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Projects Updates for theme: Engagement

  1. Action: slides for iSEE advisory committee &Subcouncil

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

    Hi All,

     

    The iSEE advisory committee and Sustainability Subcouncil will meet on November 27. I would like to get a first draft of the slides done by Friday, November 17 so Madhu has time to review it before the Thanksgiving holiday.

     

    The Advisory slides on Box: https://uofi.box.com/s/m380tqilie5s4503svndmoot1hbxnftx

     

    I have put update assignments in the notes section of the slides, but will also list them here:

    Heidi-slides 6,7 (if there is something exciting), 9,11 (Proposal metrics, new proposals submitted, Sust Trans update) Should we add Kyushu in here?

    Luis-slides 13, 14 (Critical Conv and Sloan Workshop)

    Eric-slides 15-20 (ELP and Gen Ed. Add a slide about the ESG certificate)

    Jen/Miriam-slides 22-30 (Waste reduction efforts/DIA engagement and Carbon Credit accounting)

     

    Subcouncil slides: https://uofi.box.com/s/241ttyx8bfceor6hzvoqp0c577lykpzx

    Jen and Miriam—pull the slides about waste reduction and carbon credits over to this talk also. Make a slide on the Green research (there is a placeholder)

    Eric-pull the Gen Ed slides over to this talk and replace the previous version.

     

    Thanks,

    Elizabeth

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

    Hi Elizabeth,

     

    I have compiled all the draft subcouncil slides into this version: https://uofi.app.box.com/file/1361429522139

     

    Please let me know if you have any questions or changes.

     

    Best,

    Miriam

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

     

    Hi all,

     

    Please use the version:

     

    Sustainability SubCouncil Nov 2023_11.17.2023_new.pptx

     

    https://uofi.box.com/s/cbg4t8nr73ib38sr23i7n8k32uo82lwf

     

    Thanks,

    Jen

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

     

    Hi All

    Thanks for putting these slides together in a timely manner. I have a few comments and suggestions below

     

    Miriam/Tony

    A few formatting edits are needed to improve the look and readability of the slides

    1. Remove the top header which says education or campus sustainability on each slide since it is redundant to have it on each slide
    2. Instead make the content oriented header which is on the next line the top header and in larger font.
    3. Please change font to be at least 20 or more everywhere
    4. Add a section break for each change in topic – is this current section header following our latest template? If not would be good to have that.
    5. Miriam - Send me the numbers underlying the graphs for carbon credits that you have created
    6. Miriam – any idea on how our decision to sell or not would affect our AASHE gold star rating?

     

    All- take a look at the two slides I have added at the end and see if you agree.

    We have three choices for our recommendation on carbon credits –

    stop sales completely

    or follow the Ball state example and say that we will stop sales after we reach carbon neutrality, sell our credits in the meantime and not claim any environmental benefit from these reductions in the meantime,

    or only sell to entities that are willing to retire these credits and not claim it to achieve their own carbon reduction goals.

     

    Thoughts? We can keep it open for now and solicit ideas from the council.

     

    If I could have these back by Wednesday then I can go over again and have a final version ready for Elizabeth to send to the Council by Saturday. 

     

    Have a great Thanksgiving!

    Madhu

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

     

    Hi Madhu,

     

    Regarding the last slide: Second Nature confirmed at the end of October that we have 10,264 remaining unsold carbon credits. These credits are vintage year 2018, and we haven’t verified any credits beyond 2018. I’m not sure if we can estimate total potential credits if we achieve carbon neutrality as I’ve been told the calculation used is quite complicated, but I’ve reached out to Second Nature to ask if there is any guidance to come up with a rough estimate. Another consideration is how we plan to reach carbon neutrality, and the feasibility of achieving carbon neutrality through emissions reductions alone. It looks like most schools plan to achieve carbon neutrality by buying some offsets.

     

    Please see my responses to your other questions below in blue:

     

     

    1. Miriam - Send me the numbers underlying the graphs for carbon credits that you have created

    The graphs were generated on SIMAP. The attached spreadsheet includes the underlying data. I’ve also included a screen grab below that lays out the numbers clearly.

