You are here

Projects Updates for key objective: No name

  1. F&S receives Wind PPA recommendation

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy Generation, Purchasing, & Distribution (eGen) SWATeam [ARCHIVED]
    Wind Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

    Evan:

    We contacted UA. They're supposed to give us a RFP schedule next week. That should give us a better idea of the timeline.

    -Al Stratman

    From: Evan DeLucia [mailto:delucia@life.illinois.edu]
    Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2014 5:39 PM
    To: McCall, Benjamin
    Cc: Stratman, Allan
    Subject: SWAT report on energy generation

    Ben,

    In the absence of a fully formulated SWAT process - iWG and the Sustainability Council have yet to be formed - I forwarded the May 2014 position paper from the 'energy generation' team directly to Al Stratman for consideration.

    Under the SWAT process, the teams should be... "developing and recommending specific actions or initiatives the campus should under take to meet iCAP targets..." The energy generation SWAT did a nice job of recommending a specific action that would help meet our targets.

    To paraphrase, Al responded...

    • the concept of a PPA is meritorious and has potential
    • F&S is evaluating this plan
    • some of the issues that need to be considered include pricing options, length of agreement constraints, REC pricing alternatives
    • F&S is working to obtain hard data on pricing and other details before moving forward

    I've taken the liberty of copying Al to be sure I didn't misrepresent his response to me.

    Al, do you have any idea of what might be a reasonable time frame would be for completing an analysis of the feasibility, costs, and benefits of purchasing wind power for campus?

    Cheers,

    Evan

  2. Recommendation: Wind PPA

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy Generation, Purchasing, & Distribution (eGen) SWATeam [ARCHIVED]
    Wind Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

    Here is the first recommendation from the Energy Generation SWATeam.

    "We strongly endorse obtaining Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with one or more Wind Farms as soon as possible.  It is unlikely that a better opportunity to purchase renewable energy will present itself in the foreseeable future."

    Attached Files: 

  4. status update on real-time meter installations

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy Dashboard Project

    Robby Bauer, Dave Green, and Morgan Johnston discussed the status of the real-time energy meeter installations, from the SSC funded project.  All of the Housing electrical meters have been installed, but the issue is about steam meters.  Robby talked with the Housing plumber about the steam load.  the water is a constant volume pump, and there is no control system available (other than opening and closing windows).  with a constant flow pump, and without controls in every room, there is no way for students to have control over it. 

    If we choose to not put funds into real time steam meters in those buildings, where the students cannot influence the energy demand, we can get real-time electricity meters on all the buildings in the original prioritized list from the SSC. 

  5. Work order for MSEB occ sensor work

    Associated Project(s): 
    Occupancy and Daylight Sensors

    Work Request 141288 converted to Work Order 10288695

    Work Order: 10288695

    Building: 0034 - MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENG BLDG

    Room:

    Department Reference:

    Customer Description:

    Please provide engineering design services to install lighting occupancy sensors and HVAC occupancy sensors in the Materials Science and Engineering Building (MSEB).  Charge CFOP 1-762417-862004-xxxxxx-198000.

    Phases:

    Phase: 001 DESIGN SERVICES

  6. Mode Shift update

    Associated Project(s): 
    Reduce Driving on Campus
    Multi-Modal Transportation Study [ARCHIVED]

    CUUATS completed a University District Traffic Circulation Study, using information from a campus-wide statistically relevant survey.

    The following table shows the mode share information based on the survey conducted in April-May, 2011.

    Level

    Travel Mode (%)

    Walk

    Bike

    Transit

    Drive Alone

    Carpool

    Get a Ride

    Other

    Faculty

    9

    18

    10

    51.9

    9

    1.9

    0

    Staff

    5.4

    6.4

    9.1

    65.2

    9.7

    3.5

    0.6

    Freshman

    50.2

    12

    34.8

    0.7

    0.2

    0.7

    1.4

    Sophomore

    53.1

    9.1

    34.1

    1.6

    0.3

    0

    1

    Junior

    48.5

    12.6

    28.8

    8.6

    0.6

    0.9

    0

    Senior

    49.1

    10.5

    27.1

    11.2

    1.4

    0.4

    0.4

    Masters

    23.4

    13

    41.3

    18.4

    2.1

    1.8

    0

    PhD

    20.1

    15.2

    39

    20.8

    3.4

    1.6

    0

     

    Attached Files: 

  7. Request to SWATeam

    Associated Project(s): 
    Establish a Net Zero Waste Plan and Policy
    Zero Waste iCAP Team

    Hello waste SWATeam and Ben,

    As you know, the iCAP called for a Zero Waste Policy to be developed, and we have a draft for a CAM policy (attached). 

    I’m not sure a CAM policy is the best solution, so I asked around for information about where campus policies usually reside and I was given the following info.  As the SWATeams are approved to move forward to the next phase, it would be great to have iSEE and the iCAP SWATeam take the lead on getting a formal Zero Waste Policy adopted. 

    Ben, Bart, and I have discussed this over the last few months, and I believe it is most appropriate advancing to campus decision makers through the iCAP process rather than through F&S.  Please let me know what you think.

