You are here

Projects Updates for place: Institute for Genomic Biology

  1. Freezer Challenge was in the Chancellor's message

    Associated Project(s): 
    Freezer Challenge
    Issue Press Releases and Sustainability Reports
    Apply for Recognition
     
    Click here to see this online
     
     
     

    A monthly e-newsletter where Chancellor Robert Jones shares campus news, stories, successes and information


    Welcome Back


     
     

    I hope you'll take a moment to watch this short video welcoming students to campus. I am grateful to each one of you for making this a special place to live, learn and work. No matter how long you’ve been part of the Illinois community, there is always something new to discover. I look forward to seeing what we will accomplish together. 

    Sincerely,
    Robert J. Jones
    Chancellor
     


    Celebrate Homecoming


    It's time to come home, Illini.

    Illinois Homecoming will take place Oct. 13-19. From pancakes at the Homecoming 5K to family fun in Grange Grove, don’t miss out on all our community has to offer. 

    For the full list of events, view the homecoming website and the Facebook event.
     


    Congratulate Students


     
     

    Illinois students are outstanding. For the spring 2019 semester, the university announced:

    - 7,240 Dean’s List students
    - 243 Bronze Tablet honorees
    - 9,068 May graduates

    For the complete list of names, view this list.
     


    Rediscover TailGREAT


    The 1980s tailgating competition is returning to Illinois after a 30-year hiatus. 

    TailGREAT will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21 when the Illini take on Nebraska at Memorial Stadium. The competition will award the Best BBQ and Most Creative Tailgate.
     


    Celebrate Our Community


     
     

    Illinois was ranked #20 on the list of Best Colleges for your Money by Money magazine.

    Champaign-Urbana was named one of the Top 40 places young people are moving to by USA Today.

    Illinois received first place in the International Laboratory Freezer Challenge’s Academic category for the second year in a row.
     


    Learn About University News


    Application opens - The Illinois application for freshmen and transfer students opens Sept. 1.

    Scholar endowment - A University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign endowment to honor scholar Yingying Zhang has been established by the Zhang family. Yingying's Fund will assist international students in crisis and their families.

    Student Success - A new Student Success Initiative aims to better understand the factors that lead to retention, graduation rates, placement, degree-completion time and more.
     


    Discover Illinois Research


     
     

    Better sleep - Optimistic people tend to sleep better and longer, according to a new Illinois study.

    Cheaper flight costs - Illinois researchers are using artificial intelligence to design a customized pricing model that benefits airline customers.

    Healthier diets in children - An Illinois study provides more evidence that kids who cook have healthier dietary habits.

    Safer K-9s - A new Illinois effort will ensure law enforcement K-9s get the specialized care they need when injured on the job.


    Unsubscribe from Illinois Noteworthy
    		 
     
     
     
     
     

  2. ILLINOIS WINS FREEZER CHALLENGE FOR THE SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR

    Associated Project(s): 
    Freezer Challenge
    Issue Press Releases and Sustainability Reports

    For the second straight year, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the best at implementing cold-storage best management practices, including reducing the energy required for laboratory cold storage. Campus efforts in more than 70 laboratories across 15 buildings earned back-to-back first place awards in the International Laboratory Freezer Challenge’s Academic category.

    The total energy usage in these spaces decreased by an estimated 438 kWh/day or a combined annual total equivalent of 13.5 homes energy for 1 year. The reductions were achieved due to the dedication and creativity of researchers across campus in implementing best practices for cold storage management. They received points for taking actions such as properly maintaining freezers and refrigerators, discarding old samples, and retiring unneeded units.

    See attached file or visit: https://www.fs.illinois.edu/resources/announcements/2019/08/08/the-university-of-illinois-wins-the-international-freezer-challenge-for-the-second-straight-year for full press release.

    More information on the challenge is available at https://www.freezerchallenge.org/ and https://go.fs.illinois.edu/freezerchallenge. The program is jointly run by My Green Lab and I2SL.

    Attached Files: 

  3. Freezer Challenge 2019 - update

    Associated Project(s): 
    Freezer Challenge

    F&S coordination of the 2019 Freezer Challenge is making progress, gaining momentum and is half way to meeting last year’s participation of 45 labs. Designed to engage, educate and motivate efficient lab sample management thereby increasing energy efficiency and reducing consumption, this competition ends May 1st at midnight.  

