Search tips:
iCAP Resilience Team had their last meeting of the academic year on Tuesday, April 25th, at 1PM. The team edited the Carbon Offset Statement. The team will send this this statement as a recommendation format to the iWG. Afterwards, with the approvals of iSEE, iWG, and F&S, the team will send this statement to Chancellor Office. Attached is the meeting recording.
Greetings Carbon Offsets Workshop Attendees, and those looking to stay engaged with us!,
Thank you so much for your participation at our workshop on Tuesday April 18th 3-4pm EST, and thank you as well to those who couldn’t attend but are looking to follow-up on the information we shared. We are grateful for the variety of perspectives represented in the meeting space, and the questions and comments we were able to address in the time we had. Moving forward, we’re looking to get your feedback on if there is a collective appetite for diving further into this topic, and what resources are still needed.
Please feel free again to email Meredith directly with your questions and to get involved directly with our Carbon Offsets Network, C2P2 Initiative, and advisory council....
For those of you looking to gain support with your climate action and resilience work in the southeast...
Please visit this link to share your thoughts and feedback on this workshop by Friday April 28th. Please see links to resources included in the survey.
View Meredith Leigh’s presentation linked here.
View our recorded zoom meeting video here.
See below our Q&A of questions and comments institutions and attendees had:
Q&A with Meredith Leigh:
Sandra Van Travis, Morehouse College’s Environmental Health and Safety Officer asks:
Please send information on how to calculate offsets using trees.
Campuses have hired arborists to determine sample areas and measure trees. These measurements require tree height, diameter at breast height, and species identification. Arborists are positioned to do this work.
If hiring an arborist is not possible, new remote sensing technology providers offer phone apps that can be used by students or faculty to calculate tree data and categorize by species. One company in particular is interested in partnering with HEIs. If you are interested in connecting with this company, email Meredith.
Christina Kwauk Asks:
I am curious if any of the members of the working group are familiar with carbon offsets that go toward non-mitigation activities but rather to climate adaptation activities that may benefit climate resilience outcomes of environmental justice communities (i.e. instead of carbon removed, what about respiratory illnesses averted/reduced?). This may be totally out of scope for carbon offsets and this workshop, but I wanted to join to listen for these connections today.
This is a great question and a badly needed type of offset! Right now these kinds of values are considered “co-benefits” of carbon offsets, and people don’t put a dollar value on them like they do on MTCDE reductions, but offset projects are more attractive to buyers when they list these kinds of co-benefits. Campus participation in the Offset Network is a great way to develop projects uniquely suited to your campus, especially when your goals are to serve co-benefits and you have less pressure to just produce quantifiable offsets. An example of this is Clarkson ISE’s recently avoided forest conversion project through the Offset Network. Their main goals were to create student involvement in forest inventory and carbon project development, and to protect a piece of land and the endangered species of turtle that lives on it. The offsets generated from the project are small, and will count toward Clarkson’s Scope 3 emissions, but the co-benefits were what really made the project worthwhile for them.
Dr. Maria Boccalandro asks:
If you are in a community college setting where you work with tax payer’s money how do you justify buying these credits? I think narrative matters... are there any best practices for community colleges you can share?
A great question, and one that Second Nature is still working on as we diversify the institutions we support. I think the key to this is transparency- communicating to stakeholders both the intentions of the offset purchase and its impact. To this end, it would be advisable to make space for community input when the school develops its offsets strategy. This way taxpayers can provide feedback on whether they see value in the college purchasing offsets as a way of becoming climate neutral, and if so, what types of projects would feel valuable to them. Furthermore I think engagement in the Offset Network, where faculty and students can create local projects with high co-benefits would be a good fit for community colleges. The projects can be designed for community involvement and high community co-benefits so that the expense of engaging is co-owned and the positive impacts are felt beyond campus.
