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Project Updates for collection: Student Sustainability Committee Funded Projects

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  1. Graduate Research Assistant Hired to Aid in Bicycle Sharing

    Associated Project(s): 
    Bike Sharing

    Facilities & Services has hired Grace Kyung, a Masters of Urban Planning student to work on bicycle sharing for campus during the ‘13-’14 school year. This will be a 25% assistantship, focusing primarily on departmental bike sharing first, and then on bike rentals and a campus-wide bike share program for the general public.  Funding for this GRA position is being provided by Administrative Information Technology Services (AITS).

     

    Position Description:

    The Bicycle Sharing Graduate Research Assistant will work with the Campus Bicycle Coordinator under Facilities & Services to research and facilitate new bicycle sharing opportunities for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The RA will research bicycle sharing best practices at peer institutions and communities around the United States, and will make recommendations based on this research to follow the existing recommendations of the 2012 Bicycle Sharing Feasibility Study. The RA will be the primary point of contact for departments interested in launching their own departmental bicycle sharing programs for university employees, including a small number of departments who have agreed to pilot such programs in the coming year. The RA will also develop and maintain a Bicycle Sharing Manual and Toolkit to help assist additional interested departments in the future. The RA will conduct research to determine the best solution for bike sharing or rentals for students and visitors on campus, by partnering with a variety of campus units and community agencies. 

  3. RLF project suggestions now being accepted

    Associated Project(s): 
    Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)

    The FY14 Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) selection process has recently begun.  The RLF can fund medium payback utility conservation projects, involving energy, water, or chilled water on campus  (Examples of RLF projects are the campus lighting retrofit and the installation of occupancy sensors).  Launched in 2011 as a part of the Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP), the RLF fully funds projects and is paid back over time from the associated cost avoidance.  Details about the RLF can be found on the iCAP Portal and in the attached fact sheet.  Project suggestions will be accepted through October 7.  See http://icap.sustainability.illinois.edu/project/revolving-loan-fund. 

    Please direct any questions to Morgan Johnston 217-333-2668 mbjohnst@illinois.edu.

    Attached Files: 

  4. Amy Liu is interested in talking with fraternities and sororities

    Associated Project(s): 
    Water Fountain Retrofit
    Reduce Single-Use Plastics

    Amy Liu spoke with Morgan Johnston at the SSC working group kickoff meeting about reaching out to sororities and fraternities about reducing waste by using reusable water bottles.  Morgan provided Amy with contact info for Michelle Hart in the Student Services Building.  Amy also suggested the catchy phrase "Tap that" to associate their efforts with tap water. Morgan noted that she is still setting up the water fountain tour with the plumbing shop, hopefully for next week.

  5. Quick update from Sarah

    Associated Project(s): 
    Orchard Downs Multifunctional Landscape (ODMFL)

    Morgan and Sarah had a quick conversation today about the ODMFL project and plants.  Sarah reported that the plants were stored in pots at the Arboretum over the summer, and Kevin is working to move them into planted buffer polinator strips at the Sustainable Student Farm.  Sarah is going to continue to talk with Housing about the Orchard Downs project.

  6. Katie Kinley suggests CITES utilize rechargeable batteries

    Associated Project(s): 
    Battery Recycling

    Katie Kinley, with the Student Sustainability Committee, expressed interest in getting the CITES department to use rechargeable batteries in their equipment, rather than single use batteries. Morgan Johnston provided her with a contact name to initiate the discussion.  It was also noted that CITES can receive SSC funding for projects, but we don't believe they have applied in the past.  

  7. request for more details about trailer

    Associated Project(s): 
    Illinois Biodiesel Initiative (IBI)

    From: Johnston, Morgan B
    Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2013 4:19 PM
    To: Dornford, Adam Rey; Lietz, Amanda M; Ali, Zeynep; Branham, Bruce E
    Cc: Grant, Craig P; Halverson, Robert
    Subject: IBI trailer

    Hello IBI representatives,

    In order for F&S specialists to adequately review the IBI biodiesel trailer installation requirements, we will need additional details from the manufacturer.  Craig Grant is the Associate Director of Campus Code Compliance and Fire Safety, and he told me that the website for Verde Biofuel does not specify the codes that company used when creating their trailer systems. 