  4. Net Metering on campus

    Associated Project(s): 
    ECE Rooftop Solar PVs
    Rooftop Solar Potential

    For all of our buildings with renewable energy systems, we employ a net metering method.  We deduct the energy supplied by the system from the building load on the campus grid.  So, if ECE uses about 250,000 kwh of electricity per month, and the rooftop array will supply 10,000 kwh per month, then the net bill for the ECE building will be 240,000 kwh at the campus electricity rate.  Therefore, the building gets full credit for the energy supplied by the array.

  5. Freezer Challenge 2019 Register and Participate

    Associated Project(s): 
    Freezer Challenge
    Click here to see this online
     
     
     
     


    University of Illinois 2019 International Freezer Challenge Participation


    Register NOW! (click here), history, recognitions, accomplishments & 2019 Goals
     


    U of I Won 1st place internationally
    Top four laboratory teams scoring the highest point totals during the 2018 Freezer Challenge  
    Top four laboratory teams scoring the highest point totals during the 2018 Freezer Challenge  
     

    Being the best at reducing the energy required for laboratory cold-storage and implementing sample management best-practices earned the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign first place in the 2018 International Freezer Challenge, leading our peers and joining first place organizations in multiple categories.... read more


      2018 award currently on display at IGB in the CABBI lab area
      The 2018 International Freezer Challenge award on display, in the CABBI lab area at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
     
    Worldwide recognition

    The University of Illinois research community has received international recognition from a number of organizations and media publications.


    top achievement totals from 2018  
    In 2018, 45 Labs made this BIG of an impact, join us to help change the world!  
     
    Highlights from lab efforts in 2018

    Researchers rallied to apply best practices in sample-storage management, reducing their lab's carbon footprint and submitting their efforts for recognition in the International Freezer Challenge. Particpating researchers were awarded a certificate for demonstrating leadership in Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Laboratory Practices. Register to receive your lab's 2019 scoresheet! (sample scoresheet attached)


      mygreenlabs freezer challenge video
      Take the Challenge Today!
     
    Goals for 2019 competition: DOUBLE-UP!

    This year's goal is to DOUBLE last year’s:

    - Participation of researchers from 45 labs  to 90 labs

    - Energy reduction of an estimated 720 kWh/day to 1500 kWh/day

    CHILL-UP TO DOUBLE-UP, DOUBLE THE LABS & DOUBLE THE WIN!!!
     


    Illinois can win again! Only one organization (the CDC) has won twice in their division. Illinois can join them in 2019!


      FreezerChallengeUI website
      Visit website for more details! (click image)
     

    Join us and submit your scoresheet by midnight, May 1 to achieve world class results!

    For help getting started contact:
    Paul Foote at gfoote2@illinois.edu
    217-244-1048
    Think Globally-Act Locally
    		 
     
     

  6. 2018 International Freezer Challenge - 1st place internationally

    Associated Project(s): 
    Freezer Challenge

    We Won 1st place internationally in the Institutional category for last year’s efforts!

    My Green Labs and I2SL hosted the 2018 International Freezer Challenge see category winners here

    Place Photo here

    Worldwide recognition published through these media outlets:

    Lab Manager Magazine, Cold Storage March 2019

    Published article with participants quoted for expert advice here  

    Nature Magazine feature published in Oct. 2018 (see attached PDF)

    S-Labs highlights our achievements in their short-listed profiles here (PDF of short list attached)

    ISEE and Facilities & Services published news releases U of I Wins Freezer Challenge & 2018 International Freezer Challenge Champions

    Highlights from lab efforts in 2018

    Achievements from researchers in the 2018 competition!

    # of labs submitted score sheets

    45

    # of freezers/ refrigerators impacted

    323

    # of units defrosted and/or cleaned coils

    198

    # of units retired due to no longer needed

    16

    # of units replaced with a more efficient model

    9

    # of units that were cleaned out and/or removed samples

    162

    # of units where you updated or created new  inventories

    143

    # of samples moved from colder to warmer storage 

    14065

    # of units created a searchable digital inventory

    100

    # of units containing a Barcoded inventory

    27

    # of units shared among research groups

    103

    # of researchers that registered labs

    60

    # of individual labs registered

    58


    Goal for this year is to DOUBLE last year’s participation of 45 labs in 17 buildings and energy reduction, which totaled an estimated 720 kWh/day from October 2017 through June 2018. The annual total of 262,800 kWh of electricity saved during the competition is the approximate equivalent of the yearly energy used by 25 typical U.S. homes.

    We can repeat the WIN; so far, the CDC is the only group to win twice in their division.

    Join us

     

    Thank you

    Paul Foote

    Think Globally- Act Locally

  11. Freezer Challenge update and encouraged to register

    Associated Project(s): 
    Freezer Challenge
     
    Click here to see this online
     
     
     
     


    Hello everyone and Thank You to the many labs already registered!