Thank you all again, and we look forward to reviewing your feedback!,
Blythe Coleman-Mumford (she/her/hers)
-----------------------------------
Hi Morgan, Madhu, and Elizabeth –
Given that we have been discussing offsets and Second Nature’s role, I thought you might find the slides linked below (Meredith Leigh’s presentation, highlighted) of interest. They provide an overview of the topic of offsets and several examples of what various HEIs are doing in this space.
Notably, slides 10-11 indicate that C sequestered in trees can be removed from total campus emissions as a “sink” in SIMAP. As you know, sinks are not the same as offsets because they do not require additionality. We know C sequestration for Trelease Woods and have the data to determine C sequestered by campus trees. So I think we should consider listing them as sinks. We could also consider other campus lands where land use/land cover might support C sequestration (cover cropping?).
Based on the public SIMAP report (here), we have reported 0 sinks/non-additional sequestration in the past. When will we complete the next SIMAP report?
Thanks,
Jen
--------------------------------------
Thanks for sharing this Jen. This is helpful to have. I will look over the slides. Can you also send me the write up by Warren Lavey.
We should plan on discussing this at our next CS team meeting unless there is urgency to discuss it sooner
Best
Madhu
-------------------------------------
Hi Madhu,
It is not urgent; we can discuss at the next CS team meeting.
The Resilience Team will be discussing the offset policy letter at today’s meeting. I will share once it is finalized. The law student working with Warren presented her findings about the MOU and paths forward at the April meeting. Notes can be found here:
https://icap.sustainability.illinois.edu/project-update/resilience-icap-team-april-meeting
Jen
Sarthak & I met on 4/24/2023 to work on the BFU application.
The current version of the log we are using is attached below.
Resilience iCAP Team had its online April meeting on Friday, April 14th, at 1 PM. The team had two guests: Annie Cebulski and Kejsi Ago. Annie presented the carbon offsets that the university has to purchase and gave some recommendations on how to complete these purchases. Afterward, the team discussed next steps for a potential statement and/or recommendation on this carbon offset purchasing. Meeting minutes are attached.
Mario,
EMS Controls (David Hardin’s group) is working on a controls upgrade at Micro Nano. I am trying to connect Ayush (cc’d) with someone who can discuss the engineering on the ESCO project and potential ECM’s that were evaluated but ultimately not included in the project. Are you a good contact for this or should I reach out to GBA (Mike/Tim)?
Thanks,
Amber Perfetti
-------------------------
Amber,
I think Mike would be best. I don’t have access to any of the work we did with ESG. Maybe Jim C can help as well ?
Mario Zotta P.E.
---------------------
Hey Amber,
Thanks for getting this conversation started. Can you share Mike and Jim’s email ID’s? I can try contacting them.
Thank you,
Ayush
-----------------------
Dear Jim and Mike,
EMS Controls (David Hardin’s group) is working on a controls upgrade project at Micro Nano. Is there someone with whom we can discuss the potential ECM’s that were evaluated but ultimately not included in the ESCO project?
Thank you,
Ayush Gupta
-----------------------
Ayush:
Jim and I will circle our wagons next week and get together with you by the weeks end.
Michael J. McDermott
----------------------
Thank you, sir. That would be great.
Regards,
Ayush
---------------------
Ayush:
I was able to reach out to Deon Collins and review the 2014 ESG Unfunded list, 2011 VFA Deferred maintenance back log and 2012 Cannon MEP Condition Assessment. We were able to start a preliminary list of energy conservation measures/deferred maintenance items for consideration:
Call if you have any questions.
----------------------------------
Hey David,
Below is the list of unfunded ECMs and deferred maintenance items that were considered but not acted upon by ESCO.
Thank you,
Ayush
------------------------------------------
Ayush,
This is useful information and provides a starting point.
Thanks
Hey everyone,
Here is some info from Mike McDermott from their ESCO review.
Thanks
Attached is the Carbon Offset Planning and Buying Guide Step 1 and Step 2. The documents contain information on UIUC's offsetting goals and approach with Second Natures MOU with UIUC.
