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Projects Updates for key objective: No name

  1. Interview with Scott Willenbrock (Former Physics Professor, UIUC Solar Farm Involvement)

    Associated Project(s): 
    Clean Energy Plan

    A document containing the notes from this interview is attached below.

     

    Summary of the Clean Energy Transition Plan Interview:

    Scott Willenbrock - Former Physics Professor, UIUC Solar Farm Involvement

    On 3/24/22, the team met with Scott Willenbrock. He provided a lot of valuable information on Solar Farm 1 and 2, as well as the potential for a Solar Farm 3. He described that Solar Farm 3 will likely be an off-campus farm due to the lack of space on campus. He did mention that there was potential for putting a farm on campus in between Solar Farm 1 and 2, but it would be necessary to relocate the research that the fields are currently being used for. He thinks Solar Farm 3 will most likely be off campus, and he says the biggest challenge with this is getting things moving and having enough people behind it. He gave us some advice on rooftop solar, stating that the fault is in the economy of scale, but rooftop panels can be useful due to their visibility on campus/ promotion of clean energy. He also believes that storage is a challenge that needs to be addressed, batteries are too expensive now.

  2. Meeting with F&S about Fleet Replacement Plan Development

    Associated Project(s): 
    Fleet Replacement Plans

    In February, Tyler Swanson, Allison Hefner, and Sarthak Prasad of the Transportation iCAP team met with Pete Varney at F&S to discuss the implementation of the F&S Fleet Replacement Plan and what lessons have been learned via the process. The team hopes to use information from the conversation to help other campus units develop their own fleet replacement plans.

    Notes from this conversations are attached.

    Attached Files: 

  4. Interview with Rob Roman (F&S Director of Utilities & Energy Services)

    Associated Project(s): 
    Clean Energy Plan

    A document containing the notes from this interview is attached below.

     

    Summary of the Clean Energy Transition Plan Interview:

    Rob Roman - F&S Director of Utilities & Energy Services

    On 3/22/22 the team interviewed Rob Roman. Rob’s biggest concern with a clean energy transition was the monetary aspect. The university only gets a certain amount of funding each year and a large amount of money is going to be needed for improvements to the system. Rob thought that geothermal is a good option for the University and thinks that it could be feasible on a large scale but would need to consult an expert to determine the land use. Rob also thought that a micro nuclear reactor was a very good option for the University with the caveat that it will be very expensive. He thought that the university does need to transition from its steam use for heating on campus unless a better emerging technology comes along. Rob told the team that biofuels have already been tried for the steam production, but it wasn’t feasible due to the transportation costs compared to natural gas and coal. Rob felt that for future energy plans they account for ambiguity and emerging technologies and have a place for energy storage which the campus currently does not utilize.

    Attached Files: 

  6. Student Affairs Research Approval (SARA) process for the sample of students for Mode Choice Survey

    Associated Project(s): 
    Reduce Driving on Campus

    Since iNews Newsletter does not allow surveys, F&S TDM had to get permission from DMI and Student Affairs to reach out to a large populations of Undergraduate students.

    Sarthak Prasad requested Division of Management Information (DMI) a sample of randomly selected Undergraduate students for the Mode Choice Survey in last week of February. DMI asked to complete the Student Affairs Research Approval (SARA) application to sample 5,000 UG students. Sarthak Prasad filled out the SARA request on March 1, 2022. Dr. Beth Hoag approved the SARA request to sample 5,000 UG students and forwarded it to the DMI contacts. 

    Ting Lu from DMI created 2 identical groups of randomly selected 5,000 UG student emails and shared them with Sarthak Prasad on 3/18/22 via Webtools. Each group could only be used once.

    There was a $16/hour cost to create a sample - overall cost was $64.

  8. Interview with Maria Maring (SSLC iWG Representative) and Gabriel Kosmacher (SSLC Member)

    Associated Project(s): 
    Clean Energy Plan

    A document containing the notes from this interview is attached below.

