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Projects Updates for theme: all

  2. The survey is further refined

    Associated Project(s): 
    Big Ten & Friends Sustainability
    Achieve Zero Waste

    Hi Daphne, great survey and I agree with Mary it is very comprehensive!  Patrick and I reviewed the document we came up with a few recommendations for your consideration:

    It might be beneficial to add another question after cell G3 that asks if there are secondary waste goals.

    Cell K3 was a little confusing trying to determine what was meant by ‘Benchmark Year’…. Is this supposed to say ‘Baseline Year’ instead? 

    For Cell AG3, we are recommending that a separate tab in the same spreadsheet where the answers can be put into its own grid and easier to compare school to school.  For instance, I found it very interesting to see UIUC include tires but not surplus material, and it would be interesting to see how many folks include tire recycling/repurposing.  Patrick is going to take a 1st stab at creating this for your review.  

    In the Waste Metric Tracking section, would it be possible to add a few questions around accounting for avoided waste?  Take-back programs would be a prime example of this… for instance, if a university handles furniture whether by diverting it or landfilling it, but then works with a manufacturer on a take-back program, do you get to count that material as diverted?  I am not sure of the best way to ask this question(s)… maybe it should be integrated with the matrix developed as part of bullet #2? 

    The organics section might benefit by clarification on what should be included.  We interpreted it as more than just food scraps and included animal bedding and landscape debris in our answer, but questioned if other items should be included here such as food grease recycling.

     

    Thank you again for putting this together.  Looking forward to seeing it once it is all filled out!

    Thanks,

     

    Tony Gillund 

     

    Director of Sustainability

    Campus Planning, Architecture, and Sustainability

     

    o: 765-494-3911 | agillund@purdue.edu

     

     

    From: Leciejewski, Mary <leciejewski.8@osu.edu>
    Sent: Wednesday, January 4, 2023 8:26 AM
    To: Hulse, Daphne Lauren <dlhulse2@illinois.edu>; alisonlr@umich.edu; Anthony Gillund <agillund@purdue.edu>; nberg@umich.edu; Patrick T Brown <brown471@purdue.edu>
    Cc: Szal, Dominika Patrycja <dszal2@illinois.edu>
    Subject: RE: Purdue/OSU/Michigan/UIUC Waste Survey

     

     

     

    Daphne,

     

    Thanks for reopening the conversation and putting this together. This survey looks comprehensive. We’re excited for the results!

     

    Here’s our quick feedback:

    For “Waste Reduction Goal” section, add question asking if school has formal, published waste plan and request link.

    For D5, we usually count interns as a 3:1 FTEs. Might be useful to make this clear or to have a separate column for number of FTE’s vs. number of interns.

    For the Surplus category, I’d be interested to learn if other schools have internal reuse or external donation programs to nonprofits. (Our Surplus group has mentioned some legal/logistical issues with donation…)

     

    We can make these edits directly in the survey but didn’t want to make changes without giving you a heads up/getting sign off from the group.

     

    Once the other folks on the chain provide feedback, we can help disseminate to the larger BTAF group. When the results are in, it’d be a perfect intern project to assemble results in a slide show and do some data visualization. Happy to donate our intern time towards that task.

     

    Best, Mary

     

    Mary Leciejewski
    Zero Waste Manager

    Pronouns: She/Her/Hers 

    Facilities Operations and Development, Sustainability & Strategic Services
    1130 Service Building Annex | 2578 Kenny Road, Columbus, OH 43210
    (O) 614.292.3637
    fod.osu.edu/sustainability

     

  3. SafeTraces follow up meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy-Efficient HVAC Infection Control

    Sarthak Prasad and Morgan White are meeting with Sterling Laylock from SafeTraces on January 9 from 11 to 12 pm to cover the following:

    • Astronomy Building report findings and potential corrective action
    • Indoor Air Quality Monitoring specific to IT Security
      • UL 2905/UL 2906: Indoor Air Quality Sensor Performance/Sensor Deployment
      • UL Verified IoT Security
      • There is a newer building on campus that has CO2 sensors
        so we can discover what they did and follow that pathway
    • Our ongoing collaborative discussion with the State of Illinois' new Building Infrastructure
      Fund (2nd qtr 2023) where our work with you under iCAP is considered one of the missing pieces 
      of the puzzle.