Meeting from 4/5/2023
Summary: Ethan and Sarthak met via zoom where they discussed the work on the plan that Ethan has done so far. They also discussed the thorough plan for the next year to describe to the stakeholders, in regard to their involvement with the 2024 plan. Ethan is expected to respond to stakeholders by next week, add onto the plan (mainly the executive summary, goals & objectives, introduction, and planning process sections). Ethan will send Sarthak separate emails about his Urban Planning presentation on their work for school, and request for GIS information.
Meeting from 3/29/2023
Summary: Ethan and Sarthak met briefly via zoom (Ethan was out of town dealing with a family emergency so there was not much to discuss). Ethan is expected to make a Google Sheet with stakeholders' information and responses, a sheet of timeline for the planning process, and a document for the 2024 plan.
Hello Ehab,
Attached is the purchase item received for the 5yr extended service agreement with Solar Turbines, Inc.
Please let me know if there is anything additional I can help with ~ Jill
Jill C. Odom
The Energy iCAP team met on Monday 3/27/23 to discuss recommendations on energy standards for newly constructed buildings and improving communication of energy research on campus between labs and the broader campus community.
View the recording: https://mediaspace.illinois.edu/media/t/1_9vmyh6sl
Meeting notes from 3/22:
Meeting from 3/10:
Sarthak and Ethan met via zoom to discuss plans for the rest of the semester. Ethan is to finalize the email template which they will begin sending out after Spring break (last two weeks of March). Ethan is also to finish readings mentioned by Stacey by the next meeting in two weeks.
Notes:
Meeting from 3/1:
Sarthak and Ethan met via zoom to reflect on their meeting with Stacey. Ethan and Sarthak made note of stakeholders that she suggested that we reach out to and other readings to review. Ethan is to draft an email for reaching out to stakeholders once we return from Spring Break. Ethan is also expected to review RPC Bike Plan, Campus Master Plan, Crash Data, and TDM Plan.
Notes:
Below is an email exchange regarding University Housing recycling:
It was great talking with all of you about sustainability in University Housing. I hope my input didn’t scare you too much. Given our size, and the number off residents we house, we have to maintain some discipline in how we communicate to and interact with our residents. I’m sure we can find a viable method for reaching our residents to inform them of sustainability issues and event across campus. Below are a few talking points I jotted down during out meeting.
I ended up closing the meeting invite without saving, which I was using to keep notes during the meeting. So please let me know if I missed any key takeaways.
BRYAN JOHNSON
------------------------------
Hi Bryan,
Daphne Hulse and I have been developing plans for a campus-wide plastic waste reduction campaign. I think the communication methods you mention below could be valuable for messaging. If you agree, Daphne can incorporate these into the strategy.
We remain interested in adding a sticker with a QR code to the residence hall room recycling containers to direct students to a website with more information about recycling and waste management. Can you provide an estimate of how many stickers we would need?
I also want to follow up on your last two points about incorporating sustainability into RA training and programming to Housing residents. Our survey data indicate that first year students are more likely to purchase single-use plastic bottles, so we think targeting this group is important. Has Residential Life leadership and or Nathan Sanden responded to your inquiries concerning this issue?
If you would like to discuss any of these items further, Daphne and I would be happy to join you on a call.
Thank you,
Jen
------------------------------
Okay, I have some answers for you. Attached is our proposal to the SSC to fund the recycling containers. The original purchase was for 6,511 containers, but I would guess a few have disappeared by now. I was not able to find anyone within our Sustainability LLC to help mange this project or take on submitting another request to SSC to fund the stickers. If we move forward with this project, we will need to meet with Housing Facilities staff to iron out the logistical details. Our facilities staff will not be able to assist with placement of the stickers, so we will need to find a different avenue for getting them placed. I copied Matt Brown and Mark Kuehl from Housing Facilities on the email to keep them in the loop.
Herb Jones, Director of Residential Life, said he is open to a conversation to talk through your thoughts on incorporating a sustainability component into our RA training. Jenny Bates, copied here, manages his calendar, if you would like to reach out to her and schedule a time to meet.
