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Projects Updates for place: Natural Resources Building

  1. Archived web info - CSE Landscapes

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

    Landscapes

    THE ILLINOIS PATH:
    A natural landscape promoting sustainable connections across campus communities (PDF)

    Citing campus sustainability and enhancement, Illinois Chancellor asked a graduate class to provide a strategic assessment and implementation plan for a managed natural landscape on the Military Axis, a site located on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, in a manner consistent with the University's mission and Master Plan.

    To view the comments on The Illinois Path report, click here.

    There are many ways to make our landscapes more sustainable. Using native plants is one way. Reducing the amounts of fertilizers and pesticides used on plantings, and mowing less often are others. You can see these sustainable methods in practice on campus—the No-Mow Zones are one example. And there are several places around campus that you can visit to enjoy the beauty of native plantings, such as the Pollinatarium, the prairie plantings at the Veterinary Medicine Basic Sciences Building, the Red Oak Rain Garden, and the plantings at BIF. And don't forget to check out Allerton Park.

  2. Archived web info - CSE Green Building

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

    Green Building

    Illinois is committed to sustainable building design.  The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Facility Standards and Design Guidelines were recently updated to require all new construction and major renovations over $5 million be certified at a minimum Gold level building under the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED rating system.  All projects less than $5 million are asked to design to Gold standards, but are not required to be certified. 


    The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign completed construction on the Business Instructional Facility (BIF) in 2008, which received Platinum level LEED certification.  The facility is expected to consume 75% less energy than the average older campus buildings.  The University Student Dining and Residence Hall project is expected to achieve a LEED Silver rating, and several other projects are in the planning stages that will pursue LEED accreditation.


    Illinois is home to seven LEED buildings:
    BIF is LEED Platinum
    Nugent Hall is LEED Silver
    Student Dining and Residential Programs Building (IKE) is LEED Silver
    Blue Waters Petascale facility is LEED Gold
    The Yeh Center (addition to Newmark) is seeking LEED Gold
    The new Electrical & computer Engineering building will be seeking LEED Platinum certification and is striving for net-zero energy design that will enable the building to supply all of its own energy (the largest in the nation).
    The Lincoln Hall renovation will be seeking LEED Silver

  3. Archived web info - CSE Operations

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

    Operations

    Most operations on our campus are managed by Facilities & Services.  They are responsible for energy production and distribution, maintenance of our buildings, grounds keeping, waste management, water supply, and much more.  They have made a strong commitment and are at the forefront of sustainable operations practices.  The links to the left will provide brief explanations of sustainability in our operations.  Further information can be found at the links below.

  4. Archived web info - CSE communication

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

    The CSE provides several outlets to learn about sustainability initiatives, education, research, and events. The CSE has made a concerted effort to increase their followers on Facebook and Twitter, since that seems to be an effective way to communicate with students. Other efforts to be more comprehensive are underway, as well.

    • Green Teams: Green teams are groups of faculty members that attempt to further sustainable operatiosn at the University. There is one central focus of each green team. Focuses among all of the green teams on campus have a wide range within the broad category of sustainability, from energy efficiency to native plantings. Green teams usually consist of faculty members, which Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) have are student-led.
    • E-newsletter: The CSE's weekly e-newsletter has 1,300 subscribers.
    • Website: The CSE maintains a content-rich website that aims to inform the public about sustainability activities and resources on campus and in the region. In 2012, CSE worked to reorganize the site to be more intuitive and user-friendly.
    • Facebook and Twitter: As part of the CSE's efforts to improve communication with students, the CSE made improvements to their Facebook and Twitter pages in 2012. As of February 2013, CSE's Twitter account had more than 900 followers.
    • Media coverage: The CSE receives regular coverage in the Daily Illini, which is the University of Illinois' student newspaper, as a result of the CSE's many interactions with students. In 2012, the CSE (then the OS) was covered more than 30 times in the Daily Illini. The bi-monthly faculty/ staff newspaper, Inside Illinois, publishes a regular section devoted to green initiatives.

