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Projects Updates for theme: all

  2. Task Report for Sam Wuebbles from 10/2 to 11/7

    Associated Project(s): 
    Appropriately Staff Sustainable Transportation Efforts

    Here are the things I have been working on:

    • Material Research Lab bicycle rack design - in progress 
    • First social media post flyer (needs approval) - in progress
    • Other social media topics
      • 11/14 - bike fun facts
      • 11/21 - Fall Break
      • 11/28 - proper way to ride
      • 12/5 - (finals) proper way to store bicycle over break
      • *other events, topics, or positive bike riding examples* (I just remember you saying that you wanted a post a week)
    • Field work
      • bicycle rack placements
      • eco counter
    • Eco Counter
      • collected data
      • updated data in metrix
    • Created survey for dangerous areas / cautions for congestion bike paths / sidewalks on campus
    • iCAP
      •  
    • Readings
      • comp plans and informational bike readings
        • Examples: 5 E's, Campus Bike Plan (old and new), Bike at Illinois, etc.
    • ADA complaint
      • on the backside of learning about and understanding the complaint and seeing future takes.
    • worked for the staff information meeting at State Farm
    • attended the "Green Infrastructure and Erosion Control" (10/24)

  3. 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

  4. Smart light poles - IUB -11/11 event

    Associated Project(s): 
    Zero Waste Messaging Campaign

    Daphne,

     

    Thought I would share that we are working to get more images up on the smart poles outside of the Illini Union bookstore. Katie is going to see if she can create a simple design for the 11/11 tailgate recycling event. Unfortunately the functionality and quality of the poles are less than to be desired, severely limiting everything from character limit, font size, style to final imagery. Nonetheless, we are trying and will share what we she comes up with for your review, as this is a great item for additional visibility.

    Malikah A. Gordon

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

    Daphne,

     

    Attached is a sign Katie designed for the smart poles outside of IUB. We are pretty limited in terms of text and images, for now. I would like to run these from 11/8-11/11. Please let me know if you have any feedback.

     

    Best,

    Malikah

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

    This looks excellent – thank you for putting this together! I do not have any additional edits.

     

    Thank you,
    Daphne

  6. Weekly Update: Cranksgiving, Halloween last week

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, Halloween was last week, and we are still awash in candy and Halloween-themed cellophane.

    Weather bumped back up, too, and we had a wait for stands on Friday. As the mercury goes, so do we. Accordingly, Monday and Wednesday project to be busy. 

    Getting some bikes on the sales floor and tackling some organizational projects; will continue to do so this week. Will also tackle some more kids bikes as we ramp up production for that.

    This coming Saturday (11/11) the Bike Project is hosting Cranksgiving, a bicycle ride/food drive to collect donations for a local food pantry. I’ll mention it to my staff and patrons this week.

    The numbers:

    Visitors: 43
    Sales: $484
    Memberships: 9 for $270
    Tires/tubes: 8 for $59

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Coordinator -- Campus Bike Center

  8. AASHE 2023 and storm water question

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS)

    All,

     

    Was great to catch up with so many old and new friends at AASHE!  Thank you for keeping Texas in your hearts and in your top 4 CFP rankings ...

     

    I can’t recall if this group has discussed innovative storm water management.  All of our capital projects have very tight site boundaries so our opportunities for on-site management are few and costly. We’re investigating fee-in-lieu and stormwater credit funding models, but I’m wondering if anyone else has an established off-site stormwater management financing program in place ...

     

    Thanks!

     

    Jim

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

    Jim,

     

    We've done some work on different approaches to managing stormwater. I'll send a separate email to introduce you to one of my colleagues who leads our efforts in this area.

     

    Shane 

  9. Illini Lights Out Event 11/3/23

    Associated Project(s): 
    Illini Lights Out

     At Friday's Illini Lights Out event, over 250 volunteers turned off 4,832 light bulbs that otherwise would have been left on all weekend, saving $735.16 in energy costs. This also prevented 5.9 metric tons of CO2 equivalent from entering the atmosphere, which is equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions from 665 gallons of gasoline being consumed. 