     

    Summary of the Clean Energy Transition Plan Interview:

    Maria Maring - SSLC iWG Representative

    Gabriel Kosmacher -SSLC Member

    On 3/11/22, the team met with SSLC representatives from the iWG, Maria Maring and Gabriel Kosmacher. They had beneficial insight into the human side of energy implementation on campus. They both have experience in allocating SSLC funds to student proposed projects, so it was interesting to hear their point of view of sustainability projects on campus. They recommended energy conservation techniques that do not rely on individual actions. They also provided insight into the fact that students just want to see clean energy on campus, and they do not care how it happens. Finally, they expressed concerns on the location of micro nuclear reactors on campus, while also stressing that students would not be against nuclear power if they are educated on the topic.

    Attached Files: 

  11. Invitation to Environmental Leadership Program Banquet

    Associated Project(s): 
    Environmental Leadership Program (ELP)

    From: Rosenbery, Amy Nichole
    Sent: Wednesday, March 9, 2022 7:48 AM
    To: Rosenbery, Amy Nichole
    Subject: Reminder: Invitation to Environmental Leadership Program Banquet

    Good morning all,

    Just sending a reminder that we need an RSVP by end of the day today.

    Dear Colleagues,

    I hope this finds you well. I am reaching out to invite you to the first closing banquet of the Environmental Leadership Program organized by the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE).

    The ELP wraps up in a couple of weeks with a trip to Springfield, where students will present their crafted policy to state legislators and staff. The program will conclude with a celebratory banquet at the Illini Union on Thursday, March 17, 2022, from 5-7:30 pm.

    As a valuable member at iSEE, we would be delighted if you could join us in celebrating the successful launch of the program. I have attached the event agenda for additional information. To confirm your attendance, kindly reply to this email by Wednesday, March 9.

    On behalf of everyone at iSEE, I would like to thank you again for your contribution to building the program!

    Best Regards,
    Amy

    Amy Rosenbery
    Business Administrative Associate
    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment
    National Soybean Research Center
    1101 W. Peabody, suite 350, MC-635
    Urbana, IL 61801
    217/333-4178
    www.sustainability.illinois.edu

    Attached Files: 

  12. Interview with Ximing Cai (CEE Professor, Former Associate Director of iSEE)

    Associated Project(s): 
    Clean Energy Plan

    A document containing the notes from this interview is attached below.

     

    Summary of the Clean Energy Transition Plan Interview:

    Ximing Cai - CEE Professor, Former Associate Director of iSEE

    On 3/8/22, the team met with Ximing Cai. He was able to provide us with useful information on biofuels, geothermal, and nuclear options for the campus. He suggests geothermal as a good option, with potential for biofuels or nuclear although there is still a lot to consider. A big issue with these technologies is cost. Also placed an emphasis on energy conservation and advised us to be bold with our plan because it is needed to reach the desired goals. From here, we plan to contact someone with detailed knowledge of nuclear and geothermal systems to learn more about their potential on campus.

    Attached Files: 

