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Projects Updates for key objective: No name

  1. Funding Approval for Outdoor Recycling Bins

    Associated Project(s): 
    Outdoor Recycling Bin Update
    Utilize Carbon Credits
    Carbon Credit Purchasing Program (C2P2) with Second Nature

    Evan DeLucia and Mohamed Attalla approved $310,000 of funding from the Carbon Credit Sales Fund for replacing outdoor trash receptacles with trash and recycling dual bins.

     

    An email of the approval is attached below.

    A project memo is attached below.

    Attached Files: 

  2. Study Abroad Carbon Offset Manual

    Associated Project(s): 
    iCAP 2020: Illinois Climate Action Plan
    Develop Local Carbon Offset Program [ARCHIVED]

    Leah Courtney and Parima Michareune, two GFX Scholars in the Women in Engineering program, worked with Meredith Moore in spring 2020 to develop a carbon offset manual for University of Illinois study abroad programs (manual attached). In fall 2020, we will work to pilot this carbon offset program for engineering students who study abroad. 

    Attached Files: 

  3. Preliminary carbon offset research

    Associated Project(s): 
    Develop Local Carbon Offset Program [ARCHIVED]
    2015 Illinois Climate Action Plan (2015 iCAP) [ARCHIVED]
    iCAP 2020: Illinois Climate Action Plan

    iSEE intern, Julija Sakutyte, and Meredith Moore have conducted preliminary research into successful local carbon offset programs, including what other institutions have implemented (summary attached). Next steps include: select a value per pound of CO2, develop scope of carbon emissions, identify local projects to fund, and track emissions reduced. 

    Attached Files: 

  4. iCAP 2020 Divestment Objective Review

    Associated Project(s): 
    Fossil Fuels Divestment - Support Letter

    From: Benson, Barry D
    Sent: Thursday, August 6, 2020 7:29 AM
    To: Moore, Meredith Kaye <mkm0078 at illinois.edu>
    Subject: Re: iCAP 2020 divestment objective review

     

    Hi Meredith,

     

    Thank you for your email and I appreciate the opportunity to review the objective below.  I look forward to seeing the final document.  All the best and stay safe and healthy!

     

    Regards,

    — Barry

     

    On Aug 4, 2020, at 4:41 PM, Moore, Meredith Kaye <mkm0078 at illinois.edu> wrote:

    

    Hello Mr. Benson,

     

    I hope this message finds you well. My name is Meredith Moore and I am the Sustainability Programs Coordinator with the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE). We are nearing the final stages of the editing process of the  Illinois Climate Action Plan 2020 (iCAP 2020), our campus sustainability strategic plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. I wanted to check with you to review and verify the language of the objective below on fossil fuel divestment. We discussed this objective in length at the Sustainability Council meeting with Chancellor Jones in June and would now like to lock in this language as soon as possible. I am happy to answer any questions you may have, and look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you!

     

    #9.1 [Chancellor]: Fully divest from fossil fuel companies by FY25.

    Fossil fuel companies are defined as companies which profit from the extraction, transport, or combustion of coal, petroleum, or natural gas. The production and use of coal contributes to environmental, social, and health issues, potentially leading to irreversible ecological damage. The university currently invests less than 1% of its portfolio in coal utility and mining companies and has already divested its direct holdings in coal. As an institution that prides itself on being "a model of sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness for the world to see," it is imperative that the university's values and commitment to combating climate change are reflected in all of our investments. By divesting from fossil fuel companies, the university will reduce its contributions to and association with the negative environmental and social impacts attached to fossil fuel companies. Trends also suggest that the change in the economic market, especially as a result of COVID-19, supports a positive financial decision to divest. In order to ensure financial stability and cease contributing to climate change and social injustice, the University of Illinois must enact a plan to replace all of its investments in fossil fuel companies with financially stable and ethical investments as soon as possible, and then reinvest in more sustainable companies. 

    The university has been discussing fossil fuel divestment since 2000 when students formed a group named “UIUC Beyond Coal.” Fossil fuel divestment has been formally recommended by the Joint Advisory Committee on Socially Responsible Licensing and Investment in 2017 and a resolution passed in 2019. In August 2017, students sent a memo to Chancellor Jones “expressing our unanimous position that the University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana should set a date within the next decade for complete divestment from coal utility and coal mining companies.”  Chancellor Jones’ October 2017 reply noted, “this is a complex and interconnected financial network that crosses a number of different governance lines within the University System.” He also stated, “I will share your report with President Tim Killeen and with UIF President Jim Moore and initiate conversations with them about the next steps we might take to move ourselves towards a more sustainable footprint while maintaining the financial stability we require as a university.” He has verbally supported divestment multiple times since.