    Please confirm the specific trailer you intend to purchase, and seek the detailed specifications for the equipment used in that trailer.  We need to know, for example, if they followed the National Electric Code (NEC) requirements. 

    You are welcome to call me at 217-344-0044 if you would like to talk about this.

    Thanks,

    Morgan

  8. F&S email about approval for a trailer

    Associated Project(s): 
    Illinois Biodiesel Initiative (IBI)

    Hello folks,

    As some of you know, the Illinois Biodiesel Initiative (IBI) is very interested in getting a self-contained trailer to do their reactions in.  There is a company called Verde Biofuel that makes these trailers, and the IBI is in discussions with them. 

    • Examples of the trailers can be seen here: http://verdebiofuel.com/products/mobile-biodiesel-processors/.
    • They would like to purchase a 250 gallon system, but have it installed in a 7X14 foot trailer.  
    • It would be best with 240 volt electrical service, but they told me that they could make do with 120 volt service if necessary.
    • They would like to park this indefinitely in a single location on campus.  If permissible, the area near parking lot B21 (behind Loomis) or B1 (behind Ceramics) would be convenient to them. 
    • They also need access to water, essentially a faucet to wash tanks, etc.  They would use the water to clean the equipment only, and propose taking it in a tote to dispose the waste water correctly.

    We are looking for feedback about what needs to be done in order for this trailer system to be approved by campus.  Are there certain location restrictions they will need to abide? Do they need to incorporate anything in addition to what is listed above? For example, they will need to store glycerin, soap, and waste oil somewhere.  Should they be looking at a permanent tank or two?

    Please let me know your thoughts and if you would like to discuss this in person.

    Thanks,

    Morgan

  9. Library excited about glass fillers

    Associated Project(s): 
    Water Fountain Retrofit
    Reduce Single-Use Plastics

    Hi Morgan,

    That is fantastic news!  The Library has installed a few in the Main Library and has received numerous thanks for providing easy means for faculty, staff and students to fill drinking water containers. 

    Bill Mischo, Head Librarian - Grainger, Lori Mestre, Head Librarian - UGL and John Wilkin, Dean of Libraries will be very pleased.

    Approved

    Many thanks to the Student Sustainability Committee (SSC)

    Jeff

    ------------------------

    Work orders submitted for Grainger and the Undergrad Library (UGX).

  10. work orders submitted

    Associated Project(s): 
    Water Fountain Retrofit
    Reduce Single-Use Plastics

    Work orders were submitted for the following locations:

    • Armory, floors 1 and 3
    • Wohlers Hall, floors 1 and 2
    • Loomis Lab, floors 1 and 2
    • Siebel Center, basement and floor 1
    • Natural Resources Building, floors 1 and 2

    The Housing location at Ikenberry Commons (actually called Student Dining and Residential Programs, SDRP) was discussed with John Humlicek, and they have already installed bottle fillers at that location.  They are also working to install one per floor of all residence halls.

    The Library locations have been shared with Jeff Schrader in the Library to get his input before installation proceeds.

  12. request for public charging station

    Associated Project(s): 
    Install Public Use Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations

    -----Original Message-----

    From: Skaggs, Thomas R

    Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 10:39 AM

    To: amhobbs22@gmail.com

    Cc: Ivey, David J; Wahl, Michelle

    Subject: FW: electric vehicle charging stations

    Dear Mr. Hobbs,

       Thank you for contacting the Parking Department and providing your comments.  While electric charging stations are not readily available on our campus, there are discussions currently underway that include the Parking Department about the installation of electric charging stations.  We are in touch with other campuses around the nation and many are likewise exploring the use of EV stations.  Because the scale of the UIUC campus is vast, the program requires extra consideration, funding and logistics to execute.  Please know however, that UI is committed to sustainability and will continue our effort.

      Again, thank you for your input.  We hope your visit to our campus was enjoyable.