    1. Miriam – any idea on how our decision to sell or not would affect our AASHE gold star rating?

    Institutions can earn up to 8 possible points for Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the AASHE scoring system. UIUC received 3.15 out of 8 possible points in this category. Carbon credits sold or transferred are accounted for in our total score, so selling carbon credits could reduce the points we earn here. I looked at the report for Ball State, and found they achieved a Gold rating in 2023. Their score for Greenhouse Gas Emissions is also higher than ours at 4.5/8.0. This suggests there are ways to maintain a high score in this area while selling carbon credits.
    Our most recent AASHE score is 73.25, and the range for Gold is 65-85, so I do not expect that selling carbon credits would have a strong enough impact on our score to alter our overall Gold rating.

    Thanks and please let me know if you have any other questions!

     

    Best,

    Miriam

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

    Hi Morgan,

     

    The data from the carbon emissions charts in the subcouncil slides is attached here.

     

    -Miriam

    Attached Files: 

  2. Sustainability Sub-Council Meeting 11/27/2023

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainability Council
    iCAP 2020: Illinois Climate Action Plan
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)

    The Sustainability Sub-Council met on November 27, 2023 in preparation of the Sustainability Council meeting. The primary agenda items included: 

    • Sustainability General Education Requirement
    • Green Research Program
    • Plastic Waste Reduction
    • Carbon Credits

    The slide deck and meeting minutes are attached.

    Attached Files: 

  4. Invitation to Award Ceremony 2023

    Associated Project(s): 
    ReImagine Our Future

    Dear Friend of the Reimagine our Future sustainability competition,

     

    Thank you for your fantastic support for the 2023 Reimagine our Future competition as a participant, specialist advisor, judge, sponsor, media representative, or interested person. This year we had a record number of 243 participants and 44 submissions from 10 higher education institutions.

    The roughly 100 initial judges have reviewed the submissions, provided comments which will be sent to the teams, and selected 12 finalists. (The list of finalists is available below this message.) These teams or individuals will briefly present their projects during an award ceremony on Saturday Dec. 2, 2023, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (US Central Time). The winners of nine awards totaling US$7,000 will be announced after the presentations.  

    Professor Kelvin Droegemeier will be the guest speaker at this event. UIUC’s Student Sustainability Committee will conduct the ceremonies.

    You are cordially invited to join us in-person if you are in the vicinity of the UIUC. The ceremony will take place in Room 4031 of UIUC’s Campus Instructional Facility. We will serve refreshments from 10:45 a.m. and a light lunch after the ceremony.

    If you cannot join us in-person, you are invited to join the award ceremony via Zoom:

    Please be so kind to respond to this invitation by completing the following poll before Thursday Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. (US Central Time).

    Thank you again for your support. We look forward to thanking you on Dec. 2 and are confident that you will be impressed by the students’ outstanding projects.

     

    Yours sincerely,

    Leon Liebenberg (Teaching Professor, Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering, UIUC) 

    Warren Lavey (Adjunct Professor, College of Law, School of Earth, Society & Environment, and College of Medicine, UIUC) 

    Robert McKim (Emeritus Professor, Department of Religion, UIUC) 
    Codie Sterner (Coordinator, Student Sustainability Committee, UIUC) 

     

    (Reimagine Our Future co-founders and coordinating committee)

     

    FINALISTS IN THE 2023 REIMAGINE OUR FUTURE COMPETITION

    (In alphabetical order of the team leaders’ last names)

    Arshia Ajmera, Keerthana Nallamotu (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) – Accessible screening for preeclampsia

    Muskaan Alimchandani (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) – Vrddhi Sthan – A brighter future for Dharavi

    Brandon Baron, Whitney Fowler, Shito Ito, Ada Moy, Gwynne McGrady (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) – Parking lot permaculture

    Karmyn Flesch, Nadia Wilson, Emily Rhodes, Gabriella Sanchez (University of Illinois, Springfield) – Zero food waste

    Amy Jurkowski, Matthew Nowlan, Liesl Schrag, Aiden Sup (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) – Renewable energy-supported housing and opportunities for immigrants

    Iryna Maistrenko (International Humanitarian University, Ukraine) – Organization of organic farming during the war in Ukraine

    Margot O'Malley, Tom George, Jasper Nord (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) – Grounds for nutrition

    Manan Sanghavi (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) – Optimizing resource efficiency by digitizing receipt processes

    Jamie Scimeca, Xiang Fei Heah (University of Birmingham) – Light-water small modular reactor