      Their primary goal is to improve re-occupancy levels within existing buildings and cause new buildings (public and private) to design more effectively for IAQ/IEQ, especially where private development is receiving state funding and concessions.

      Since it was UL Healthy Buildings (Primary Partner of SafeTraces) that introduced IGT to
      the UL/SafeTraces ecosystem, ULHB will be instrumental in providing the capacity needed
      for our efforts with the state led by Illinois Chief Investment Officer, Joe Aguilar.
    • As discussed with Morgan at the end of our Design Thinking Session, Ikenberry Food Hall
      is being considered as our next project and UL Healthy Buildings ULHB is partnering with us
      on it since natural gas and hydrogen sulfide gas may be impacting IAQ/IEQ.

  4. Weekly Update: final week of semester, WCIA

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, The final week of last semester was, as expected, quiet. Very little traffic but Alex finally finished his Build-a-Bike. He’d been steadily and meticulously working on it all semester. We were able to fix up approximately 30 kids bikes here at CBC and totaled 50 for the event which happened on Saturday 12/17/22. We had 4 people bow out last minute to help for the event (thanks covid), so we had a skeleton crew but still gave away 50 bikes in about 20 minutes. The IMC staff were extremely helpful and stepped up to corral and organize folks when we were getting overwhelmed. Some folks left unhappy, I’m sure, but we still helped out a good number of kids. WCIA showed up just in time to get some footage of families departing with the last of the bikes and our story made the 10p news that night. I’ll reach out to WCIA and see if they can send me a digital copy of the broadcast so we can share that.

    This week I’ll be moving bikes from the warehouse and taking stock of our inventory, sorting bikes for our various programs, and working up some classes for next semester. Next week I’ll be tabling at College of Law orientation/resource fair. Always exciting to meet new/different groups on campus!

     

    The numbers:

    Visitors: 13
    Sales: $190

    Build-a-Bike: $40

     

    Thanks!

     

    Jacob Benjamin
    Campus Bike Center Coordinator

  5. Ford Lightning allotted to Abbott Power Plant and EV charging station installed

    Associated Project(s): 
    F&S Sustainable Fleet Plan
    Decrease Emissions from UI Fleet
    Use Electric Vehicles (EV)
    Increase use of EVs and other Alternative Service Vehicles

    Abbott Power Plant are the recipients of one the new Ford F150 Lightning Electric Trucks.

    There is a charging station in the alley between the plant addition and scrubber where the vehicle can be parked and charged (see photo below). The plug on the truck is on the side in front of the driver side door.

    The key for the new truck is in the control room at Abbott. The key is a FOB that must be in the vehicle to start it. Similar to other new vehicles, the truck is started when the FOB is in the vehicle with you, you press the brake, and then hit the start button. Since it is electric you of course will not hear the motor engage and start, but the car will “come to life” with the dashboard coming on and displaying. The vehicle can now be put into gear and driven.

    NOTE, the vehicle comes equipped with “engine braking” engaged. So, when you take your foot off the accelerator, the electric motor will “reserve” (turn into a generator) and start slowing down the vehicle (and at the same time charge up the batteries).

    Please be careful when driving the truck for the first time and take some time to get accustomed to how it works.

    Attached Files: 

  6. Design Thinking Session Outcomes from the November 10, 2022 meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy-Efficient HVAC Infection Control

    Here's a short list of outcomes from our Nov 10th Design Thinking Session.

