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  1. RECs for small solar rooftop arrays

    Hi Rob and Tony,

     

    Tim Mies asked me who “owns” the RECs from small scale solar arrays at individual buildings.  I said I’d have to check into it.

     

    At first I thought all RECs are owned by central campus (UES), but then I questioned myself.  For a rooftop solar array, we don’t include it in the M-RETS program, and at ECE, we only “sold” them the solar farm 2.0 RECs.  We let them count their rooftop solar directly and they have the DOR accordingly. 

     

    So is it appropriate to tell him that the RECs associated with the 14.7 kW array he is planning to install at the Energy Farm (not the SCAPES project) will be considered “used” at the Energy Farm?

     

    I would caution that we do not want individual departments to get into selling RECs, without a much broader discussion.  So perhaps we should say that he can use/retire them at his site, but he cannot sell them without further discussion?

     

    What do you recommend?

     

    Thanks,

    Morgan

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

    Good questions. I think that if the department “owns” the REC, then they should also be able to sell the REC. I am interested in others views on the topic, and agree that it would lend to a much broader discussion.

    Rob Roman

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

    I agree that a broader discussion would be helpful.

     

    Best,

     

    Tony

  2. Task Report for Sam Wuebbles from 10/2 to 11/7

    Here are the things I have been working on:

    • Material Research Lab bicycle rack design - in progress 
    • First social media post flyer (needs approval) - in progress
    • Other social media topics
      • 11/14 - bike fun facts
      • 11/21 - Fall Break
      • 11/28 - proper way to ride
      • 12/5 - (finals) proper way to store bicycle over break
      • *other events, topics, or positive bike riding examples* (I just remember you saying that you wanted a post a week)
    • Field work
      • bicycle rack placements
      • eco counter
    • Eco Counter
      • collected data
      • updated data in metrix
    • Created survey for dangerous areas / cautions for congestion bike paths / sidewalks on campus
    • iCAP
      •  
    • Readings
      • comp plans and informational bike readings
        • Examples: 5 E's, Campus Bike Plan (old and new), Bike at Illinois, etc.
    • ADA complaint
      • on the backside of learning about and understanding the complaint and seeing future takes.
    • worked for the staff information meeting at State Farm
    • attended the "Green Infrastructure and Erosion Control" (10/24)
  3. Student Let Project SegBin.ai Feasibility

    Hey Morgan,

     

    The SSC has moved to fund this; I would like to get the go-ahead on it.

     

    Improper waste segregation poses significant environmental and financial challenges. In colleges, even students often need to pay more attention to separate waste correctly, leading to damaged recyclables, increased landfill waste, and the labor-intensive task of sorting improperly discarded waste. This issue extends beyond universities, indicating a larger problem with waste management globally. The current approach of replacing traditional single-bin systems with costly three-bin recycling bins has improved diversion rates but falls short of expectations. Financial burdens arise from the need to hire workers for manual waste sorting. To address this problem, we developed a cost-effective solution that ensures minimal damage to recyclables by sorting waste at the point of disposal.

    The project's use of AI, and revenue optimization contributes to more efficient waste management practices. This not only minimizes contamination and reduces landfill waste but also optimizes the recovery of recyclable materials. The data analysis dashboard provides users with valuable insights into disposal trends and waste composition. This empowers users to make informed decisions about waste management, promoting responsible practices. Additionally the lower cost of switching to SegBin.Ai than conventional 3 bin dustbins by over 50% significantly reduces spend on waste management infrastructure and it also has a major boost in waste diversion rates.


    I don’t like the budgeted amount of $1,600.00 for CAD and Software, it is confusing, it appears the students are paying themselves. I would like clarification on this.

    Codie

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

    Hi Codie,

     

    Can you point me to the full file for this?  Are they just developing a software program, or building some sort of AI robot system for sorting mail?