    Advay Sudarshan, Patrick Harsono, Jesse Wei, Hugo Ji (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) – Polyester upcycling and fiber composite furniture

    Hlib Vakumenko (Vienna University of Economics and Business) – Transform food waste into improved dietary nutrition

    Charles Wheeler, Lucas Baronello, Saharra Murphy, Caila Riggs, Michelle Check (University of Illinois, Springfield) – Farm to School: a shared investment for a healthier future

  5. Communication on DIA Taking Over GSA Membership from F&S

    Associated Project(s): 
    Engagement iCAP Team
    Green Sports Alliance (GSA)

    The following email was sent by Marty Kaufman on Oct 26, 2023:

    Hey Jennifer,

     

    I reached out to Tim Knox, and DIA did try to become a member of the Green Sports Alliance in June, but the organization said that the University was already a member so there was no need to submit payment. I see no reason to pay more money if the organization already says we are members. I understand that Athletics isn’t mentioned independently as a member, but since we are part of the University as a whole and the Alliance doesn’t feel we need to have a separate membership, it doesn’t seem fiscally responsible to pay a second membership fee.

     

    Maybe we look at sharing the cost for next fiscal year or at bumping it up to the $2,500 level next year if that provides more benefits? Please see the correspondence from Tim attached.

     

    I welcome your thoughts.

     

    Thank you,


    Marty
     

    Jen Fraterrigo responded on Oct 26, 2023:

    Hi Marty,

     

    Thanks for looking into this matter. I reached out to Betsy Ligett and she confirmed that F&S paid the membership fee for the Nov. 1st, 2022 - Nov. 30th, 2023 time period. I agree with you about not needing a second membership. However, it would be great for DIA take over the membership starting December 1st, 2023 and pay the membership fees going forward at the level you prefer.

     

    For now, I suggest identifying a new point person at DIA. I would then be happy to facilitate a meeting with Betsy and the DIA POC to get him/her up to speed.

     

    Best,

    Jen

     

     

    Marty Kaufman responded on Nov 21, 2023:

     

    Hi Jen,

     

    Happy Thanksgiving to you as well.

     

    Yes, DIA will pay for the renewal. Tim has been in touch with the Green Alliance and we will coordinate the payment for next year.

     

    Happy to help.

     

    Thanks,

     

    Marty

  6. Student Let Project SegBin.ai Feasibility

    Associated Project(s): 
    Install Appropriate Waste Collection Infrastructure
    Student Sustainability Committee (SSC)

    Hey Morgan,

     

    The SSC has moved to fund this; I would like to get the go-ahead on it.

     

    Improper waste segregation poses significant environmental and financial challenges. In colleges, even students often need to pay more attention to separate waste correctly, leading to damaged recyclables, increased landfill waste, and the labor-intensive task of sorting improperly discarded waste. This issue extends beyond universities, indicating a larger problem with waste management globally. The current approach of replacing traditional single-bin systems with costly three-bin recycling bins has improved diversion rates but falls short of expectations. Financial burdens arise from the need to hire workers for manual waste sorting. To address this problem, we developed a cost-effective solution that ensures minimal damage to recyclables by sorting waste at the point of disposal.

    The project's use of AI, and revenue optimization contributes to more efficient waste management practices. This not only minimizes contamination and reduces landfill waste but also optimizes the recovery of recyclable materials. The data analysis dashboard provides users with valuable insights into disposal trends and waste composition. This empowers users to make informed decisions about waste management, promoting responsible practices. Additionally the lower cost of switching to SegBin.Ai than conventional 3 bin dustbins by over 50% significantly reduces spend on waste management infrastructure and it also has a major boost in waste diversion rates.


    I don’t like the budgeted amount of $1,600.00 for CAD and Software, it is confusing, it appears the students are paying themselves. I would like clarification on this.
    Codie

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

    Hi Codie,

     

    Can you point me to the full file for this?  Are they just developing a software program, or building some sort of AI robot system for sorting mail?

     

    Thanks,

    Morgan

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

    Hey Morgan,

    This is the link for the project application and Excel application, I cc’d Daphne Hulse in the email as she is the advisor and can help with clarification questions. I always appreciate your time,

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

    Hi Morgan,

     

    The student group here is developing both a software system and physical prototype to place on top of existing recycling bins (the ones that are not the 3-stream bins). They are piloting sorting system at the recycling bin for the software to distinguish different types of objects and tell the user which stream to place it in (trash, paper, bottles/cans, etc.). They are planning to pilot this at PPSB and Garage & Carpool, with the understanding that it needs to be feasible for BSWs.