    Thanks,  Morgan

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

    Dear Purchasing, Waste, and Recycling SWATeam,   I just wanted to add my $0.02 that I concur with Morgan that it makes sense to pursue the review and approval of a Zero Waste Policy through the SWATeam process, and your team is clearly the right one for this task.  Cheers,  Ben

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

    I like the idea. If there is an agreement, we can discuss the policy itself in our next meeting. 

    Regards,

    -Dilip Chhajed ------------ I'm in. - Warren Lavey

     

    Attached Files: 

  8. "Connectivity and Accessibility of UIUC Campus Bike Paths"

    Associated Project(s): 
    2014 Campus Bike Plan [ARCHIVED]
    Independent Student Projects

    "The results here indicate that the changes to the UIUC network do in fact improve connectivity over the existing network. Moreover, the planned network lowers the average shortest-distance path between libraries, dormitories, and the Union by nearly the same amount as a control scenario without paths at all. While we may assume that a bicycle master plan will address and improve connectivity as a matter of course – and the language in the plans claims that they do – it seems counterintuitive that this simple test not be included in the research process to confirm that this is so. Ultimately what these accessibility and connectivity analyses show is that while planners and bicycle advocates may seek to improve bicycle infrastructure, we need a way to quantify and subsequently verify that any changes will improve the functionality of the network and the ease with which a rider can travel from one location to another." -- Pildes, Russell. (2014) "Connectivity and Accessibility of UIUC Campus Bike Paths", B.A. Honors Thesis, Department of Geography and Geographic Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

    Attached Files: 

  11. Billion Gallon Water Challenge

    Associated Project(s): 
    Reduce Potable Water Usage

    The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) is spearheading an initiative called the “Billion Gallon Water Challenge” to preserve and protect water resources in Illinois.

    We have just completed an RFP for water conservations projects and will fund, through our sponsored research grant program, a number of companies and organizations and municipalities to help reach our goal to save 1,000,000,000 gallons of water in Illinois. We will also be conducting outreach and technical assistance to these entities to assist with their water-saving ideas and projects.

    In addition, we are encouraging the people of Illinois to join the challenge by making a personal pledge at the Billion Gallon Water Challenge website: http://istc.illinois.edu/water.cfm. So join in the Challenge; take the pledge today and let us know how you will help save water!  And spread the word to your friends to join, too!

    ISTC is a division of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

  13. Article about White Roofs vs. Green Roofs

    Associated Project(s): 
    Green Roofs on Campus

    White Roofs Better Than Dark, Vegetated Roofs, LBNL Study Finds
    BERKELEY, Calif.—Compared to traditional dark-colored roofs and green or “vegetated” roofs, white roofs offer greater ability to lower temperatures that lead to the urban heat island effect, and they do it at less cost, according to a recent report. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory report states that building owners “concerned with global warming should choose white roofs, which are three times more effective than green roofs at cooling the globe.” The authors analyzed 22 commercial flat roof projects in the U.S. and performed a 50-year life-cycle cost analysis. They assumed a 20-year service life for black roofs and white roofs, and 40 years for green roofs. Compared to black roofs, the report says, white roofs save $25/m2 ($2.30/ft2) and green roofs have an additional cost of $71/m2 ($6.60/ft2). The authors also concluded that black roofs should be prohibited in some areas. “We strongly recommend building code policies that phase out dark-colored roofs in warm climates to protect against their adverse public health externalities,” the report states.

    Read more

    Excerpt:    However, unlike white roofs, green roofs do not offset climate change. White roofs are more reflective than green roofs, reflecting roughly three times more sunlight back into the atmosphere and therefore absorbing less sunlight at earth’s surface. By absorbing less sunlight than either green or black roofs, white roofs offset a portion of the warming effect from greenhouse gas emissions.

    “Both white and green roofs do a good job at cooling the building and cooling the air in the city, but white roofs are three times more effective at countering climate change than green roofs,” said Rosenfeld.

  14. Spurlock ECIP project

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy Conservation Incentive Program (ECIP)

    Mike,

    As we discussed on the phone, our Electricians have visited with the folks at Spurlock and secured a preliminary scope of work (see attached). Because of the complex existing lighting system in the building our Electricians will require some assistance from our In-House Engineering staff. I understand that Spurlock has been allotted $22K for this work. I am going to ask Robert to give us an estimate of the Engineering charges and if they exceed 10% of the budget we will discuss scaling back some of the scope with the folks at Spurlock. The AiM project is 2693 and the Engineering estimate work order is 10282137.