    The International Freezer Challenge is in full swing with an EXTENDED deadline thru JUNE 15th. 
    Approximately 25 labs have registered to participate in the Freezer Challenge. Reaching our goal of 50 labs participating will put the university in contention for first place in the academic organization category. Regardless, participation represents your commitment to environmental stewardship and supports the University of Illinois in reflecting our world-class standing.

       All actions taken during the past school year are eligible for points and can be added to your score card

    The Eco-Olympics student group is supporting the University of Illinois’ participation in the International Freezer Challenge and is pleased to provide the following awards.

    The top (4) four Labs scoring the highest points during the competition will WIN $50 gift certificates to Silvercreek, Nando Milano’s or Biaggi’s restaurants.

    Random drawings will be held giving away:
                4- $25 Gift certificates to Silvercreek
            4- $20 gift certificates to Courier Café
            25-Coupons for free drinks at Espresso Royale
            10-Coupons for free shake drinks at Courier Café

    A HUGE Thank You to everyone for making these awards possible!
                You can reach the Eco-Olympics team via email: ecoolympics@gmail.com

    The main take away is that by utilizing best practices in sample management and storage, our labs increase their efficiency and sustainability.

    For more information contact Paul Foote @ gfoote2@illinois.edu
    or visit: https://www.freezerchallenge.org/ or Freezer Challenge on the iCAP Portal
    		 
     
     
     
     
     

  12. Freezer Challenge reminder email

    Associated Project(s): 
    Freezer Challenge

    Hello everyone, The International Freezer Challenge is in full swing thru April 30th. Help the University of Illinois compete while receiving recognition, and a certificate of leadership in Environmental Stewardship.
    Registering to participate in the Freezer Challenge is a fun way to stay up-to-date with the latest in sample management, receive recognition for your efforts, and have fun while helping the University of Illinois maintain our world-class standing.
    Take 20 sec's Register today!
    All lab practices since May 2017 are eligible for points and can be added to your score card.

    Benefits Webinars, Best Practices and Resources

    • Reducing energy consumption, costs, and environmental impact of the lab
    • Learning and applying proper cold storage maintenance techniques to help avoid future failures
    • Removing unneeded or unviable samples from cold storage units, allowing space to be consolidated or eliminated.
    • Reducing costs associated with maintaining extraneous cold storage units.
    • Improving researcher access to and security for viable samples.
    • Developing ongoing cold storage management practices that support efficiency and maximize lab space utility.
    • Awards & National recognition at the I2SL conference for the winning labs in each category

    Increasing grant eligibility is another benefit according to How going green can raise cash for your lab a Nature International Journal of Science article, this quote shares an interesting perspective; Ramirez-Aguilar argues that implementing energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable lab practices can be a smart way for researchers to make their grants stand out. It might seem a small detail, but having such procedures in place could make all the difference to the success of your application. “If it makes your proposal look better,” she says, “you’re more likely to get funding.”

    For more information contact Paul Foote @ gfoote2@illinois.edu F&S Energy Services

  13. potential to add solar on Oak Street library

    Associated Project(s): 
    Rooftop Solar Potential

    There is a grant for helping libraries go green, which could potentially support solar at the Oak Street facility.

    EBSCO has expanded this year’s EBSCO Solar Grant. For the first time, it will provide three $100,000 grants to libraries looking to install solar arrays. If you’re eager to show your community the benefits of solar energy or to add to your sustainability plans, consider applying to the EBSCO Solar Grant now through April 30th. The winner will be announced on June 22nd, 2018, both online and at ALA Annual 2018.

  14. Freezer Challenge, 2018 International- Launch email

    Associated Project(s): 
    Freezer Challenge
     
     

    U of I Campus Labs Encouraged to Join
    2018 International Freezer Challenge


    Members of iSEE’s Energy Conservation & Building Standards Sustainability Working Advisory Team (ECBS SWATeam) invite U of I labs of all shapes and sizes to register for the International Laboratory Freezer Challenge, which uses friendly competition to optimize sustainability of freezer management in laboratories.

    Any type of laboratory is eligible to participate by working at its own pace to implement optimal cold storage management practices that save energy. Participating labs from the Illinois campus will receive certificates of Leadership and Environmental Stewardship in Sustainable Laboratory Practices along with special recognition from iSEE at the annual Sustainability Week Celebration and find themselves one-step ahead toward Green Lab certification, a proposed program being discussed on campus and at iSEE. The competition awards include individual lab awards, organization awards and a picture in Nature!