     

    Thank you,
    Daphne

  7. SSC Project: Greening the Garage

    Associated Project(s): 
    Increase Recycling Rates
    Student Sustainability Committee (SSC)

    Hi Lisa,

     

    As discussed during the SSC F&S feasibility meeting, I wanted to send over to you the product that we are requesting funding for. https://www.bendpak.com/shop-equipment/oil-filter-crushers/rp-50fc/ Based on this, are there any concerns?

     

    Thank you,

    Daphne

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

    Hi Daphne,

     

    Thank you for sending me the cut sheet for the oil filter crusher.

     

    I don’t see any code requirements above and beyond what is already being done at the garage for oil filter disposal.  I have no concerns, and neither does Mike Brown in Code Compliance and Fire Safety.

     

    It is my opinion that this project is feasible, no changes needed.

     

    Thank you,

    Lisa

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

    Thank you, Lisa! We appreciate you taking the time to thoroughly review this piece of equipment.

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

    In a seperate email thread Daphne sent the message below and the attached file:

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

    Hi Lisa & Morgan,

     

    Shawn & I are submitting a SSC funding request for a piece of equipment at the garage that would allow us to crush and recycle metal oil filters. We go through about 1500 oil filters a year, and they are currently landfilled.

     

    Thank you,

    Daphne

     

    Attached Files: 

  9. SSC Student Led Under $10,000.00 Project (Small-Scale Anaerobic Digester) Feasibility Check

    Associated Project(s): 
    Student Sustainability Committee (SSC)

    Hey Morgan,

     

    A brief discretion of the project,
    Developing a working small-scale anaerobic digester with a membrane separation technology to collect separated carbon dioxide and methane that is an economically viable system for small farms. This allows for the farms to lower their carbon emissions, and decrease the need for natural gas extraction, by utilizing natural sources of cattle manure. And can be utilized on the UIUC research cattle farms.

     

    Small-scale anaerobic digestion with membrane filtration is possible for small farms. Illinois specifically does not have any prominent sources of natural gas production, thus, a lot is transported in. By showing that small-scale systems are possible, this can be utilized on the many small farms that are in Illinois to decrease reliance on importing methane, which has leakage issues in the pipeline. The system also allows for capturing carbon dioxide that would otherwise be released from composting, the byproduct creation of fertilizer, and the main point of capturing methane for usage. The project's deliverables would be the small-scale anaerobic digester and then a feasibility study on whether a membrane separation technology would be cost-effective and feasible for the system.

    AVP9aW9b7FLDAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC

    It appears they are building their own and operating it out of a lab.

    Codie Sterner

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

    FYI – this is the student application.  Are there code concerns for this project?  Thanks! Morgan

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

     

    Good morning Morgan,

     

    Some questions:

    • Can ‘small’ be defined?  Pictures?  Dimensions?
    • Will the equipment be inside or outside?  If inside, I think we would want a plan indicating the location, and what else is in the building.  Methane is a flammable gas – and CO2 is considered an asphyxiant.  An outside install is less risky than an inside install.  If outside, we would want a site plan.
    • “Canisters” of Methane and CO are listed.  What type of volume is proposed?  (Again, outside versus inside is the key factor – if outside, how close will any structures be located?
    • Any power requirements?
    • Has Safety and Compliance been informed?  Betsy Richardson might have some comments.

     

    katie sperl

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

    Hi Katie,

     

    That was what I was thinking too. I think it might be a Lab-scale digester like 5/10 L, but they have not specified where they will be building or operating the digester and the team did not define the “scale” of this project. Their faculty advisor, Jiajun He, is an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering with a background in Chemistry and a focus on Energy.

     

    I was wondering if they have talked to DRS also.

     

    I agree that Betsy or Colleen should be included. However, if it is a Lab-scale reactor, I don’t know if Betsy or Colleen would be needed.