     

    Thanks,

    Morgan

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

    Hey Morgan,

    This is the link for the project application and Excel application, I cc’d Daphne Hulse in the email as she is the advisor and can help with clarification questions. I always appreciate your time,

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

    Hi Morgan,

     

    The student group here is developing both a software system and physical prototype to place on top of existing recycling bins (the ones that are not the 3-stream bins). They are piloting sorting system at the recycling bin for the software to distinguish different types of objects and tell the user which stream to place it in (trash, paper, bottles/cans, etc.). They are planning to pilot this at PPSB and Garage & Carpool, with the understanding that it needs to be feasible for BSWs.

     

    Thank you,
    Daphne

  4. Weekly Update: Cranksgiving, Halloween last week

    Associated Project(s): 

    All, Halloween was last week, and we are still awash in candy and Halloween-themed cellophane.

    Weather bumped back up, too, and we had a wait for stands on Friday. As the mercury goes, so do we. Accordingly, Monday and Wednesday project to be busy. 

    Getting some bikes on the sales floor and tackling some organizational projects; will continue to do so this week. Will also tackle some more kids bikes as we ramp up production for that.

    This coming Saturday (11/11) the Bike Project is hosting Cranksgiving, a bicycle ride/food drive to collect donations for a local food pantry. I’ll mention it to my staff and patrons this week.

    The numbers:

    Visitors: 43
    Sales: $484
    Memberships: 9 for $270
    Tires/tubes: 8 for $59

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Coordinator -- Campus Bike Center

  5. Land & Water iCAP Team November 2023 Meeting

    The Land & Water iCAP team met on Teams from 1-2 PM on Friday, November 3rd. The team discussed permeable pavers at State Farm Center, the meadow at Orchard Downs, cover crops on the South Farm, and the iCAP 2025 rewrite of the Land & Water chapter. Meeting minutes are attached.

  6. Weekly meeting with Ethan

    Sarthak & Ethan Meeting 11/3

    Campus landscape master plan 

    • where there is a map, see if there is anything related to trails or sidewalks, see where they are mentioned, try to include that in our plan 
    • Include: Implement campus landscape master plan
    • Page 25
    • Main quad district (we can use the image on page 66)
    • On Monday, begin process of pulling out data from landscape plan 
    • Work in person on Wednesday at 1pm

    Evaluation section

    • Add implement campus landscape master plan 

    Implementation

    • put projects on the list from landscape plan 
    • Can use the images from the plan

    Wednesday we will organize the document 

    Equity and accessibility section

    • only talk about how we want Ada accessible

    Existing Conditions

    • can minimize words, do not need as much details 

    Crash Data

    • update graph 

    Landscape plan excel:

    • Look at bike factors in its goals/recommendations 
    • Any bike related projects, take note of them, and where they are located
  7. F&S YMCA MOU

    Associated Project(s): 

    Hi Pete,

     

    Please see attached for the draft we discussed today.

     

    Thank you,
    Daphne

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

    Hi Daphne,

     

    Can you give me an update on this YMCA MOU?

     

    Thanks,

    Morgan

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

    Hi Pete,

     

    Throwing this question up to you 😊 Have you had a chance to send the MOU over to Ehab?

     

    Thank you,
    Daphne

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

     

    I meet with Ehab this afternoon and can discuss with him at that time. However, are you working on an MOU with Housing as well? I’d rather give him both at the same time if possible.

     

    Thank you,

    Pete

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

    Hi Pete,

     

    Yes, I have a working draft of the Housing MOU, too. I’ve attached it here for review.

     

    Thank you,
    Daphne

  8. SSC Project: Greening the Garage

    Hi Lisa,

     

    As discussed during the SSC F&S feasibility meeting, I wanted to send over to you the product that we are requesting funding for. https://www.bendpak.com/shop-equipment/oil-filter-crushers/rp-50fc/ Based on this, are there any concerns?

     

    Thank you,

    Daphne

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

    Hi Daphne,

     

    Thank you for sending me the cut sheet for the oil filter crusher.