    • There a 2 more Design Thinking Session scheduled for 1st qtr 2023
      • Chicago Archdiocese
      • Cook County Facilities & Asset Mgmt
    • UL Healthy Buildings will become a more hands-on active participant in our iCAP effort to help expand building science expertise specific to the UL Verified Marks to also include the impacts of indoor air particulate, hazardous gases, and building hygiene:
      • SafeTraces Verified Mark for Ventilation and Filtration
      • UL Verified Mark for Healthy Buildings

  8. iCAP Education Team general update

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainability Gen-Ed Requirement

    Below is an update from Jessica Nicholson, with an update to the gen-ed project.

     

    Hello iCap Education Team,

     

    I hope you all had a good Holiday Season! I have attached my latest Sustainability Gen-Ed Proposal to this email and added it to the iCap Education Team Box Folder along with several supporting documents. The suggestions and next steps I described at our December 5th meeting are added as comments to the proposal, so I hope this helps as the team continues working toward the Sustainability Gen-Ed next semester. I have also copied my mailing list here so you all can see the new attached proposal with next steps. Given these changes, I am confident that my proposal will gather the Dean endorsements that it couldn't previously and has the support it needs to be successful.

     

    Please keep me updated as this progresses, and if you need anything else from me or have any questions, feel free to let me know. I am in a significant transition period now that I have graduated, but I will stay involved as much as I can.

     

    Thanks,

    Jessica

  9. SmartWay E-update

    Associated Project(s): 
    EPA SmartWay Affiliate

     

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    SmartWay e-update

     

    December 2022 SmartWay e-update

     

    Happy Holidays! 

     

    As 2022 comes to a close, EPA SmartWay extends holiday greetings to all our partners. Whether your company participates in SmartWay as a shipper, carrier, or logistics partner, we know that you and your colleagues are busy delivering food for holiday dinners, toys for small children, lights to brighten dark days and much, much more! During this special season, people from all walks of life, representing cultures from all over the world celebrate light, life and new beginnings. The past couple of years have been full of challenge and change and as we look ahead, SmartWay will continue to support the efforts of its partners to make the world a better place. Your commitment and the goals you’ve set to improve the efficiency of how goods are moved are critical to keeping communities healthy, safe and strong. Best wishes for a happy holiday season and a joyous New Year! Thank you for all you do. We look forward to our work together in 2023 and beyond.

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    News for EPA SmartWay Partners and Stakeholders

     

    EPA Seeks Public Input on $1 Billion Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle, $3 Billion Clean Ports and other Inflation Reduction Act Programs

    EPA is seeking public input on new and existing programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), including a new $1 billion Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle program and $3 billion Clean Ports program. Under the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle EPA will be offering grants and/or rebates to replace heavy-duty vehicles with zero-emission vehicles, support zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and to train and develop workers. Under the Clean Ports program EPA will offer grants for the purchase and installation of zero emission technologies to reduce pollution at ports, and to develop qualified climate action plans.

     

    EPA has published a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public input on core design aspects for these and other programs supported by IRA. The RFI provides background information on each IRA program and a series of questions for the public to consider as they provide input. The RFIs are open for public comment through January 18, 2023. Public input and information will be used to inform the development of the programs in addition to other stakeholder engagement activities that EPA will be conducting consistent with its Grant Competition policy. For more information and to provide input on the Clean Heavy-Duty, Clean Ports and other IRA programs, visit www.epa.gov.

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    EPA Publishes Final Rule to Control Air Pollution from Heavy-Duty Trucks 

     

    On December 20, EPA issued a final rule "Control of Air Pollution from New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards," that adopts new, stronger emissions standards to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from heavy-duty vehicles and engines starting in model year 2027. The new emissions standards cover a wider range of heavy-duty engine operating conditions compared to today's standards, and the rule requires these more stringent emissions standards to be met for a longer period of time when these engines operate on the road. The new rule and tighter standards will result in widespread air quality improvements across the U.S., especially in areas already overburdened by air pollution and emissions.