     

    Thank you,
    Sarthak

  10. RE: Enerdrape design and installation

    Associated Project(s): 
    Steam System Maintenance
    Student Sustainability Committee (SSC)

     

    Hi Mark,

     

    I am going to assign an SSC project to you as the PM to take it through design and construction.  The construction can be done through Contractor Services, so this would normally go to a Planner.  However, it will be in an existing Steam Tunnel, so it is very much a UES project, and will need to have coordination with Frank C. and Mike L.  Some older emails about this project are attached here, and I’ll get it set up in FCPweb today.

     

    Thanks,

    Morgan

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

    Hi Morgan.  I have a few questions.  So The Dept. of Mechanical Engineering (Aman Mehta) requested funds from SSC for these panels?  And the only reason Utilities is involved is because these will be their steam tunnels?  I’m not familiar with SSC projects.

     

    Also, I’m not optimistic about hiring a PSC for $10,000 (the amount listed in their info)..  Especially if the participation goals are to be met.  I assume this will be a RWO or do you know if Enerdrape provides those services for their panels?


    Will our office’s role be similar to some of the smaller natural gas projects I’ve done?  Will there PM Fees?  C&I Fees?

     

    Thanks.

  11. TED Talk: Eco Edition Series - September 2023

    Associated Project(s): 
    TED Talk: Eco Edition Series [ARCHIVED]

    September's TED Talk: Eco-Edition discussion was hosted by iSEE Greener Campus Intern, Lina Avalos. Avalos gave a powerful presentation on the subject of environmental justice, diving into the basics of the subject, as well as her own personal experience with E-J growing up in Chicago. 

    If you missed the discussion or would like to reference any materials Avalos presented, see the attached file.

    iSEE's TED Talk: Eco-Edition series will be back in November for a discussion on recycling!

    Attached Files: 

  12. Sustainability tour route

    Associated Project(s): 
    Walking Tours and Events
    Offer Tours of Sustainability Facilities

    Hey Dave,

     

    Can I get a copy of the route for our sustainability tour?  I’m going to touch base with Morgan and pick up on some talking points.  You had said you would send that route over, but I am not finding it yet.

     

    Thanks!

    Brent.

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

    Brent,

     

    Here is the draft as it stands. The second page is my start at partially populating some talking points, but change whatever you see fit.

     

    FYI, we have an hour of float built into our schedule after the tour, so we can potentially stop by Red Oak on the way back to the Union.

     

    Dave

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

    Hi Morgan,

     

    Looks like this is the list of things we will drive past.  I know we are stopping at Solar Farm 1, plus the Solar Decathlon house, and Gable House & Biomass Generator, with a potential stop at the red oak rain garden.  I know a little about a lot of these, but I would appreciate some time to chat about some talking points here.  I know you can do this off the top of your head.  This should be interesting for me.  I just talked to Dave and he said someone is going to meet us at the 3 stops.  That’s great.  I just need to fill in the other points along the tour.  I do feel better about that, but would still love a short chat.

     

    😊

     

    The best time for me to talk is probably sometime late Saturday afternoon.  I hope to ride a 100 miles or so tomorrow am.  Then I should be free Sunday afternoon as well.   Gayle is taking the kids up north as her sister is in town.  I hope to catch up on some stuff then. 

     

    Thanks!

    Brent.

    Attached Files: 

  13. SSC applications submitted in fall 2023

    Associated Project(s): 
    Student Sustainability Committee (SSC)
    Increase Bicycle Use

    Hi Morgan and Lisa,

     

    This fall I have submitted two SSC step-1 applications:

    1. Shipping containers for bicycle storage - $85,000
    2. Purchase and Installation of bike shelter - $250,000

     

    See attached the application. Thank you,
    Sarthak

    Attached Files: 

  14. Cetacean Exhibit Viewing Dates

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sculptures

    Cetacean will be taking place during the times listed below.

    Deke Weaver: Cetacean

    CETACEAN (The Whale) is the sixth interdisciplinary performance from Deke Weaver’s The Unreliable Bestiary—a lifelong project representing an endangered animal or habitat. CETACEAN has evolved into a juxtaposition of lo-fi effects, story, video, dance, sound design, and a colossal installation—a plastic sea with plastic whales. It’s gonna be a whale of a show!