     

    I don’t see any code requirements above and beyond what is already being done at the garage for oil filter disposal.  I have no concerns, and neither does Mike Brown in Code Compliance and Fire Safety.

     

    It is my opinion that this project is feasible, no changes needed.

     

    Thank you,

    Lisa

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

    Thank you, Lisa! We appreciate you taking the time to thoroughly review this piece of equipment.

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

    In a seperate email thread Daphne sent the message below and the attached file:

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

    Hi Lisa & Morgan,

     

    Shawn & I are submitting a SSC funding request for a piece of equipment at the garage that would allow us to crush and recycle metal oil filters. We go through about 1500 oil filters a year, and they are currently landfilled.

     

    Thank you,

    Daphne

     

  9. AV FARM next steps - Re - Bid Information

    Dear Team,

     

    Kindly verify the attached document from Ryan to ensure it meets the requirements for a bid posting. We've initiated an inquiry about a potential sole source option, and we're awaiting a response.

     

    Regarding the meeting scheduled to discuss CO and AZ designs for the rebid, it remains on track. We will also plan another meeting for next week.

     

    Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

     

    Best regards,

    Basia

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

    Please see latest proposed layout for 100kw system for discussion.

     

    Best,
    Tim

    Attached Files: 
  10. RE: Green Research Committee

    Associated Project(s): 

    We will be setting up a few meetings starting after Labor Day to meet our upcoming deadlines, with our final report due by November 15. Please review the attached Word file and supplemental attachments ahead of the meetings. Please feel free to post comments/thoughts to our Teams site.

     

    Thanks

    Jeremy

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

    Good morning, everyone,

     

    I have put the files Jeremy sent on Aug 18th into teams. They are under “files” in the “General” channel. You probably saw the invitation to meet virtually on Sept 20th. Hard to get a busy group together. This is a long time from now and we were hoping to meet sooner. Since we can’t meet sooner, we ask that you review these new documents in the next couple weeks. Add comments to the documents, track changes, or put comments in the file called “COMMENTS Aug-Sept.” We need to spend more time working on this outside of the meetings.

    We will use our Sept 20th meeting to make some semi-final decisions on the recommendations from the committee to leadership. October can be used to fine tune.  

     

    I will send reminders up until Sept 20th to makes sure no one forgets to dig into these.  Please don’t wait until the final day. Your comments could help others produce ideas/additional thoughts. Also, please check back on those documents to see what others are saying as well.

     

    Here is a screenshot of the highlighted documents I’m referencing. If you look at some of the other documents and have thoughts on those, it might be good to put them in the “Comments” doc too. Please let me know if this doesn’t make sense.

     

    Best,

    Stephanie

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

    Good morning all,

     

    An updated version of the report based on your feedback has been added to Teams, titled GR Committee Report 10.13.2023, for one final round of comments. With the third charge being so different from the first two we think it is best to provide two separate reports. Both reports are included in the same file for ease of review.

     

    We are working to get our preliminary meeting scheduled with Susan, Ehab, and Madhu. We hope we can present to them in the next few weeks so please take a few minutes in the next week or two to review.

     

    Thanks

    Jeremy

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

    Good afternoon

     

    Steph and I are scheduled to present the committee’s recommendations next Tuesday afternoon. We would like to send the final version of our recommendations to leadership no later than Friday so they have a few days to review in advance. If you have any final comments please add them to the document in Teams by noon tomorrow.

     

    Thanks

    Jeremy

  11. Campus and Community Lumber Milling

    Associated Project(s): 