  11. Land & Water iCAP Team November 2023 Meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    Meadow at Orchard Downs
    Cover Crops on South Farms
    Land and Water iCAP Team

    The Land & Water iCAP team met on Teams from 1-2 PM on Friday, November 3rd. The team discussed permeable pavers at State Farm Center, the meadow at Orchard Downs, cover crops on the South Farm, and the iCAP 2025 rewrite of the Land & Water chapter. Meeting minutes are attached.

    Attached Files: 

  12. Weekly meeting with Ethan

    Associated Project(s): 
    2024 Campus Bike Plan
    Independent Student Projects

    Sarthak & Ethan Meeting 11/3

    Campus landscape master plan 

    • where there is a map, see if there is anything related to trails or sidewalks, see where they are mentioned, try to include that in our plan 
    • Include: Implement campus landscape master plan
    • Page 25
    • Main quad district (we can use the image on page 66)
    • On Monday, begin process of pulling out data from landscape plan 
    • Work in person on Wednesday at 1pm

    Evaluation section

    • Add implement campus landscape master plan 

    Implementation

    • put projects on the list from landscape plan 
    • Can use the images from the plan

    Wednesday we will organize the document 

    Equity and accessibility section

    • only talk about how we want Ada accessible

    Existing Conditions

    • can minimize words, do not need as much details 

    Crash Data

    • update graph 

    Landscape plan excel:

    • Look at bike factors in its goals/recommendations 
    • Any bike related projects, take note of them, and where they are located

  14. Education iCAP Team November 2023 Meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainability at Career Fairs
    Sustainability Internship Program
    Sustainability in Study Abroad
    Education iCAP Team

    The Education iCAP team met on Teams from 1-2 PM on Thursday, November 2nd. The team discussed the Green Career Fair, Sustainability in Study Abroad, Gies College of Business Sustainability content, and the Sustainability Internship Coordinator report. Meeting minutes are attached.

    Attached Files: 

  16. F&S YMCA MOU

    Associated Project(s): 
    Dump and Run

    Hi Pete,

     

    Please see attached for the draft we discussed today.

     

    Thank you,
    Daphne

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

    Hi Daphne,

     

    Can you give me an update on this YMCA MOU?

     

    Thanks,

    Morgan

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

    Hi Pete,

     

    Throwing this question up to you 😊 Have you had a chance to send the MOU over to Ehab?

     

    Thank you,
    Daphne

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

     

    I meet with Ehab this afternoon and can discuss with him at that time. However, are you working on an MOU with Housing as well? I’d rather give him both at the same time if possible.

     

    Thank you,

    Pete

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

    Hi Pete,

     

    Yes, I have a working draft of the Housing MOU, too. I’ve attached it here for review.

     

    Thank you,
    Daphne

  17. 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: 

  18. AV FARM next steps - Re - Bid Information

    Associated Project(s): 
    Agrivoltaics: Crop Production and Solar Panels on the Same Land

    Dear Team,

     

    Kindly verify the attached document from Ryan to ensure it meets the requirements for a bid posting. We've initiated an inquiry about a potential sole source option, and we're awaiting a response.

     

    Regarding the meeting scheduled to discuss CO and AZ designs for the rebid, it remains on track. We will also plan another meeting for next week.

     

    Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

     

    Best regards,

    Basia

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

    Please see latest proposed layout for 100kw system for discussion.

     

    Best,
    Tim

    Attached Files: 

  19. Facility standards for hydration stations (water fountains)

    Associated Project(s): 
    Reduce Single-Use Plastics

     

    Hi Mike,

     

    I hope this message finds you well! I am Daphne, and I work under Pete Varney in TBS as the campus zero waste coordinator. I currently serve as the iCAP Zero Waste Team chair, and this year the team has been given a charge to develop a new facility standard for major reconstruction and new construction projects to include bottle-style hydration stations for new or replacement water fountains. A picture of an example hydration station has been attached.