    September 28–October 2, 7:30 pm • University of Illinois Stock Pavilion, 1402 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL 61801

  15. Green Quad day Invitation!

    Associated Project(s): 
    Major Annual Events

    Hello,

     

    My name is Claire Sullivan, and I am reaching out as a representative from the Student Sustainability Leadership Council (SSLC). If you aren’t already familiar, the SSLC is a student-led body facilitating communications between campus sustainability and the student body, as well as relationships among environmentalist student groups on campus. One of our most famous events for engaging environmental entities on campus with one another is Green Quad Day.

     

    Green Quad Day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 11th from 11 am - 3 pm on Anniversary Plaza. This is a great place to table for your organization, mingle with green RSOs, recruit prospective students, and learn about sustainability initiatives on campus. We invite each of you to fill out the form below to RSVP for a table at Green Quad Day. One RSVP per RSO, please! We encourage each RSO that RSVPs to include an interactive element at their table. Be creative!

     

    Green Quad Day RSVP Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRu6fPOGQQ3p-5Vg8rNL-a8VJEyNKq_jWZ4WlUeb4lM5jh2A/viewform?usp=sf_link 

     

    Let us know if you have any questions or concerns about the event. We hope to see you at there!

     

    Best,

    The Student Sustainability Leadership Council

  16. WCIA: Illini football prevents waste with first tailgate recycling event

    Associated Project(s): 
    Tailgate Recycling
    Fighting Illini, Fighting Waste
    Zero Waste iCAP Team
    Green Sports Alliance (GSA)
    "Don't Waste" with Coca-Cola

    Link to article, published on September 22, 2023

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Saturday will mark the very first time Illini Football will host a tailgate recycling event with the “Zero Waste Tailgate.”

    The event will be part of the University of Illinois’ Don’t Waste initiative. There will be orange and blue-colored recycling boxes and a bright green dumpster to throw bottles and cans away. Helpers will be of assistance and can be identified by shirts reading, “Be Orange, Go Green.”

    Green dumpsters will be placed on the east end of Lot 31 and South First Street. Boxes will be placed throughout Grange Grove and around the Illinois tent in Lot 31.

  17. F&S Website: First-Ever Illini Football Tailgate Recycling Event

    Associated Project(s): 
    Zero Waste iCAP Team
    Fighting Illini, Fighting Waste
    "Don't Waste" with Coca-Cola
    Tailgate Recycling
    Green Sports Alliance (GSA)

    First-Ever Illini Football Tailgate Recycling Event

    Sep 19, 2023 | 10:12 am

    New orange and blue recycling boxes and a green dumpster will be available for fans near Memorial Stadium

    Illinois Football takes on Florida Atlantic University (FAU) on Saturday, September 23, at Memorial Stadium. Before the non-conference game, several orange and blue recycling boxes and a bright green dumpster will be available to help Fighting Illini fans recycle bottles and cans, which will prevent more items from reaching the landfill.

    Individuals in RVs or vehicles entering Lot 31 and Lot 32 will be given blue bags to use to drop off empty bottles and cans at the utility-sized recycling dumpster on the east side of Lot 31, along South First Street. Plastic bottles and aluminum cans and bottles may also be placed by fans into boxes within Grange Grove and around the Illinois Tent in Lot 31. Items may also be thrown in the dumpster.

    This first-of-its-kind Tailgate Recycling event on the Urbana campus is a part of the Don’t Waste initiative. Coca-Cola; the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics; the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment; and Facilities & Services are partnering to reduce waste at major campus events and support reaching zero waste goals. Approximately 10 volunteers will wear “Be Orange, Go Green” shirts and will be ready to assist the recycling efforts.

    Zero Waste Coordinator Daphne Hulse said, “Illini fans support their team and university like no other. The new Block I–wrapped recycling bins and marked dumpsters for the FAU game will allow tailgaters in these areas to easily recycle bottles and cans and add to the number of pounds of materials diverted from the landfill on our recycling scoreboard.

    The new recycling boxes will stay in place for all remaining Illini home games. The next recycling event with volunteers will be Saturday, November 11, when Indiana University visits Champaign.

    This year, Don’t Waste has achieved the following milestones:

    • With student volunteers’ help during the basketball season, Illini fans collected a State Farm Center basketball gameday record of 1,280 pounds of recyclables in March.
    • Two hydration stations were installed at Memorial Stadium this summer to encourage the use of reusable water bottles during Illini games.
    • An additional 140 pounds of plastic was diverted from the New Student Convocation event in August.