Also, here is an updated link to Housing’s website for digital sign requests. We redesigned our webpage a couple months ago and the old link was inactive. https://www.housing.illinois.edu/digital-signage
Also, also, I am still trying to confirm if we rent out the space on the napkin holders in the dining halls. We have not done this in the past, but we have a new Director of Dining who might have a different direction for these.
Thanks,
BRYAN JOHNSON
------------------------------
Bryan,
Thank you for sharing this information. It is all very helpful!
Daphne and I can look into developing an SSC proposal, perhaps with the assistance of our iCAP Engagement team. I think we can also find people to help with sticker placement if the project is funded.
We are looking forward to discussing incorporating a sustainability component into RA training with you on April 7 at 3:00 pm.
Best,
Jen
Hello Student Sustainability Committee. Attached is a SSC Step 1 funding application request for the campus Rainwater Management Plan. I have also included a photo of the Boneyard Creek since it is a campus waterway and the application requested one map, graphic or picture. Please contact me with any questions and thank you for considering.
Betsy
Sarthak & I met on 3/20/2023 to go over some more of the BFU application.
The current version of the log we are using is attached below.
How can students support waste management on campus?
https://dailyillini.com/life_and_culture-stories/2023/03/17/students-was...
March 17, 2023
Have you ever placed something in a recycling bin and wondered what happens next? Does it actually get recycled, or does it just get tossed in the landfill without ever being sorted out?
Students said it can be hard to be committed to sustainability when resources to do so are not always clear.
Adeline Hoegberg, junior in FAA, said she does not have a lot of knowledge about where the trash on campus is taken or how big of a difference the University is making with their waste management systems.
“I’ve heard that all of the recycling would just end up in the normal trash,” Hoegberg said.
The Waste Transfer Station in Champaign filters out around 30% of the trash that comes in, but still sends around 50 pounds to the landfill each day. This is not taking into account busier times like holidays and move-in days for students.
The Waste Transfer Station is located just off of St. Mary’s Road in Champaign and takes in trash from all various places on campus. This includes instructional facilities, University Housing, Illini Union and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Daphne Hulse works as the Facilities & Services zero waste coordinator, a new position focused on decreasing the amount of waste that goes through the University. Hulse works on various outreach projects, including hosting tours of the Waste Transfer Station.
“These tours are a really unique opportunity to illuminate to the broader campus community what goes on after you put something in the bin,” Hulse said.
Adam Soper, senior in FAA, recalled seeing several recycling places on campus but, like many other students, hasn’t heard of the Waste Transfer Station on campus.
“I know all the dorms have dedicated recycling bins,” Soper said. “But I’m not necessarily sure where those get dumped to.”
Another program that Hulse is facilitating in collaboration with Coca-Cola and the DIA is the “Fighting Illini, Fighting Waste” campaign. This campaign has students volunteer at basketball games to encourage recycling at sporting events. The last zero waste basketball game was March 2 and had 100 volunteers.
“(We’re) creating that general awareness for sustainability in an audience with not just students but townies, out of state folks and athletic rivals,” Hulse said.
Despite these programs, it can be hard for students to recycle on campus and even more so on their own where businesses and residencies don’t provide recycling services. Along with a lack of opportunity, some students feel that recycling doesn’t have a huge impact.
“I’m under the strong feeling that you can’t solely rely on us recycling,” Hoegberg said. “It’s more about the corporations if you really want to fix things.”
Soper said he would most likely not see discernible difference in a world without recycling.
“It wouldn’t be a whole lot different because the recycling practices aren’t widespread enough to be making a huge impact on the scale that we’d be able to really see,” Soper said.
Hulse recognizes that sustainability can seem isolating at times but encourages students to join organizations and communities that bring collective action. She highlighted the RSO Project4Less, whose members package leftover food in good condition and ship it out to food assistance programs in the surrounding area.
“The human connection component of climate change is so important,” Hulse said. “I think we often feel stuck by ‘what can I do as an individual’ in this global planetary crisis.”