     

  5. Archived web info - CSE Student Senate

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

    Illinois Student Senate

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    In addition to the numerous registered student organizations, the Illinois Student Senate also has a committee on environmental sustainability.  This committee has passed a number of resolutions regarding sustainability including bicycle infrastructure, local foods, Abbott coal use and native landscaping.  Contact one of the senators for additional information.

  6. Archived web info - CSE Green Living Tips

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

    Green Living Tips

    How Can YOU Make a Difference?bikes

    Power down

    Power down for the community. Power down for the planet.

    Turn off your lights when you leave a room. Shut down your computer and elecrtronic equipment when not in use. Every little bit counts, so start today!!

    Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

    Do you really need all those napkins you just picked up in the cafeteria? What about that plastic water bottle - how about using a stainless steel or reusable water container instead? Recycling isn't just about where we put our trash when it's time to dispose of it, but is also inherent in the decisions we make before we purchase products as well.

     

    What can you do for your campus and planet? Find out at Illini Union Go Green Recycling Facts!

     

    How DO YOU make a difference on campus or in the community? We want to know!

    We'll share your responses as we continue to update this section.

  7. Archived web info - CSE Green Teams

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

    Green Teams

    greenteam.jpg

    Several units across campus have established sustainability committees, or green teams, to encourage more earth-friendly initiatives and behavior.  For example, the College of Fine and Applied Arts has established an intra-collegiate committee to discuss environmentally conscientious and sustainable issues and solutions.  The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs has created a green team with representatives from each of its units to develop a plan to implement sustainable practices. 


    Learn more about Student Affairs' green initiatives.

     

  8. Archived web info - CSE Get Involved page

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

    How to Get Involved

    GetInvolved.jpg

    Learn how you can get involved on campus and in the community in sustainable efforts.

    Through our Green Living Tips, find out what steps you can take to live more sustainably.

    Want to know what’s happening on campus regarding sustainability efforts? Follow us onTwitter or sign up for our e-newsletter to find out about upcoming events in the community.

     

     

     

  9. Archived web info - CSE Student Initiatives

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

    Student Initiatives

    StudentInitiatives.jpg

    The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is home to more than 40,000 undergraduate students. Many of our students are passionate about sustainability, as can be seen by the large number of student groups whose work revolves around sustaining our planet.

    • There are approximately 25 student groups related to sustainability here on campus

    • In 2010, 70% of the student body voted to increase the sustainable campus fee from $5 to $14! This provides more than $1 million a year toward sustainability projects on our campus.

    • During academic year 2010-2011, students led the development of two major events devoted to educating students, faculty, staff and the community about doing their part and how easy it can be to live a more sustainable lifestyle. In the fall, Sustainability Week included seminars, workshops, tours, etc. showcasing efforts underway and teaching ways for everyone to 'go green'. In spring, Earth Week was a similar effort, culminating in a concert with proceeds benefitting the Sustainable Student Farm.

  10. Archived web info - CSE Ecosystems Research

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

    Ecosystems

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    Food, water and energy are but a few factors to consider when examining sustainability.  We need to look holistically at ecosystems and the services they provide.  We need to ensure that we do not adversely affect part of the ecosystem while trying to find solutions in maintaining healthy ecosystems.  There are many passionate researchers at Illinois investigating ecosystems and their services.

     

    Department of Plant Biology 
    School of Integrative Biology 
    Illinois Natural History Survey
    School of Earth, Society, and Environment
    Institute for Genomic Biology

  11. Archived web info - CSE Energy Research

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

    Energy

    energy.jpg

    Illinois is the place to learn about energy; whether it’s energy generation or distribution, traditional sources or alternative sources.  Faculty from all across campus are involved in energy research.

    Power & Engineering Systems
    CABER – Center for Advanced BioEnergy Research
    EBI - Energy Biosciences Institute
    SEDAC – Smart Energy Design Assistance Center
    Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Center

     

    Attached Files: 

  12. Archived web info - CSE Water Research

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

    Water

    Water.jpg

    Illinois is home to many experts who research the myriad of issues surrounding water.  There are several centers or programs on campus that contribute innovative solutions.