    Establishing a zero waste culture at the U of I is a top sustainability objective of the Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP). The iCAP is the university’s strategic plan to meet the Climate Leadership Commitments, including becoming carbon neutral as soon as possible and building resilience to climate change in the local community. The data collected from these engagement efforts will guide future recycling infrastructure improvements in university facilities and be used to establish best practices for implementing sustainable habits at campuswide gatherings and unit-level events.

    For more information about general campus waste management (how that works/what is recycled) and iCAP progress, contact Daphne Hulse dlhulse2@illinois.edu, 217-333-7550. And keep watching for social media updates and campus recycling reminders on #DontWasteWednesday.

  18. News Channel 20: University of Illinois promotes recycling at football game with 'Zero Waste Tailgate

    Associated Project(s): 
    Tailgate Recycling
    Zero Waste iCAP Team
    "Don't Waste" with Coca-Cola
    Fighting Illini, Fighting Waste
    Green Sports Alliance (GSA)

    Link to article, released on September 24, 2023

    As guests returned to Memorial Stadium this afternoon for u of i's home game against florida atlantic university, Facilities and Services Department at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign pushed for a cleaner environment with the help of fans.

    It hosted Zero Waste Tailgate to encourage guests to toss bottles, cans, and other recyclable goodsby giving them blue bags and placing a large green dumpster near the stadium.

    Zero Waste Coordinator, Daphne Hulse believes those items being provided makes it easier to reduce landfill.

    Working at a large scale event like this with high visibility, is a great way not only to engage students, faculty and staff. But also community members that come here for these tailgate events." Hulse said. "Collectively we can work towards reducing that landfilled waste.

    The next recycle event will be on November 11th at the stadium for u of i's home game against Indiana University.

  19. Green Labs program input

    Associated Project(s): 
    Green Lab Program

    Hi Kathy,

    Morgan is the ASSOC DIR SUSTAINABILITY, F&S • Facilities and Services and the interim Director of Capital Programs and is on the Green Research Committee for creating the green labs program on campus.

     

    We were brainstorming on how to shed light on the need to develop a complete green labs program vs. selecting components of a program,  and perhaps stunting the full potential and growth of the program.

    She asked if I knew anyone outside the university that is an expert on green labs programs that might be willing to share insights and the importance of creating an all inclusive program.

    You are definitely the person for this!

    She shared that the university board of trustees members are having a retreat and maybe you would be able to present the benefits of your program, how it all comes together and ties into larger university mission.

    We are not sure at this time if we can get you on the agenda but am reaching out to see if you are interested and available?

     

    Morgan- can you sha re when this retreat is?

     

    Thank you

    Paul Foote

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

    Hi Paul and Morgan,

     

    Great to hear from you, Paul, and thanks for thinking of me.

     

    This is definitely information that I can speak to and that I am more than happy to share.  Reach out when you know the time and date (and if they want me to present) so I can see if that will work with my schedule.  I assume it would be virtual, correct?

     

    Kathy

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

    Hi Kathy,

    Sorry I did not respond earlier and was not able to chat at the last UAG meeting!

     

    This format has changed and the allotted time the board members have on the sustainability topic has changed.

     

    In leu of that meeting, maybe our Green Research Committee would be a great place for you to share?

    If you are still agreeable with the sharing idea, I will chat with the committee chairs and get a schedule.

     

    Best

    Paul Foote

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

    Sounds good, Paul.  Happy to help in any way I can.  Would it be possible to aim for after I2SL rather than beforehand?

     

    Kathy

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

     

    Hi  Kathy,

    Terrific, I am so glad you are generous and supportive of promoting sustainable labs!

     

    Certainly we can wait until after I2SL, see you there.