    Good Afternoon all. I would like to continue the conversation about repurposing campus and community trees for Mill Shop projects. This has been brought up from time to time, but now that we are repurposing the beech tree at the Presidents house, it is a reality. Moving forward, it would be great to have a plan in place for when the Arborists are removing a tree that would have substantial size. Tomorrow, for instance, there will be a large oak tree removed near the Main Library. There is no question we could use it. If grounds were to agree, once cut into 10 to 12 foot sections, we could stage it at Grounds South Lincoln facility, or possibility the Illini Experimental Forest on the South-West corner of Race and Windsor. We are using Brian Knox from CU Woodshop for the Milling and Kiln drying of the beech tree and we could most likely work something out with him for future trees. However, there is the possibility of milling ourselves. A portable saw mill such as a Wood-Mizer https://woodmizer.com/us/Portable-Sawmills could be set up to mill the lumber, and then air dry it, ideally out of the elements. Rule of thumb is for every inch of thickness, one year of drying time is required. There used to be a Wood-Mizer portable saw mill at the Illini Experimental Forrest, but unfortunately it was retired years ago. If we wanted to take it a step further, we could also purchase our own kiln https://woodmizer.com/us/Wood-Kilns to speed up the process. We would save the time and cost of outsourcing all the work. The Student Sustainability Committee could help with the financing, I would think. There might also be the possibility of working with the School of Art and Design to share resources and facilities. This is pretty exciting for me to think about, please respond with your thoughts. Enjoy the day, Andy

    Andy Burnett

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

    Hi Andy,

    I believe Lowell already has a mill. Please check with him about this effort.

    Also, let’s tell the story through CRC, please.

    Thanks!!

    Morgan

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

    Hi Andy,

    Thanks for restarting this discussion. The City of Urbana probably removes at least a dozen trees per year that are urban lumber worthy. We would be happy to have someone take these logs off our hands as we remove the tree and we’re willing to coordinate that with some person as the opportunity arises. Depending on the circumstances, it’s possible we could deliver the log. One would want to coordinate with City Arborist Kevin Sanderson ktsanderson@urbanaillinois.us (217) 384-2339.

    You may also consider connecting with https://illinoisurbanwood.org/. They are working on the entire value chain. It seems to me that we have plenty logs, sawmills, and woodworkers. The limitation, I think, is switching folks from conventional store-bought products to local urban wood products.

    Thanks!

    Scott

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

    Thanks for the response Scott. I am confident we will have a routine for milling these local trees soon. Once we have the resources, other local woodworks will get involved. Partnering with CU Woodshop would be an excellent way to get the lumber to the local woodworkers. They already have a good customer base and they advertise. Hopefully pricing of our locally grown hardwoods would be more affordable than the production mills. Again, thank you for reaching out and I will keep Kevin Anderson in the conversations. Know that I am willing to meet with anyone with ideas or that can help in any way. Everyone have a great night, Andy

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

    Good Afternoon all. I wanted to offer a quick update. Lowell and I met last week and had some great conversation about woodworking and different ways the Architecture program and the Mill Shop could work together. Not only partnering in the milling of the local trees, but also creating opportunities for his students to learn woodworking techniques and processes from the guys in the Mill. As far as repurposing the community trees, Lowell is set up with a Lucas Mill which is kind of like a horizontal chain saw. In talking, we decided a large model Wood-Mizer, which is more like a large band saw, would be best to cut the logs into slabs. Lowell said there is a kiln on campus in the Wood Engineering Laboratory, next to the Arch Annex, but believes it will need some attention before it could be used. We talked about applying for grants and the possibilities of campus funding to help get everything set up and running. Any ideas you might have would be greatly appreciated! Thanks and have a great weekend! Andy

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

    Hi Andrew,

     

    This sounds like it could be something that the Student Sustainability Committee could help fund in the fall. Ultimately, it would be up to the student board to decide. Lowell is familiar with the SSC funding process through the Root to Roof project that was done a couple years ago. If your proposal can provide similar value at the intersection of sustainability and student engagement, it probably will have a decent shot of getting at least partially funded.

     

    Here's a link to SSC funding guidelines. Let me know if you have any additional questions!

