

    Grow Solar in your community with help from our team. 
    Become a proud     member of the MREA.

    Attached Files: 

  10. Weekly Update: Bike donations; Buid-a-Bike

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, Rainy and cold kept us slow last week. Made some headway on some builds and received some donations that were aside for our Build-a-Bike program. Interest in Build-a-Bikes seems high--or at least stands out when we don’t have any available.

    On Friday, we were able to coordinate with Lael Elementary to donate most of the leftover kids bikes from last winter—15 bikes—despite the rainy weather. They were super appreciative and are interested in future donations of more kids bikes, which is great.

    Most of my staff will be gone for the summer, so this week I’ll finalize availability and assess from there with an eye towards setting summer 1 hours.

    The numbers:

    Visitors: 26
    Sales: $551.50

    Bikes (refurb): 1 for $120
    Memberships: 9 for $270
    Tires/tubes: 7 for $46

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Campus Bike Center Coordinator

  15. SECS follow up meeting with F&S staff

    Associated Project(s): 
    Green Roofs on Campus
    Students for Environmental Concerns (SECS)

    Gabriel Kosmacher, Shallon Malfeo, Betsy Liggett, Morgan White, and Brent Lewis met this morning to discuss the plans for adding a green roof at the Nick Holonyak Jr. Micro-Nano Technology Center.

    SECS is interested in developing the green roof on the closed patio for MNTL.  What structural load can the patio maintain?  Qu Kim had said the patio was closed off because they weren't comfortable with having people out there, and Brent thought it would be a really good idea to put a green roof there.

    SECS requested the floor plans to identify the square footage of the patio, and apply for SSC funding. Brent will provide the floor plans. SECS will work through who will maintain the green roof.

    Morgan asked if perhaps it could be a vegetable garden, which could provide food to users or donated to the Bucket Brigade. Shallon noted that the food could go to Solidarity Gardens. Morgan asked if Brent thinks vegetable gardening is even feasible in this location, and he explained that it would be way more maintenance. Betsy said it would need maintenance daily instead of monthly, if it were veggies. Additionally, the veggies would lead to more carrying green materials throughout the halls, which would not be well received by the users. This space should not include human food production.

    Step 1 -- talk to Ryan Wild and Qu Kim about whether this space is feasible. Then work on design plans and SSC funding application. Consider contacting Fine and Applied Arts about a long-term partnership. There will also need to be a Memo of Understanding about the maintenance of the green roof.

     

  16. New iSEE Greener Campus Programs Certifications

    Associated Project(s): 
    Certified Greener Campus Programs
    Certified Green Office Program (CGOP)
    Certified Green Event Program

    Congratulations to the newest recipients of our Greener Campus Certification Programs!

     

    Green Office: Department of Public Safety/UIPD, Gold Status, Recertified April 2022

     

    Green Event:

    -Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Illini Track & Field Invitational, Certified April 2022

    -University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign -- Chancellor's Office of Special Events Academic Service Recognition Breakfast, Certified April 2022

    -Office of the Chancellor for Special Events Conversation with Senior Leadership, Certified April 2022

    -Illinois Marathon VIP Suite at the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon, Certified April 2022

     

    Keep up the great work!

  18. New iSEE Greener Campus Program Certifications

    Associated Project(s): 
    Certified Greener Campus Programs
    Certified Green Office Program (CGOP)
    Certified Green Event Program

    Congratulations to the newest recipients of our Greener Campus Certification Programs!

     

    Green Event: University Police Department Cherries and Berries, Certified March 2022

     

    Green Office: Center for Social and Behavioral Science, Gold-Certified April 2022 (with 25 elective actions taken!)

     

    Keep up the great work!

  19. Weekly Update: New working hours; DIY maintenance event

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, Apologies for the late Digest. Last Thursday we had our Gender Aware Shop Hours. It was not well attended but the weather always plays a factor. There is staff interest in making it a recurring event which could help boost attendance. We also collaborated with Urbana Parks District at a pop-up DIY maintenance event at the Phillips Recreation Center in Urbana on Saturday. Twelve or so folks signed up and I think we saw 8 or so people over the two hours. People seemed to enjoy it and we’ll look to do it again next year.

    This week is almost over but we did start our first week of M – F. Our Tues/Th shifts were less busy than M/W/F but as the weather warms and the word gets out, we’ll undoubtedly get busy on those days as well. The slow start is welcomed as we’re not fully staffed yet.

    Next week projects to be more in the 50s than the 40s so we’re getting towards some warmer weather.

    The numbers:

    Sales: $974.50
    Bikes (refurb): 4 for $660
    Bikes (B-a-B): 2 for $60
    Memberships: 8 for $240
    Tires/tubes (used/new): 15 for $73

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Campus Bike Center Coordinator

  20. Transportation iCAP Team Meeting 3/31/2022

    Associated Project(s): 
    Transportation iCAP Team
    Fleet Replacement Plans
    Campus Landscape Master Plan (CLMP)

    The Transportation iCAP team met today 3/31/22 to discuss reaching out to the Prairie Research Institute to help establish a formal fleet replacement plan, the ongoing walkability audit and mode choice survey, and the ongoing Campus Landscape Master Plan Public Forums.

    Attached Files: 

Pages