    The University of Illinois Foundation is an organization related to the university that manages the endowment with an independent board. While neither the Chancellor nor the University President can make this decision for the University of Illinois Foundation, they can clearly state their support of fossil fuel divestment and specifically request a change from the decision authorities. Through this iCAP objective, we will work with the Office of the Chancellor to create a letter encouraging divestment. The letter will be from Chancellor Jones, and it will be sent to all responsible parties involved in the decision to divest, including the University of Illinois Foundation, Board of Trustees, President Killeen, and those responsible for the portion of the endowment housed in the President’s office. Divesting from fossil fuels is a significant step to put our environmental commitments into action.

     

     

    --
    Meredith Moore
    Sustainability Programs Coordinator

    Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE)

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    1101 W. Peabody, Urbana, Suite 338 (NSRC)

    217.333.0119 | mkm0078 at illinois.edu

    sustainability.illinois.edu

      

  5. Chicago's Renewable Energy Resolution

    Associated Project(s): 
    Use Clean Power

    BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this thirteenth day of March 2019, commit to transition to 100% clean renewable energy community-wide beginning with 100% renewable electricity in buildings by 2035 and complete electrification of CTA's bus fleet by 2040;

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we commit to ensuring that community-wide power will come from the generation and storage of clean, renewable energy from solar, wind, and geothermal sources with an emphasis on new and local resources; and

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City of Chicago will develop a transition plan by December 2020, which will outline key strategies, set progression milestones, develop a timeline for reaching an equitable clean energy transition, and further opportunities to create a 100% clean, renewable energy future community-wide, as well as addressing issues including but not limited to...

    (see file)

    Attached Files: 

  6. iSEE offers a Carbon Offset Purchasing Guide

    Associated Project(s): 
    Carbon Offsets for Major Users [ARCHIVED]

    https://sustainability.illinois.edu/campus-sustainability/positive-steps-to-offsetting-your-carbon-footprint/

    A Positive Step: Offsetting Your Carbon Footprint

    The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is committed to becoming carbon neutral no later than 2050. To achieve this, the campus and community must take ownership of that commitment — and faculty, students, and staff can do their part as individuals. One way is to purchase carbon offsets for travel or other actions that have measurable emissions.

    Offsetting your carbon footprint is becoming easier to do — and at less than $10 for a 2,000-mile flight, it is a cost-effective way for you to personally pay for your emissions impact even if your grant or government fund won’t cover offsets (many do not).

    This page offers a four-step guide to 1) determining the amount of carbon to offset, and 2) purchasing high-standard offsets.

    How Can I Reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions?

    One of the most sustainable options is to avoid air travel, and instead teleconference or choose a lower-carbon alternative such as a bus or train. If flying is required, it is possible to make sustainable choices to reduce the amount of carbon pollution generated as a result. Takeoff and landing require the most fuel during a flight, so eliminating connections by choosing direct flights can help reduce carbon emissions. An additional way to reduce GHG pollution is to pack lightly — Heavier airplanes require greater fuel consumption. For more information on sustainable and alternative transportation options to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, visit our sustainable and alternative transportation page.

    Despite Best Efforts, I Have to Travel for Work at Times. How Do I Offset the Related Emissions?

    Step 1: When considering a flight, the first step is to check to see if the airline offers the option to pay a surcharge based on the miles to be traveled. For example:

    Step 2: It is important to understand the impact of your travel and lifestyle choices by measuring your carbon footprint. Since not all airlines provide the opportunity to purchase a carbon offset, you can use the following calculator to calculate the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere based on the mileage of your journey: https://sustainabletravel.org/our-work/carbon-offsets/calculate-footprint/.

    Step 3: Visit one of the following links to purchase offsets. These provide options to fund various projects either domestically or internationally (e.g., methane capture, organic waste digestion, forest regeneration, clean water access, solar or wind projects, secure and sustainable agricultural practices, etc.). Optimize your offsets by funding more than your journey and choosing projects that support sustainable development in addition to carbon capture or reduction. For example, projects that create local jobs, improve public health and education, and benefit local communities. We recommend the following two sites to search for a certified carbon offset project based on their stringent standards, measuring requirements, and processes:

    Step 4: Fill out our short survey (on this page, or via the link below) to tell us about your offset purchase (reason for purchase, amount, what type of offset, why you did it, and why it is important!). We will want to feature you in our communications efforts to help encourage others to make sustainable choices. The survey >>>

     

     

    Attached Files: 

  8. Reduce Nitrates from Agricultural Stormwater

    Associated Project(s): 
    Reduce Nitrates from Agricultural Stormwater

    Hello Illinois NLRS Partners, 

     

    The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy was released on this date five years ago.

     

    Thank you to all of the nutrient stakeholder partners who continue to give their time and resources to implement the strategy. While we still have a lot of work to do to reach our goals, we invite you to celebrate the anniversary by enjoying this “NLRS By the Numbers” video. 

     

    You can view the video on the Illinois NLRS Facebook page here. Feel free to share it on social media as well. 