    * Illinois Water Resource Center

    * Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program

    * Water CAMPWS

    * Long Term Recovery Council

    * Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering

    * Illinois State Water Survey 

    * National Great Rivers Research and Education Center

    Illinois Water Science Center 

    The Midwest Technology Assistance Center for Small Public Water Systems

    Center for Chemistry and Technology

    Center for Groundwater Science

    Center for Water as a Complex Environmental System (CWACES)

    Center for Watershed Science

  13. Archived web info - CSE Food Research

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

    Food

    The University of Illinois has a distinguished history of research related to food.  The links below will introduce you to the breadth of our food research.  Whether you are interested in food production or distribution, safety or nutrition, Illinois is working to solve the toughest problems.  In addition, we have included some links for sources of local foods and growing your own food.

    A few of the programs that you might be interested in are the Illinois MarketMaker, and the University of Illinois Student Farm.

    Want to find sources of local food? Try the Champaign Farmers Market, the Common Ground Food Co-op, and the Urbana Farmers Market. Or maybe you want to try your green thumb at growing your own food? If so,University of Illinois Extension has lots of resources to help get you started.

     

    Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition
    Agroecology & Sustainable Agriculture Program ASAP
    Department of Agriculture & Consumer Economics
    Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering
    Department of Animal Sciences
    Department of Crop Sciences 
    Department of Human and Community Development
    Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
    Crop Sciences Research and Education 
    Illinois SARE 
    Illinois SARE Calendar

  14. Archived web info - CSE Research

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

    In 2009, the University of Illinois completed an extensive visioning process that included input from a diverse set of stakeholders. The resulting document points to Grand Challenges that we will continually address through our sustainability efforts.  Devoted to the following goals, Illinois will become a world leader in creating new knowledge and innovative solutions.

    Grand Challenge 1:
    Maintain or restore natural ecosystem function while providing essential human services. 

    Grand Challenge 2:
    To sustainably raise the quality of life for the world’s poor to acceptable levels. 

    Unique Strengths of Illinois
    During the visioning process, we saw more clearly our unique position as a campus that has strengths in water programs, agriculture, engineering, business, and information technology, to name a few.  A focus on the food/water/energy nexus emerged from this recognition, along with interest by our campus and community in working at the interface of these issues.

    Center for the Advancement of Sustainability Innovations, U.S. Army
    The CSE is tasked with expanding the strategic partnership between Illinois and the military around sustainability topics and research initiatives of mutual interest. The basis for the partnership was formalized in 2009 via a MOU with the Center for the Advancement of Sustainability Innovations (CASI) in the Office and the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), and University of Illinois, Board of Trustees via the CSE. The CSE and ERDC-CASI have pursued several areas of collaboration including the Sustainable Innovations seminar series.

  15. Archived web info - CSE Education page

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

    Sustainability education is thriving across many disciplines at Illinois.  Through the efforts of the education task force, the Office of Sustainability provides information on sustainability coursework for both undergraduate and graduate students.  

    The Office of the Provost, and the Center for Teaching Excellence assisted in providing the second offering of the Prairie Project workshop,  which helps instructors integrate sustainability into their courses.  The resource pages for faculty include information that was either distributed or collected as a result of participation in the Prairie Project.  

    We hope you find these resources helpful.

  16. Archived web info - CSE Resources List

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

     

     

  17. Archived web info - CSE Campus and Community Resources

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

    Campus and Community Resources

    male wearing bike helmet

    The daily decisions that you make about how to travel, what to eat and drink, whether or not to recycle your trash, what to wear, and a myriad of other decisions all have an impact on the health of our planet. Wondering how your daily decisions could possibly affect the planet? After all, you are just one of 6.8 billion other people living on the planet. And that’s the point. The collective decisions of 6.8 billion people, whatever those decisions may be, will determine if we have enough resources to sustain the health and well-being of ourselves, future generations, and the other living creatures that share the Earth with us.

    The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the surrounding communities have a lot to be proud of when it comes to sustainability. The resources listed in this section are just a sample of what our campus and community has to offer. To get you started, University of Illinois Extension has developed 57 Ways To Protect Your Home Environment.

    For a list of academic, campus, community and research groups, please click here.