     

    Best

    Paul

     

  20. Green Research Committee 4th Meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    Green Research Committee
    Green Lab Program

    September 20, 2023 Green Research Committee Meeting 4

     

    Present: Stephanie Hess, Tim Mies, Jennifer Fraterrigo, Paul Foote, Jeremy Neighbors, Shari Effert-Fanta, Lisa Moore, Morgan White, Chad Stevens, Sabrina Summers, Maisie Kingren, Daphne Hulse

     

    Absent: Mitchell Bryant

     

    High-level overview (Jeremy leads)

    • Full-time GR Coordinator
      • Reduce, reuse, and recycle campaign headed by the new coordinator.
    • Centralized location for chemicals
      • Tim: are there concerns or risks with transporting.
      • Stephanie: opportunity for reuse. Repurpose bottles. ECE, MRL, SCS (no space here though). Various locations that we can split up. Lot of labs have bottles that they use up
    • Grad student to help coordinate reduce, reuse, recycle. Additional student supports the GR coordinator with tasks as needed.
      • Morgan: need a full-time staff person for GR. But it is not enough. Need a student or two at least, to help support the staff. Without at least 2 paid students, you won’t get far. 40 hours’ worth of student time? During the school year, sometimes 2 students doing part-time still is not enough.
      • Jen: maybe consider what we need first for the program, before determining how many students to include (and staff). Start modest with our first proposal, with the expectation that we will build over time.
      • Paul: typically hire 2-5 students, some stay through the summer, to help with his energy-specific lab programs.
    • Where will this GR program reside? OVCRI office, with input from Madhu, Susan, and Ehab.
      • Morgan: is it in DRS or is it in iSEE? Both are under VCRI, so that makes sense. It is about sustainability with research. Include requirements in the job description to directly communicate to various stakeholders: research,
      • Paul: green research is all about change and adapting, which isn’t necessarily DRS culture. iSEE is always rolling out new initiatives and is very fluid.
      • Lisa: DRS works with regulation; sustainability is not regulation. Thought DRS first, but then looked into iSEE and thought that GR can be more easily built out under iSEE.
      • Morgan: happy to host it under F&S, but it makes more sense to have it under VCRI.
      • Jen: PI who has a lab perspective: already have a relationship with the audit. Potential to have a partnership with DRS in this new way.
      • Chad: safety is paramount over sustainability, so agree with Jen.
      • Stephanie: conversation with Daphne showed that breaking down barriers between units is very possible.
    • GR ambassadors (Jeremy)
      • Every department would have GR ambassadors, encourage it at the lab level. Would work routinely with the GR coordinator to roll out
      • Training curriculum, system for communicating what’s going on, what metrics we have, what results we’re seeing.
      • Behavior of labs and groups. Reduce, reuse, recycle campaign.
      • Shut the sash, use of equipment timers, can implement on day one.
      • Promoting some type of certification. Implement GR in other ways. Lab assessment tools (UIUC based internal, or MyGreenLab).
      • Certification would be a longer-term goal with the GR coordinator.
    • Incentives
      • Recognition is the primary way
      • Stephanie: faculty peer pressure, you want to be that person that is recognized for these initiatives. Susan promote some of these people might be good, too.
      • Chad: could there be monetary award for the research group for their future research. $2500 not a lot, $10K much more head-turning.
      • Tim Mies: Illinois Professionals (highlights), HR. Would that model work for this?
      • Stephanie: working with Patty to work on awards for safety (Oscars for safety). Could work well with research.
    • Communication and education
      • Well-developed education and outreach program for what we will do.
    • Safe energy conservation plans
      • Form task forces to address the two different processes in the charge:
        • How to hibernate labs
        • How to deal with renovation projects
      • Fully funded capital projects, facilities with significant infrastructure deficiencies, facilities without significant infrastructure deficiencies. Would need to be very collaborative. Building-by-building basis.
      • Morgan: 1.5 years to complete a campus facility assessment. December of 2024 all info will be up to date. It won’t cover all portions, because it’s more visual. How are the fume hoods being used?
      • Stephanie: Wondering the same question.
      • Chad: We don’t want to shut off a fume hood forever. There’s always going to be some revolving research based on grants, etc.GR coordinator could look into high-efficiency fume hoods. Need to have campus support for green energy.
      • Shari: Agree with Chad, with Paul’s team coming in, they can see where improvements can be made. Incur energy savings but not lose the capacity. Finding unique ways to do that. Install the newer technology, like low-flow, high-efficiency will go a long way in meeting iCAP goals. Need help with things that are outside the department’s DOR.
      • Paul: Agree with everyone. Shut down almost all hoods at the top floor of Soybean. Morrill Hall needs a lot of help with renovations. Helped get them out during a pilot program. There are other places that use them 24/7 and they are clean and well managed. We see it all.
    • Additional resource for kick-off
      • GR coordinator, communications team, IT support

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