     

    The final rule is one of three major actions being taken under EPA's "Clean Trucks Plan." Under this plan, the Agency intends to propose two additional rulemakings in 2023 which, when considered cumulatively with this final rule, would put in place more protective long-term standards that would reduce smog, soot, and climate pollution from heavy-duty vehicles and would include consideration of greater adoption of zero-emissions vehicle technologies. For more information on EPA's Clean Trucks Plan, and the new rule to limit NOx emissions from heavy-duty commercial vehicles, visit www.epa.gov.

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    Upcoming Virtual Meetings and Conferences 

     

    National Academy 

    of Sciences Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 

    January 8-12, 2023

    Washington, DC

     

    The Transportation Research Board is holding its 102nd Annual Meeting January 8-12, 2023 in Washington, DC. TRB's Annual Meeting is expected to attract thousands of transportation professionals from around the world. The meeting program covers all transportation modes, with sessions and workshops addressing topics of interest to policy makers, administrators, practitioners, researchers, and representatives of government, industry and academia. The spotlight theme for the meeting is Rejuvenation Out of Disruption: Envisioning a Transportation System for a Dynamic Future. For more information on the program and to register visit trb.org. 

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    SMC3

    JumpStart 

    January 23-25, 2023 

    Atlanta, GA 

     

    A three-day annual supply chain event produced annually by SMC3, JumpStart brings together leading carriers, shippers, logistics service providers and technology providers to exchange ideas, information and perspectives. The meeting focuses on key topics and emerging trends in technology, infrastructure, and operations. This year, SmartWay will present on recent enhancements to the partnership, the value of collaboration and its less than truckload carbon calculator. The program agenda, speakers and more information is available at smc3jumpstart.com. 

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    Retail Industry Leaders Association LINK 2023

    The Retail Supply Chain Conference 

    February 19-22, 2023

    Orlando, FL 

     

    The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), a SmartWay Affiliate, is hosting LINK2023, the association's annual supply chain conference, February 19-22, in Orlando, FL. The focus of this year's conference is on the economic and logistical headwinds that retailers are experiencing as they adjust to the pandemic and envision the future of their supply chains. Sessions cover technology developments and applications that can help improve demand planning, forecasting, and case studies on how to effectively manage disruption. Other topics include strategies for strengthening consumer experience, freight delivery, infrastructure, emissions accounting and sustainability. More than 300 exhibiting companies and nearly 2000 attendees are expected to participate in LINK2023. SmartWay and its partners will be on deck to share experiences and to highlight the value of collaboration across the supply chain. For more information, visit LINK2023. 

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    Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) EXPO 2023

    May 1-4, 2023 

    Anaheim, CA 

     

    ACT EXPO is a 4-day fleet focused conference that will explore the trends, infrastructure and technologies transforming clean commercial transportation. The 2023 program will spotlight low- and zero-emission fleet case studies, financial incentives to improve the total cost of ownership for advanced clean vehicles, climate and environmental policies, and the accelerated development of zero emission infrastructure, as well as technology advancements with battery technology, charging infrastructure, biofuels, hydrogen, autonomous vehicles and more. On the exhibit floor attendees can gain access to 185+ commercial vehicles, including battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, renewable fuels and connected tech. More than 275+ suppliers of equipment for all vehicle weight classes and fleet applications will also be exhibiting. Opportunities to get behind the wheel and test drive dozens of new vehicles are offered during a two-day Ride & Drive event. For more information visit ACTEXPO2023. 

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    Anyway you ship it, move it the SmartWay!

     

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | smartway_transport@epa.gov | http://www.epa.gov/smartway

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | 2000 Traverwood Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

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  10. Green Lab Initiatives Take Root Around the World

    Associated Project(s): 
    Green Research Committee

    Paul Foote shared the following article regarding Green Labs:

    This sustainable labs article shares a look into the current international climate regarding green labs.