     

    Best,

    Sammy Yoo

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

    Good Morning Morgan. Grounds has cut down a couple trees that I think we can mill and use for projects. Does F and S have any funding for sustainability projects? We will need a work order to get the logs separated from the limbs and branches and then potentially transported from the South Lincoln grounds facility to Arch Annex. When we meet to cut up the slabs, there will be that time to charge as well. Just need to come up with a way to cover that time. Lowell and I are still going to work together on applying for SSC funding for a Wood-Mizer and to get the kiln running. I thought I would reach out to you first before going to Dave and Mark for Maintenance funds. Also, do you know if Ehab knows we are starting this venture? Thanks Morgan and enjoy the day! Andy

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

    Hi Andy!

     

    So cool! I don’t already have funds to help with this, but do you have an approximate dollar amount for it? Dave and I can ask Ehab if the Ex. Director wants to support it directly.

     

    Any direct sustainability funding generally comes from either a six month funding request to the Student Sustainability Committee (SSC), or from a collaboration with the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) to use Carbon credit funds. That’s another reasonable option for supporting this. I’ll need to know an approximate cost to be able to ask.

     

    Thanks,

    Morgan

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

    I love your enthusiasm Morgan! If we were to buy the Wood-Mizer, the cost would be from $12090 to be able to cut a 28”diameter log, to $21795 for 36” diameter, plus delivery. I don’t know how involved getting the kiln at Wood Engineering Lab fixed is going to be, but I do know it was used just a few years ago. Labor is a little bit of a guessing game. After the logs are initially brought to South Lincoln, they would need to be separated from the pile, so I’ll guess 2 to 3 hours each time. If we have to transport the logs to be cut, as apposed to cutting there, I am going to add 2 hours for Transportation. Milling would probably take 2 guys a day to go through 8 to 10 logs. I would say to produce about 1250 board feet of lumber it would be roughly $1500. Depending on the species, that is either a really good deal or a great deal. Thanks for being an advocate for this Morgan, Andy

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

    Hi Andy,

     

    I’m introducing you here to NRES Professor Kevin McSweeney. He is the chair of our Tree Campus committee, and the director of the Arboretum. He has been talking with Lowell Miller about campus urban lumber, so I wanted to connect you with him.

     

    Thanks,

    Morgan

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

    Hey Morgan and good morning to you.  I met an intern that works with you at the Employee Expo and we were talking about revisiting the urban lumber conversation.  She seemed pretty excited about sustainability and the possibility of repurposing campus and community trees to make furniture.  I would gladly welcome someone to help look into funding options through the Student Sustainability Committee, the School of Art and Design or from a collaboration with the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment as you mentioned below.  Would you forward this on to her (unfortunately I do not remember her name) and she can get ahold of me if she would like to.  Thanks and enjoy the day!  Andy  

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

     

    Hi Quinn,

     

    Was this you?  Please see below.

     

    Thanks,

    Morgan

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

    Yes! I asked him about how much of campus furniture they produce, and we started talking about sustainability efforts and using reclaimed trees.

    I totally forgot to set up a meeting with him so we could talk about the Mill shop operations.

     

    Thanks,

     

    Quinn M. Connolly

  12. University Landholdings in CU/new construction in next 2 years

    I'm doing some work with the USFWS on an urban pollinator habitat project and have a couple questions I'm hoping F&S can help me with (or send me in the right direction.)

    1. Do we have an accurate map or GIS layer of current UIUC landholdings (including properties connected to the south farms, etc). I've been able to locate some very low-quality, generalized maps but nothing that is either current or very detailed.
    2. Is there a way for me to find out where on campus there will be construction/renovation projects that will occur in the next 2-3 years?

    Thanks,

     

    BRODIE DUNN

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

    Beth, are you able to assist with item 1 in the below email from Brodie regarding obtaining a map or GIS file of UIUC properties?

     

    Morgan, are you able to assist with item 2 in the below email from Brodie regarding upcoming capital projects?

     

    Thanks,

    James Scherer

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

    Helo Brodie,

     

    I’m connecting you with the University Landscape Architect, Brent Lewis.  He can assist with your inquiry about upcoming construction projects, and it is important to include him in any plans you want to pursue regarding additional plantings on university land.