  15. Dominika Szal carries on the waste survey work that Syd Trimble began

    Associated Project(s): 
    Big Ten & Friends Sustainability
    Achieve Zero Waste
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    1. Syd Trimble and Dominika Szal began efforts to create a comprehensive waste management survey to dissmeninate to all Big Ten and Friends affiliated insitutitons. With the results in hand, they would collate and summarize the data, and give back the analysis to each of the schools for their benefit. The purpose was to benchmark schools against one another and determine the highlights and opportunities for improvement at each school.
    2. Draft of the initial survey:
      1. I saw that your school has a goal of achieving a [insert % waste diversion by whatever year]. Why did your school decide to work on reducing your waste production in the first place?
        1. What year was the goal initially decided? (what is your benchmark year?)
        2. What was the waste diversion rate of your benchmark year?
        3. Why did you decide on this rate as a goal?
        4. If you accomplish your goal by [desired year], would you then work on maintaining that waste diversion rate or would you work on diverting even more waste?
        5. What waste goal metrics do you track?
        6. What do you include in your waste diversion rate?
      2. What are the most common challenges you face when attempting to reach waste reduction goals?
        1. How did you identify your next course of action to deal with these challenges?
      3. Which initiatives would you say were the most effective in reaching your goals for waste reduction?
      4. Do you provide your own recycling or waste collection services or is it outsourced?
      5. How is recycling funded?
        1. Do you sell your collected recyclables?
          1. How is that revenue used?
      6. How is waste disposal funded?
      7. How important is investing in public education about recycling/waste reduction?
        1. How do you get the word out about recycling or any initiatives you have going on
        2. Have you noticed which types of marketing tend to be more receptive by certain demographics (such as students or faculty?)
        3. Does your institution have any training for students and/or faculty for them to be more aware of recycling?
        4. What are ongoing initiatives that your institution is developing? (ex. recycling app, recyclopedia)
      8. With football games, we typically see a lot of waste, whether it’s from tailgating or the game itself. What has your institution done to effectively increase recycling/reduce waste at these events? If you haven’t done so yet, are there any plans in the works?
        1. Do you work directly with the concessionaire?
        2. Who works as the liaison with Athletics? Do you have a sustainability specialist working within Athletics?
        3. How do you get enough volunteers to help with achieving your waste reduction goals at the games?
        4. What would you say helped the most with increasing recycling rates during football games?
      9. Do you have any specialty recycling initiatives? Some examples of specialty recycling include batteries, PPE, glasses recycling, or phone recycling.
      10. Question related to procurement goals (look up “sustainable leadership purchasing council”)
        1. Do you currently have a sustainable procurement policy in place?
          1. If no, is your institution pursuing a sustainable procurement policy?
        2. Were there any challenges that arose while developing this policy?
      11. Does your institution address e-waste, whether through re-use (ex. a surplus store) or donation?

  16. Illinois Solar Renewables Resources

    Associated Project(s): 
    Use Clean Power
    Solar Power on Campus

    For Homeowners:

    Citizens Utility Board (Community Solar) - https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/solar-in-the-community/

    EnergySage - https://www.energysage.com/

    Google Sunroof - https://sunroof.withgoogle.com/

    IL Solar Energy Association (IL Solar Ambassadors and vendor lists) - https://www.illinoissolar.org/

     

    For specialized organizations:

    Midwest Renewable Energy Association - https://www.midwestrenew.org/

    Clean Energy Buyers Association - https://cebuyers.org/

    Elevate - https://www.elevatenp.org/

     

    Government:

    City of Chicago - https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/progs/env/solar_in_chicago.html

    Cook County - https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/solar-energy

    Illinois Solar for All (Community Solar) - https://www.illinoissfa.com/

    Illinois Shines - https://illinoisshines.com/

    EPA (Solar Resources) - https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/local-renewable-energy-solar

     

  18. iSEE Newsletter 03/01/2022

    Associated Project(s): 
    Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE)

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

     

    Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment

    OFFICE OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

     

     

     

    		 March 1, 2022

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    Magazine Features U of I Basalt Project

    A University of Illinois team researching the use of basalt rock for "enhanced weathering" of farm fields was recently featured in Anthropocene magazine. Spreading rock dust could boost crop yields and lock up vast amounts of carbon. Researchers Carl Bernacchi, USDA Agricultural Research Service Plant Physiologist; Evan DeLucia, Arends Professor Emeritus of Plant Biology; Ilsa Kantola, soil ecologist and iSEE Visiting Research Scientist; and Stephen Long, Professor of Crop Sciences and Plant Biology, discussed their work with the magazine's Dan Ferber. The Illinois work is part of the Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation (LC3M) and was funded in 2021 for five more years of studies in the now nearly $3 million project.

     

     

     

     

     

    Scott Tess from the City of Urbana meets with Environmental Leadership Program students in the iSEE Collaboratory. Credit: Mark Herman/iSEE

     

    		  

    ELP Updates: Projects and Visitors

    iSEE's Spring 2022 Environmental Leadership Program is rapidly nearing its conclusion. The students and instructors have been meeting since January to hear from governmental and advocacy representatives as well as academic experts — and pursuing their own projects as they prepare to make presentations to local and state government officials. For the latest on the ELP, please check out the blog by iSEE Communications Intern Kratika Tandon, a member of the 2022 cohort!