    Thanks,

    Thomas Doud

    Construction Superintendent

    Construction Services Division

    University of Illinois, Facilities and Services

    217-244-3686

    Attached Files: 

  15. Sustainable Fleet Standard Program

    Associated Project(s): 
    Decrease Emissions from UI Fleet

    IMPORTANT NEWS: NAFA President Announces Major Association Initiative

    At the Annual Business Meeting this morning, April 8, at the I&E in Minneapolis, MN, NAFA President Claude Masters, CAFM announced the Association is developing a Sustainable Fleet Standard Program, which aims to increase efficiency, while reducing emissions and fuel use. Developed in conjunction with CALSTART, the NAFA Sustainable Fleet Standard Program is a one-of-its-kind initiative. With its development NAFA intends to pioneer a movement in the fleet community which emphasizes the economic and environmental benefits and overall importance of sustainability.

    sustfleetlogo.jpg

    “The importance of sustainable practices becomes more evident each day,” said President Masters. “By becoming more energy independent and efficient our members will extend benefits to their bottom line and their customer base.”

    In February, 2014, President Barack Obama lent his voice to a national vehicle sustainability initiative while NAFA was in the process of developing their own. This confluence spoke to the prominence of the issue. NAFA’s development of this program exemplifies its dedication to developing a standard of fleet sustainability. By applying this standard to fleets and vehicles of all sizes, NAFA is engineering a program that has the power to shift vehicle sustainability standards on a universal level.

    The program will allow member organizations to assess how to enhance their practices in a way that decreases their fuel dependence and emissions, while increasing the efficiency of their vehicles, improving performance, and reducing harmful pollutants. The ability to assess and strip waste on this front will pave a road to improve performance and reduce harmful pollutants, while often also reducing costs.

    The new Sustainable Fleet Standard Program is being designed for two purposes: to encourage and make it easy for fleets to take the first steps, while also setting a strong framework to reward those fleets already taking real action.  The program will be complementary to existing federal programs, but sets a standard by which fleets can assess their progress. By instituting this program NAFA hopes to lead the way forward into a more sustainable, independent and efficient future.  CALSTART, a national non-profit clean transportation organization, is collaborating with NAFA to structure the ground-breaking program.

    “NAFA’s central role in the fleet industry will help this program create a tipping point for sustainable transportation,” said John Boesel, president and CEO of CALSTART. “We’re working with NAFA to make sure the standard is strong, but easy to use by any fleet, whether just starting out or far down the road on sustainable operations.”

    More information will become available as the program approaches implementation. To ask questions and become involved as a charter member of the program, please visit www.NAFASustainable.org.

     

  17. Class study with City of Urbana

    Associated Project(s): 
    Reduce Foodwaste

    From: Lisa Brooks Sent: Monday, March 31, 2014 9:57 PM To: Dempsey, John Garrett Subject: School Composting Project   Jack Dempsey,   My name is Lisa Brooks, and I am a student at UIUC. My class and I are collaborating with the Urbana Environmental Sustainability Division to establish a school composting program throughout Urbana schools. The goal of the program is to lower the amount of food waste in the school while producing rich organic top soil. We are currently in the development phase of the program, and we did some research on the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment. I was wondering if you would be interested in scheduling a time to discuss the details of the project and any suggestions or ideas you might have for how to make our program as effective as possible. If there is anyone else at the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment that could also provide insight into this project that would be greatly appreciated as well. Feel free to contact me at any time if you are interested in discussing this project.   Thank you for your help,   Lisa Brooks

  18. E-Waste Collection Results

    Associated Project(s): 
    Achieve Zero Waste
    RecycleMania

    On March 18, 2014 was the first E-cyclemania event as part of Recyclemania at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.  57 volunteers from numerous student organizations collaborated with Champaign County Bikes.  E-waste was picked up by bike from several building drop-offs points that included Nugent Hall, Daniels Hall, Sherman Hall, The Cohen Center, Orchard Downs, The Bike Shop, and Bousfield Hall.  That material was transported on bike trailers to collection sites located at Allen Hall, Ikenberry Commons, and the ISTC Building in the research park. The event managed to fill two 26 ft. box trucks with electronics for recycling.  The weight of that material will be recorded in the national RecycleMania database.

  19. LEED Gold considered for State Farm Center

    Associated Project(s): 
    LEED Certification
    RecycleMania

    The rennovation of the State Farm Center (previously known as the Assembly Hall) will seek LEED Gold certification.  One item that this includes is the prerequisite that the building have indoor recycling bins placed throughout the facility.  This will be a nice follow up to the first Zero Waste Game Day event our campus held in Spring 2014.

  20. energy savings tips

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy Dashboard Project

    Hello Ofelia,

    It would be great if you would do some research into the most effective conservation tips, and select the best based on that research.  However, if you do not have time, I would like to see these three: turn your computers off at night, consolidate coffee makers and mini-fridges, and as always turn off the lights.

    Thanks,

    Morgan

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

    From: Ofelia Rodriguez

    Sent: Sunday, March 09, 2014 5:33 PM

    To: Johnston, Morgan B

    Subject: Illini Energy Website

    Hello Morgan,

    I am working on the Illini Energy website and am in charge of having energy saving tips. I wanted to ask for your opinion on what type of information would be useful or would be best to have on the website. We have a long list of energy saving tips, but wanted to focus on top 3 tips to put not the website.

    Look forward to hearing from you!

    Best,

    Ofelia Rodriguez

     

Pages