     

    Thanks,

    Morgan

     

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

    Morgan and Brent,

     

    Rest assured I haven't made any promises regarding plantings on campus (and would reach out to you both before doing so.) 

     

    The primary program partner is the City of Champaign, which I am currently in discussions with. If the project does go through, it'll target underserved neighborhoods with pollinator conservation measures meant to protect/conserve the Rusty Patch Bumble Bee, an endangered species. It is a great opportunity and beside doing the coordination for the project with municipal partners, i'm doing my best to ensure we've got the option to physically participate in the program even if the lands we might have available are outside the model's ideal range.

     

    Brent - If we have any construction projects happening in the next two years that include major changes in landscaping, especially on the north side of campus, it would be good to hear about those. Participating in the program might end up being as simple as swapping out a few species on the planting list and doing so might give us the opportunity to be a part of a very innovative Endangered Species recovery plan.

     

    Thanks,

     

    BRODIE DUNN

  13. Bike Facilities Standard

    Hi Stacey and Morgan,

     

    Please see attached the facilities standard for Streets, Driveway, Sidewalk, and Bicycle Network. This standard was just updated in August 2023, but the point about Campus Bike Plan has been in place since at least the last standard update.

     

    Bicycle Network: Bicycle path facilities shall be constructed according to the Campus Bicycle Plan, available through F&S Transportation Demand Management and also available at: 2014 Campus Bicycle Plan. All new bicycle paths shall be a connected part of the campus bicycle network as well as the community bicycle networks, and shall follow the Champaign County Greenways and Trails Design Guidelines, developed by CUUATS.

     

    Bicycle Paths: Bicycle paths shall use design geometry, striping, symbols, and signage as described in the 2014 Campus Bicycle Plan.

     

    Thank you,
    Sarthak

  14. Weekly Update

    Associated Project(s): 

    All, Made some headway on the abandoned bikes and already have six on the sales floor. We tabled at the Green Quad Day last week as well. This week I’ll work on tallying inventory--and the marketing/publicity—for the Kids Bike Giveaway as well as getting regular bikes up for sale.

    The numbers:

    Visitors: 47
    Sales: $862
    Build-a-Bike: 1 for $40

    Memberships: 14 for $420

    Tire/tubes: 17 for $131

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Coordinator -- Campus Bike Center

  15. BFU award notification

    Associated Project(s): 

    Dear Sarthak,

    Thank you again for applying to the League of American Bicyclists' Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) program! After careful review of your 2023 application, and in consultation with local cyclists and advocates, I am pleased to inform you that University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is awarded a Silver BFU designation. Congratulations!  You should take great pride in the bicycle friendly campus you have created for your students, employees, and visitors!

    The official announcement of the 2023 BFU Awards will be made next Thursday, October 26, through the distribution of a national press release and online at www.bikeleague.org. We appreciate you keeping the news of your award private until then so that we may have a more effective and impacting message. We hope that you too will announce your designation on October 26th. 

    Included below are links to an announcement toolkit for your use, along with the 2023-2027 Silver BFU award seals. 

    2023 BFU Award Announcement Toolkit:  https://bit.ly/BFU_2023_AnnouncementToolkit

    2023-2027 Silver BFU Award Seal image files:  https://bit.ly/BFU_Silver_2023

    We love to showcase our new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Universities on the League's blog and social media platforms! To help us highlight your campus as a Bicycle Friendly University, we invite you to submit photos and quotes about bicycling on your campus through our BFU Story Form!

    In the coming weeks, detailed feedback on your application will be sent via email and you will receive a Bicycle Friendly University award letter and certificate in the mail. If you would like to order additional materials to promote your BFU designation, please visit our online store here.

    Your award designation is good for four years, through 2027, after which time you will be reminded to renew. You are welcome to renew before then if your campus makes considerable improvements and would like to be considered for a higher designation.

    Congratulations again on your efforts, and I look forward to our continued work!

    Best,

    Amelia Neptune
    Director, Bicycle Friendly America
    League of American Bicyclists

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