     

    I wanted to reach out and see if it would be possible to meet and discuss what the existing information is regarding facility standards for hydration stations?

     

    Thank you!

    Daphne

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

    Lisa,

     

    Would you be able to discuss this with Daphne, I can set it up if so?

     

    Looks like the FS calls for a bottle filler as part of a water cooler.  Daphne’s picture looks like an independent unit.

     

    I doubt BMG (formerly OMA) will want to maintain another unit.

     

    Mjs

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

     

    Mike,

     

    Here’s a cut sheet of a typical high-low water cooler with bottle filler.

     

    Lisa

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

     

    Daphne,

     

    Below is a snipit of our Facilities Standards concerning the electric water fountain which includes a bottle filler, and attached is a cut of a unit.

     

    If you would still like to chat, let me know, and I will set it up for next week.

     

    We are also wondering, are you contemplating installing the hydration station in lieu of a standard water fountain, or in addition to the  other units?

     

    Thanks,

     

    mjs

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

    Hi Morgan & Jen,

     

    Looping you in here for input before meeting with Mike. We are intending to make the standard for water fountains to include the bottle filler piece in all circumstances, is that correct? From what Mike is sharing here, it appears that the bottle filler piece is already included in the standard.

     

    Thank you,

    Daphne

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

    Hi Daphne,

     

    I would like to see bottle fillers (*without a filter indicator light*) included with all new water fountain installations.

     

    Regarding Mike’s question: “We are also wondering, are you contemplating installing the hydration station in lieu of a standard water fountain, or in addition to the  other units?” 

    If I understand correctly, this is a moot point because the unit we want is already the campus standard. Am I missing something?

     

    Thanks,

    Jen

  20. RE: Green Research Committee

    Associated Project(s): 
    Green Research Committee

    We will be setting up a few meetings starting after Labor Day to meet our upcoming deadlines, with our final report due by November 15. Please review the attached Word file and supplemental attachments ahead of the meetings. Please feel free to post comments/thoughts to our Teams site.

     

    Thanks

    Jeremy

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

    Good morning, everyone,

     

    I have put the files Jeremy sent on Aug 18th into teams. They are under “files” in the “General” channel. You probably saw the invitation to meet virtually on Sept 20th. Hard to get a busy group together. This is a long time from now and we were hoping to meet sooner. Since we can’t meet sooner, we ask that you review these new documents in the next couple weeks. Add comments to the documents, track changes, or put comments in the file called “COMMENTS Aug-Sept.” We need to spend more time working on this outside of the meetings.

    We will use our Sept 20th meeting to make some semi-final decisions on the recommendations from the committee to leadership. October can be used to fine tune.  

     

    I will send reminders up until Sept 20th to makes sure no one forgets to dig into these.  Please don’t wait until the final day. Your comments could help others produce ideas/additional thoughts. Also, please check back on those documents to see what others are saying as well.

     

    Here is a screenshot of the highlighted documents I’m referencing. If you look at some of the other documents and have thoughts on those, it might be good to put them in the “Comments” doc too. Please let me know if this doesn’t make sense.

     

    Best,

    Stephanie

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

    Good morning all,

     

    An updated version of the report based on your feedback has been added to Teams, titled GR Committee Report 10.13.2023, for one final round of comments. With the third charge being so different from the first two we think it is best to provide two separate reports. Both reports are included in the same file for ease of review.

     

    We are working to get our preliminary meeting scheduled with Susan, Ehab, and Madhu. We hope we can present to them in the next few weeks so please take a few minutes in the next week or two to review.

     

    Thanks

    Jeremy

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

    Good afternoon

     

    Steph and I are scheduled to present the committee’s recommendations next Tuesday afternoon. We would like to send the final version of our recommendations to leadership no later than Friday so they have a few days to review in advance. If you have any final comments please add them to the document in Teams by noon tomorrow.

     

    Thanks

    Jeremy

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