Aside from joining sustainability-focused communities, Hulse also recommends learning what people can about what’s happening in the community and leading by example.
“We know reduce, reuse, recycle. But what about at the start of all of that, refuse,” Hulse said. “What could you refuse in your day-to-day life and start small. For example, I know students really enjoy coffee and many, many, many places around campus will take your reusable cup.”
Hulse was particularly inspired by her mother who showed her that small habits, like using reusable bags at the grocery store, can make a big change. Hulse encourages students to look for that positive influence around them and wants students to be that influence in their own sustainability journey.
“A community that is pursuing zero waste imperfectly is far better than a few individuals doing it perfectly,” Hulse said.
Hello,
I'm the Carbon Offset Fellow with Second Nature. I would like to check in with someone from UIUC about your participation in the C2P2 program. We are preparing to contract with an accredited third-party verifier to seek verification of all credits between July 1 2020 and Dec 31, 2022, and for the revalidation of UIUC's project crediting period. The cost for this for UIUC is significant and will require site visits by the third-party verifier. I need confirmation from someone on your team that you do want us to contract these services on your behalf.
My cell phone number is 828 582 5039. Email is also a good way to reach me.
Thank you for your attention to this. I look forward to your reply!
Meredith
-------------------------------
Hi Morgan,
Is this something you would like me to assist with?
Thanks,
Jen
Sarthak & I met on 3/8/2023 to go over some more of the BFU application.
The current version of the log we are using is attached below.
Attached is a Transportation Demand Management presentation created for Employee Orientation.
Below is an email exchange between Morgan White and Sarthak Prasad on Sarthak's involvement in employee orientation:
Hi Sarthak,
Can you please provide a short statement here about what you for New Employee Orientation, including slides, topics, and time commitment. We are looking to increase the F&S presence in new employee orientation, and I shared that you are already involved.
Thanks,
Morgan
-------------------
Hi Morgan,
Please see attached the slides that I use for the IHR New Employee Orientation. It is a 30-45 minute commitment for me per month, including travel time. These orientations are held on the first Monday of every month, and I talk for about 15-20 minutes. The orientations are usually at the Conference Center, but sometimes they have it virtually.
I will be updating the slides for next month’s orientation to include It’s Your MTD and Commuter Program information. I have been attending these since fall 2021.
I had also worked on slides for Sustainability on campus, but you had asked me to wait before you reviewed it. Thank you,
Sarthak
Sarthak and Ethan met with Stacey DeLorenzo to discuss their development of the planning process for the 2024 Campus Master Bicycle Plan which will occur this semester. Stacey approved of a bicycle audit happening in the fall as well as gave some suggestions for some other stakeholders to include such as Ride Illinois. They also discussed more readings to refer to such as the TDM Plan and Urbana bike plan. This semester will culminate with the meeting with CTAC discussing the working structure and plan for the next two semesters. They also talked about other potential ideas to include in the plan such as scooter parking, more bike share programs, and more bicycle education programs. Stacey agreed to meet with Sarthak and Ethan once a month to get updates on their progress.
Following is Pete Varney's response to the question from Morgan, "In addition to the Ford Lightning EVs, could we potentially get EV versions of the turtle-top 15-person vans? Also, is there any discussion about getting Hybrid buses for UI Ride?"
When discussing EV we have to look at manufacturer availability and operational needs. Car Pool vehicles, 15-pass vans, need to be able to operate both locally and on extended trips ruling out EV due to range restrictions.
We won’t be looking to replace the first UI Ride bus until FY24/25. We can explore hybrid, but this class of vehicle is different from MTD hybrid buses. Electric may be an option. When the time comes, we’ll discuss with the System office as they put the $$ into UI Ride.
Thank you,
Pete
The Energy iCAP Team Met on 2/27/23 to discuss the progress of submitted recommendations and develop new recommendations.
Watch the recording here: https://mediaspace.illinois.edu/media/t/1_klua4vf2