     

    Thank you,
    Illinois NLRS Steering Committee

  10. Email to Resilience SWATeam re: Edu002 recommendation

    Associated Project(s): 
    Education iCAP Team
    Resilience iCAP Team
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    iCAP 2020: Illinois Climate Action Plan

    Hello Resilience SWATeam!

     

    I hope this message finds you well. In the spring, one Education SWATeam (Edu002) recommendation to the iCAP Working Group suggested developing a sustainable communities paid internship program for students, in partnership with local businesses, non-profits, local government agencies, and local community-based organizations. As the recommendation states, the program would be designed to provide student opportunities in the sustainability field to advance resiliency efforts in our region and help tackle challenges related to climate change.

     

    The iWG recommended including the Resilience SWATeam in discussions on how best to move this forward since it directly involves and relates to the community. We recognized that cities are interested in working with students though funding may be a potential barrier. Your input on this recommendation will be very helpful. What are your initial thoughts on this recommendation? Does this seem like a feasible project, and what would be needed to implement such a program? Meredith may schedule a meeting in the fall between the two SWATeams to discuss further, though in the meantime, please respond with your feedback.

     

    Thank you!
    Ximing Cai

    August 2, 2020

     

  13. Armory Avenue bike path: Estimate from F&S Construction Services

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

    Here is the initial rough estimate for the Armory Avenue bike path for the section by Gregory Hall:

    • Remove tree roots and bushes  $4,000
    • Remove Erns and remove bases  $8,000
    • remove walks and new dirt  $6,000
    • replace concrete  $32,000
    • $50,000 total

    The cost of landscaping is not included in this estimate. We will be using the SSC funds available + the bike fee money for this bike path section.

  16. Financial Analysis of Virtual Power Purchase Agreements

    Associated Project(s): 
    Off-campus Solar Farm 3.0 PPA

    To better understand the costs and benefits of a potential large-scale off campus clean energy purchase, F&S and iSEE funded an analysis by CustomerFirst Renewables to identify the approximate financial impact the U of I could expect for entering into a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for 90,000 MWh/year of clean energy.  A Virtual PPA would allow the campus to purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) at a lower cost than a regular RECs with additionality purchase.  The final report (with some confidential information hidden) is attached here.

    Attached Files: 

  18. Executed Agreement between iSEE and MSTE to Continue Support for iCAP Portal

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainability iCAP Portal

    On July 1, 2020, iSEE and MSTE made a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU.) This mutual written agreement declared that MSTE will continue to provide technical support and implementation of proposed innovations to further assist iCAP Portal team members.

    The individuals who signed this agreement were Dr. George Reese (Director of MSTE), Dr. Evan DeLucia (Director of iSEE), and Dr. Mohamed Attalla (Executive Director of F&S.)

     

    See the attached files to view the signed MOUs.

    Attached Files: 

  19. Mailbag solar article: Suggestion for UI solar panels

    Associated Project(s): 
    Solar Power on Campus
    Solar Farm 1.0
    Solar Farm 2.0
    Rooftop Solar Potential
    ECE Rooftop Solar PVs
    BIF Rooftop Solar PVs
    Uni High Gym Rooftop Solar PVs
    Solar Thermal at ARC
    Wassaja Hall Rooftop Solar PVs

    "Why doesn't the company installing the solar panels at U of I put them over the parking lot? I would provide shade for the cars underneath and would eliminate having to kill whatever would be underneath them in the fields."

    The best option for building solar panels is ground-mounted, said Morgan White, the associate director for sustainability at the University of Illinois.

    "As part of our Climate Leadership Commitments the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has a goal of producing at least 25,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) per year from on-campus solar," she said. "When we evaluated options for meeting this goal, rooftop solar, solar over parking areas, and ground-mounted solar were all considered. The most cost-effective option is ground-mounted solar, and it also allows for larger-scale installations.

    "For a sense of the scale, the two solar farms will be a total of 75 acres, while the largest parking lot on campus is less than 15 acres.

    "When installing solar panels over parking areas, there are additional infrastructure and labor costs to raise the solar panels above the ground level. Although we do not currently have any solar over parking areas, Facilities & Services is working with the Parking Department to evaluate potential locations for a pilot installation. We are also continuing to install rooftop solar on individual buildings."

    Solar panels are on the following five Urbana campus buildings:

    — Business Instructional Facility

    — the Activities & Recreation Center

    — Wassaja Residence Hall

    — University High School Gymnasium

    — Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Building.

    "I'd also like to emphasize that the ground-mounted solar panels do not harm the plants under them. After building the first Solar Farm, we learned that there was an excellent opportunity for growing useful plants under and around the panels," said White. "This is a great opportunity for creating a multi-functional ecosystem, with pollinator supportive plants and protected areas for small animals and insects."

    https://www.news-gazette.com/toms-mailbag/toms-mailbag-june-26-2020/article_65ef2976-09b9-526a-848d-1419c905b0ec.html

     

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