    Results from last year’s winners:

    The organizational winners of the Freezer Challenge were:

    • University of California San Diego
    • Eli Lilly and Company
    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
      UC San Diego saved an estimated 500,000 kWh/year, Lilly saved an estimated 130,400 kWh/year, the CDC saved an estimated 367,400 kWh/year, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center saved an estimated 25,000 kWh/year.


    The individual laboratory winners were: 

    • The Hoekstra Lab from Harvard University
    • The Baker Lab from Eli Lilly and Company
    • The Elemental Analysis Laboratory from the CDCP
      The Hoekstra Lab saved an estimated 13,000 kWh/year, the Baker Lab saved an estimated 34,000 kWh/year, and the Elemental Analysis Laboratory saved an estimated 64,500 kWh/year.

    Visit the iCAP Portal for more information on last year’s event
    Registration is ongoing through April 30th 2018 More details can be found on the competition website >>>

    Registration is quick and you participate anytime throughout the semester!

    Partial promotional support provided by the UIUC Student Sustainability Committee (SSC)

    Questions can be sent to
    Paul Foote, email: fandsgfoote2@mx.uillinois.edu
    U of I, Freezer Challenge Site Coordinator
    University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
    Facilities and Services, Utilities and Energy Services
    Energy Conservation and Retro-commissioning
    		 
     
     
     
     
     

     

  16. EPS recycling at Dart; Departments to arrange transportation of materials

    Associated Project(s): 
    Styrecycle: Expanded polystyrene (EPS) recycling program

    In July 2017, the vendor with whom the UIUC campus had partnered for EPS recycling was purchased by another vendor that was not able to continue the partnership. Central funding for transporting EPS to drop-off locations ended. Departments that had been participating in the Styrecycle program will be notified of the changed circumstances and will be encouraged to arrange their own transporation of EPS to the drop-off location at Dart Container, 1505 E. Main St., Urbana. There is no charge to drop off EPS at Dart. F&S is exploring options to provide an EPS recycling location on campus.

  17. Archive of page content, Oct. 15, 2017

    Associated Project(s): 
    Styrecycle: Expanded polystyrene (EPS) recycling program

    The following content was replaced with new program information on Oct. 15, 2017:

    Description

    The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) now recycles expanded polystyrene (EPS), more commonly known by its brand name Styrofoam. By recycling this bulky material, we can reduce the volume of waste sent from campus to landfills and avoid the harmful environmental impacts of that practice.

    The Styrecycle program was started in Fall 2015 and partnered with Community Resource Inc. (CRI) to bring EPS recycling to the UIUC campus. Our program can help you do your part to reduce the volume of waste campus sends to landfill — waste which will never biodegrade.

    To find out more about Styrecycle, you can visit our website at: http://sustainability.illinois.edu/campus-sustainability/actionsinitiatives/styrecycle/

    Or Like us on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Styrecycle

    « Collapse description

    Website URL(s)

             

     

  19. March 2017 Sustainability Council Recommendations Approved

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainability Council
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    Rooftop Solar Potential
    Clean Power Agreements Off-Campus
    Energy Conservation Efforts
    Utility and Energy Services Funds
    ECBS Recommendations Summary
    eGen Recommendations Summary

    Interim Provost Wilkin, on behalf of Chancellor Jones, approved moving forward with the recommendations discussed at the March 2017 Sustainability Council meeting. See attached file.

    See iWG follow-up on the March 2017 Sustainability Council meeting here.

    See Transmittal of EGen005 Rooftop Solar Standards here.

    See iWG Assessment for SWATeam recommendation EGen005 Rooftop Solar Standard here.

    See SWATeam recommendation EGen005 Rooftop Solar Standards here.

    See Transmittal of EGen003 PPA term to the Sustainability Council here.

    See iWG Assessment of EGen003 PPA Term here.

    See SWATeam recommendation EGen003 PPA Term here.

    See Transmittal of ECONS003 Conservation Budget to the Provost Office here.

    See iWG Assessment of ECONS003 Conservation Budget here.

    See SWATeam Recommendation of ECONS003 Conservation Budget here.

    Attached Files: 

  20. program update

    Associated Project(s): 
    Styrecycle: Expanded polystyrene (EPS) recycling program

    STYRECYCLE: During the spring 2017 semester, student volunteers collected more than 500 pounds of expanded polystyrene for recycling — bringing their total collected to nearly 900 pounds. In addition, this program is saying goodbye to a founding member and longtime leader. Thank you to Marco Tijoe for your two years of steering the ship!

Pages