     

     

     

     

     

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    Plant Model Expert to Highlight Crops in silico Symposium

    Registration is open for the 6th Crops in silico (Cis) Symposium and Hackathon on May 11-13, to be held virtually through the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). The keynote will be delivered by Leah Band of the School of Biosciences and School of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Nottingham, who creates models to gain understanding of plant growth and development. Trained as a mathemetician, Band has collaborated closely with experimental biologists in her work. Stay tuned for more details about the keynote and other presentations by visiting this website, and register here! >>>

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Green and white banner advertising the "Use the Bin" recycling pledge at U of I.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    		 Upcoming Events & Opportunities

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Engineering a Greener Future Mural. Calling all student artists! Help create a mural showcasing sustainability initiatives and green technology research on campus. “Engineering a Greener Future” will be featured in the main gallery of the Siebel Center for Design (SCD) during the Fall 2022 semester. Sponsored by the Student Sustainability Committee and hosted by SCD, the project is designed to put a spotlight on sustainability initiatives like Solar Farm 2.0 and inspire students to participate in sustainable actions! Applications are due Friday March 4! >>>

    Emerging Contaminants in the Environment Conference (ECEC). Registration is open for ECEC22, co-hosted by the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center and the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant! Keynote speakers are Scott Coffin, a Research Scientist with the California State Water Resources Control Board; and Abby Hendershott of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Out of an abundance of caution, the conference has moved from a hybrid format to fully virtual. Undergraduate scholarships covering registration fees are available.
    Saturday-Sunday | April 27-28, 2022 | Register

    Nomination Deadline March 4 for Social Justice Awards. The Diversity and Social Justice Education Program’s Annual Social Justice Awards honor unsung members of the U of I campus and community who have sought to address marginalization, oppression, and/or privilege in their communities. Nominations for outstanding undergraduates, graduate students, staff/faculty members, alumni, and registered student organizations will remain open through Friday, March 4. You can nominate yourself or someone else by visiting this website >>>

    Breaking the Plastic Wave: Solving the Plastic Pollution Problem. Plastic has become ubiquitous in our lives, from disposable bottles to microbeads in body washes, and plastic waste is piling up in our terrestrial and aquatic systems. Jim Palardy, Project Director of the Conservation Science Program at The Pew Charitable Trusts, will give an overview of the current trajectory for plastic pollution and highlight a better solution for the environment, the economy, and communities. This Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) webinar is an iSEE-certified green event!
    Noon-1 p.m. | Thursday, March 10 | Register

    Watch the Sustainability Training Video! Help our campus reach "herd sustainability" by watching our video and filling out a short survey. You'll learn about everyday actions you can take to get your semester off to a sustainable start and build an environmentally responsible campus! Visit our website to watch now>>>

    Green Your Lab With Our New Toolkit! Facilities & Services and iSEE have developed a Greener Labs Inventory Toolkit to help facility liaisons and principal investigators track energy usage in their labs and identify more sustainable practices, such as leaving items unplugged or upgrading equipment. For questions, email mbwhite@illinois.edu.

    C4 Social Media Internship Available! The Champaign County Climate Coalition (C4) is looking for several social media/marketing interns to share information, resources, and opportunities with the county-wide community. Applicants must have enthusiasm for climate action and experience with marketing and social media; graphic design experience appreciated. This is an unpaid internship. To apply, email your resume and/or a letter of interest describing your qualifications to Savannah Donovan at sydonovan@urbanaparks.org.

    Check out iSEE’s Illinois Sustainability Calendar for a full list of events!

     

     

     
       

     

    Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment

    Suite 350 National Soybean Research Center MC 635
    1101 W. Peabody | Urbana, IL 61801
    Contact: sustainability@illinois.edu

     

     

     

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  20. Terry Guen, TGDA, presentation at TBH

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

    Terry Guen’s practice has brought ecology back to communities through high-profile technical projects in landscape and urban design. TGDA is a nationally recognized designer of urban public spaces and ecological landscapes. At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, TGDA designed landscapes for Ikenberry Commons and the recently completed Siebel Center for Design.

    March 3, 5:30–6:45 pm • 134 Temple Buell Hall (Plym Auditorium), 611 E. Lorado Taft Drive, Champaign, IL.

    Conor O'Shea • Department of Landscape Architecture

    baseline_wifi_black_18dp.png This opportunity is available online.

    Stanley H. White Lecture: Terry Guen, Principal and Founder, TGDA

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