    Regards,

    Thomas Skaggs

    Coordinator

     

    -----Original Message-----

    From: Martin Hobbs [mailto:amhobbs22@gmail.com]

    Sent: Sunday, September 08, 2013 10:16 AM

    To: parkingcomments@illinois.edu; esbeaty@urbanaillinois.us

    Subject: electric vehicle charging stations

    To Whom It May Concern:

    I visited the U of I campus yesterday to attend a football game and was disappointed in the absence of EV charging stations.  I would expect a university and city of this caliber to have numerous Level II charging stations available for the public to use.  Normal/Bloomington have dozens of public EV charging stations, all of which are free to the public to use.  Many are located on or near the ISU campus.  Is the Bloomington/Normal and ISU community that much more progressive and environmentally friendly than the U of I and Champaign/Urbana community.  I don't think necessarily that is the case, but the absence of electric vehicle charging stations sure leaves a black mark on the reputation of the university and the community.  I sincerely hope that your community has plans to install Level 2 charging stations in the near future.

    Sincerely,

    Martin Hobbs

    Eureka, IL

  13. Morgan talks with Mark Warner in Plumbing Shop

    Associated Project(s): 
    Water Fountain Retrofit
    Reduce Single-Use Plastics

    Mark Warner is the Plumbing Shop Foreman who will oversee the installations of these water fountain glass fillers.  Morgan gave him the preliminary priority list, discussed the work order methodology, and gave him the SSC funding requirements document.  The key points in the SSC funding requirements are (1) the funds must be spent by May 31, 2014, and (2) there must be at least 57 glass fillers installed with this funding.

    Morgan will submit one work order for each building. 

  15. meeting with Morgan and Amy

    Associated Project(s): 
    Water Fountain Retrofit
    Reduce Single-Use Plastics

    Amy Liu and Morgan Johnston discussed the process for moving forward.

    1. Morgan will submit a work order to F&S installers.
    2. Morgan will schedule a tour of the proposed locations, with Amy, Morgan, and the F&S installation contact.
    3. F&S installers will proceed to install the glass fillers as quickly as possible, in the order previous identified.
    4. Amy will meet with the Illinois Student Senate, Environmental Sustainability Committee, to seek their attention to this project.
    5. Amy will continue working on the anti-water bottle campaign.

     

  17. List of Locations

    Associated Project(s): 
    Water Fountain Retrofit
    Reduce Single-Use Plastics

    David Mischiu and Amy Liu met today to form a very basic list of priority buildings for filler installment. Additionally, they determined which floors for each building would be most useful to have them on. Here is the list, 1 indicating highest priority. 

    1. Undergraduate Library, floors 1 and ground level
    2. Grainger Library, all floors
    3. Ikenberry Commons, floor 1
    4. Armory, floors 1 and 3
    5. Wohlers Hall, floors 1 and 2
    6. Loomis Lab, floors 1 and 2
    7. Siebel Center, basement and floor 1
    8. Natural Resources Building, floors 1 and 2

    They still want to take a look a few more buildings in the quad. Whatever is surveyed from that might not even change the list presented already, but add to how this project could materialize in the future.

  18. Update from Tracy Osby at the Waste Transfer Station

    Associated Project(s): 
    Achieve Zero Waste

    The saw dust pan at the PPSB is no longer emptied at the WTS. We are currently emptying it at the Horse and Dairy barns. It is now being diverted from the landfill. Also, the DSC staff that work here at the WTS work hours has been extended to 3:30PM provided we have work for them here to do. This way all the pans with the exception of the compactors from Dining Services and the trash from ORD will be emptied in the south bay here at the WTS.

  19. Phoenix will comply with US Steel requirements

    Associated Project(s): 
    Solar Farm 1.0

    -----Original Message-----
    From: Borkowski, Joe [mailto:J.Borkowski@Phoenixsolar.us]
    Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2013 2:11 PM
    To: Johnston, Morgan B; Dempsey, John Garrett
    Subject: U.S. Steel use for University solar

    Morgan,

    This email is to attest Phoenix Solar will comply with Illinois and Federal Buy American procurement provisions.  For the purpose of clarity, Phoenix Solar will ensure the steel that is used on this system will be procured and manufactured in the United States.

    I look forward to speaking soon.

    Best regards,

    Joe Borkowski

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