    The author’s high level summation quotes green lab leaders as well as comments from NIH and HHS regrading funding and sustainability, and other key topics surrounding sustainable & green labs.

    https://www.the-scientist.com/careers/green-lab-initiatives-take-root-around-the-world-70676

  11. Sustainability Council Meeting 12-13-22

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainability Council
    Achieve Zero Waste
    Clean Energy Plan
    Sustainability Gen-Ed Requirement
    Sustainable Land Management Committee

    The Sustainability Council met on 12-13-22 and discussed the following agenda:

    • Zero Waste
    • Energy Planning
    • Strategic Plan
    • Old Business
      - Sustainability General Education Requirement
      - Sustainable Land Management Committee Report

    The meeting minutes and slide deck are attached. 

    Attached Files: 

  16. Campus Energy Student Video 2022

    Associated Project(s): 
    Independent Student Projects
    Explore Options for 100 Percent Clean Campus Energy

    In December of 2022 Aaryaman Patel, a Mechanical Engineering student, published a video for a competition through the International District Energy Association. The purpose of the video is to highlight energy systems within a University campus.

    Below is the link to his video:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLrt4X0EOGA

     

  17. iCAP Portal Admin Meeting - January 6, 2023

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainability iCAP Portal

    Done:

    • Fancy project layout, Header project layout - make images in image banner clickable (go directly to image)
    • Main nav: move focus to search box when Search is clicked
    • Objectives page (DEV):
      • Fix bug: metric collapsing seems to scroll the page
      • Add "jump to chapter" option:
        • Dropdown list for mobile, theme icons for larger screens
        • Reporting Progress icon jumps to chapter 9
        • Don't show Funding icon

    Discussion:

    • Question about a TODO: "Collections page: Add image upload option". At a previous meeting we had this TODO, but what was the context? Was it to have a thumbnail for each Collection? Or a banner image?
    • Should we link to "Take Action" project from homepage?
    • Archiving projects

    TODO:

    • Set up GA4
    • Homepage: make image in Image Gallery go to image gallery (in addition to button)
    • Objectives page: disable the following styles:
      •   @media (min-width: 44em)
        .objectives-dashboard .view-header .options-chapter > *
    • Search: can it be less rigid? e.g. ignore punctuation, understand that "bikes" and "bicycles" are equivalent, etc.
    • Fancy project layout mockups - keep tweaking #3 to improve contrast
    • Discuss metrics
      • Metrics with lots of data
      • Consider how to handle old metrics that no longer track new data. Archive somehow?
      • Fun with math (e.g. combining multiple metrics)
      • Calculated Metrics on Dev site
    • Track down and resolve informational message on full listing page for Project Updates by Key Objective (see, e.g. Projects Updates for key objective: 1.0 iCAP 2020 Illinois Climate Action Plan)
    • Why is the Achieve Zero Waste project map page not loading?

  18. New iSEE Green Event and Chapter Certifications

    Associated Project(s): 
    Certified Green Chapter Program
    Certified Green Event Program
    Certified Greener Campus Programs

    Congratulations to our newest recipients of our Certified Greener Campus Programs as we finish out the semester.

    Green Chapter:

    Alpha Phi Beta (Alpha Chapter), Gold, Recertified December 2022

    Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Gold, Recertified December 2022

     

    Green Event:

    Chancellor's Office for Special Events President and Chancellor’s Holiday Reception, Certified December 2022

     

    Keep up the great work!

  19. Land & Water iCAP Meeting 12/13/2022

    Associated Project(s): 
    Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
    Cover Crops on South Farms
    Campus Landscape Master Plan (CLMP)
    Water Conservation [ARCHIVED]
    Obtain and Publicize Water Data
    Land and Water iCAP Team

    On December 13th, the Land & Water iCAP team met to discuss a new approach to crafting recommendations for next semester; including the creation of a land subcommittee and a water subcommittee.

    Meeting minutes are attached.

    Attached Files: 

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