  18. Archived web info - CSE ACUPCC Pledge

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

    American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) Pledge

    On February 22, 2008, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign became a signatory to the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). We are currently one of more than six-hundred Colleges and Universities that are participating in this endeavor (see the University's official commitment pledge here (download as pdf).

    As concern grows about global warming and the potential effects on health, social, economic, and ecological well-being of our world, the University is a prime place to be at the forefront of battling the negative impacts associated with climate change. The University of Illinois hosts high-caliber research and experts in diverse field across campus and seeks to become a model for not only the State of Illinois, but to become a leader in these efforts nationally and globally.

    The ultimate goal of the ACUPCC is for campuses to go "climate neutral". During the first year of this commitment, a greenhouse gas emissions inventory was conducted and submitted to the ACUPCC.

    Illinois submitted its Climate Action Plan in May 2010.  This plan sets aggressive goals for reaching carbon neutrality.  Facilities & Services is making great progress on the operational aspects of the plan, and the Office of Sustainability is working to connect educators and researchers to many projects associated with the plan.  Moving forward, Illinois will be required to submit updated greenhouse gas emissions inventories (2012) and progress reports(2013) on alternating years.  As reports become available, they will be shared with the public, both in this space as well as on the ACUPCC's website.

    Attached Files: 

  19. Archived web info - CSE Campus Sustainability Compact

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

    Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact

    Compact%20Signing.jpg

    On Friday, August 27, 2010, University of Illinois former President Michael Hogan and former UIUC Chancellor and current President Robert Easter joined Governor Pat Quinn in signing the second Sustainable Campus Compact (pdf) as part of the fifth annual Sustainable University Symposium. The University is the first institution to sign on to the new five-year compact that commits us to continue energy and environmental improvements.

    Attached Files: 

  20. Archived web info - CSE Rankings and Reports

    Associated Project(s): 
    Center for a Sustainable Environment (CSE) [ARCHIVED]

    Rankings and Reports

    Rankingsandreports.jpg

    The Office of Sustainability is responsible for coordinating the campus response to a variety of organizations related to sustainability efforts.

    ACUPCC

    As signatories to the ACUPCC and the Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is required to submit data regarding its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and efforts to reduce them.  The ACUPCC requires an emissions inventory within one year of signing, and a comprehensive action plan for reduction within two years of signing.  Illinois is in good standing with the ACUPCC.  

    Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact

    The Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact was revised during academic year 2010-2011, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was the first to sign the new compact and pledged at the Gold Level. Information required for the compact includes actions such as fostering student involvement, green building, waste reduction, new initiatives.

    Voluntary Surveys

    The University of Illinois also voluntarily submits data to the following surveys – the Sierra Club Cool Schools survey, the Sustainable Endowment Institute Green Report Card Survey, the Princeton Review and Petersons.  Among our Big Ten peers, Illinois consistently ranks in the upper percentile.

    As more rankings from reports are released, we will share that information here.


    Illinois second among Big Ten in Princeton Review - 8/10/10

    Each year the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign participates in a survey distributed by the Princeton Review.  The Green Campus portion of the survey awards scores based on items such as: sustainability education and research, LEED certified buildings and other sustainable operations practices, transportation options, local foods in dining halls, and student involvement in sustainability initiatives. Illinois’ score is improved over last year from 92 to 95, placing us second among Big Ten Universities. To view Illinois’ green survey responses to the Princeton Review, please visit Princeton Review.


    Comparison to Big Ten Schools:

    Ohio State University

    96

    University of Illinois

    95

    University of Minnesota

    94

    University of Iowa

    89

    Pennylvania State University

    89

    Michigan State University

    89

    University of Michigan

    84

    Purdue University

    81

    Northwestern University

    79

    University of Wisconsin

    *60

    Indiana University

    *60

    * = no participation

     



    Big Ten Sustainability Report

    This document provides a comparison of Big Ten conference schools by documenting initiatives, progress, and results in the following categories: administration, infrastructure, energy use, transportation, recycling, and food. This is the first report compiling these facets to view the difficulties and potential solutions to achieve sustainability in large research-based institutions. This report was prepared by students at the University of Michigan. 
    Click here to download the full report.
     

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