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Projects Updates for theme: all

  2. Design for America - E-Waste Project Update

    Associated Project(s): 
    Build Resilience with Our Local Community
    Design for America
    Address Electronic Waste (e-waste)

    Present: Staff - Stacy Gloss & Meredith Moore and Students - Koshal Raghavarapu, Anisha Narain, Ananya Barman, & Pooja Tetali

    The DFA student team provided a progress update on research about cell-phone e-waste. The student team has met with several recycling experts in the community and has focused on three areas - personal responsibility, importance of being able to repair products, and manufacturing responsibility for electronic waste. We will have one more planning meeting together and then the students will give their final presentation about the project on April 27. A poster with infographics may be developed.

  4. SECS follow up meeting with F&S staff

    Associated Project(s): 
    Green Roofs on Campus
    Students for Environmental Concerns (SECS)

    Gabriel Kosmacher, Shallon Malfeo, Betsy Liggett, Morgan White, and Brent Lewis met this morning to discuss the plans for adding a green roof at the Nick Holonyak Jr. Micro-Nano Technology Center.

    SECS is interested in developing the green roof on the closed patio for MNTL.  What structural load can the patio maintain?  Qu Kim had said the patio was closed off because they weren't comfortable with having people out there, and Brent thought it would be a really good idea to put a green roof there.

    SECS requested the floor plans to identify the square footage of the patio, and apply for SSC funding. Brent will provide the floor plans. SECS will work through who will maintain the green roof.

    Morgan asked if perhaps it could be a vegetable garden, which could provide food to users or donated to the Bucket Brigade. Shallon noted that the food could go to Solidarity Gardens. Morgan asked if Brent thinks vegetable gardening is even feasible in this location, and he explained that it would be way more maintenance. Betsy said it would need maintenance daily instead of monthly, if it were veggies. Additionally, the veggies would lead to more carrying green materials throughout the halls, which would not be well received by the users. This space should not include human food production.

    Step 1 -- talk to Ryan Wild and Qu Kim about whether this space is feasible. Then work on design plans and SSC funding application. Consider contacting Fine and Applied Arts about a long-term partnership. There will also need to be a Memo of Understanding about the maintenance of the green roof.

     

  7. New iSEE Greener Campus Programs Certifications

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

    Congratulations to the newest recipients of our Greener Campus Certification Programs!

     

    Green Office: Department of Public Safety/UIPD, Gold Status, Recertified April 2022

     

    Green Event:

    -Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Illini Track & Field Invitational, Certified April 2022

    -University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign -- Chancellor's Office of Special Events Academic Service Recognition Breakfast, Certified April 2022

    -Office of the Chancellor for Special Events Conversation with Senior Leadership, Certified April 2022

    -Illinois Marathon VIP Suite at the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon, Certified April 2022

     

    Keep up the great work!

  8. Interview with Clark Bullard (Former MechE Professor, Experience in Thermal Systems)

    Associated Project(s): 
    Clean Energy Plan

    A document containing the notes from this interview is attached below.

     

    Summary of the Clean Energy Transition Plan Interview:

    Clark Bullard - Former MechE Professor, Experience in Thermal Systems

    On 4/5/22 the team spoke with Clark Bullard. In this meeting, we were provided with valuable insight into the importance of conservation and updating the current steam heating system on campus. In his opinion, the University should focus on conservation mainly and purchase renewable energy from the grid. This would allow more resources to be put towards conservation, where there is currently a lot of energy being lost. Additionally, he stressed the importance of updating the campus heating system to something more modern, such as a hot water and heat pump system. The team found that this interview gave good insight and recommendations on a potential way to approach the energy transition.

    Attached Files: 

  9. Interview with Xinlei Wang (ABE Professor, Experience in Renewable Energy Systems) and John Zhao (ABE Doctorate Student, Research in Geothermal Systems)

    Associated Project(s): 
    Clean Energy Plan

    A document containing the notes from this interview is attached below.

     

    Summary of the Clean Energy Transition Plan Interview:

    Xinlei Wang - ABE Professor, Experience in Renewable Energy Systems

    John Zhao-ABE Doctorate Student, Research in Geothermal Systems

    On 4/5/22, the team interviewed Dr. Xinlei Wang and John Zhao. Professor Wang is a subject matter expert with regards to geothermal energy and has done research on other forms of renewable energy. Professor Wang explained that geothermal energy is the most efficient way to both heat and cool buildings and that despite high upfront costs it is a cheaper system to implement than traditional heating and cooling. Professor Wang explained that if the University was to switch to a geothermal system, then it would have to be done building by building and it would take a lot of planning and time. Professor Wang also told the team that geothermal and solar energy can be used together to create an energy efficient system and make it viable for the University.

    Attached Files: 

  11. Planning a meeting with Coke

    Associated Project(s): 
    "Don't Waste" with Coca-Cola

    Lowa Mwilambwe is coordinating a meeting with representatives from Coke, to discuss sustainability options, per the discussion at the Sustainability Sub-council.  They are gathering a team that will be able to engage with our campus both short-term and long-term. 

  12. New iSEE Greener Campus Program Certifications

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

    Congratulations to the newest recipients of our Greener Campus Certification Programs!

     

    Green Event: University Police Department Cherries and Berries, Certified March 2022

     

    Green Office: Center for Social and Behavioral Science, Gold-Certified April 2022 (with 25 elective actions taken!)

     

    Keep up the great work!

  13. Weekly Update: New working hours; DIY maintenance event

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, Apologies for the late Digest. Last Thursday we had our Gender Aware Shop Hours. It was not well attended but the weather always plays a factor. There is staff interest in making it a recurring event which could help boost attendance. We also collaborated with Urbana Parks District at a pop-up DIY maintenance event at the Phillips Recreation Center in Urbana on Saturday. Twelve or so folks signed up and I think we saw 8 or so people over the two hours. People seemed to enjoy it and we’ll look to do it again next year.

    This week is almost over but we did start our first week of M – F. Our Tues/Th shifts were less busy than M/W/F but as the weather warms and the word gets out, we’ll undoubtedly get busy on those days as well. The slow start is welcomed as we’re not fully staffed yet.

    Next week projects to be more in the 50s than the 40s so we’re getting towards some warmer weather.

    The numbers:

    Sales: $974.50
    Bikes (refurb): 4 for $660
    Bikes (B-a-B): 2 for $60
    Memberships: 8 for $240
    Tires/tubes (used/new): 15 for $73

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Campus Bike Center Coordinator

  14. Zero Waste iCAP Team Meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    Achieve Zero Waste
    Establish a Net Zero Waste Plan and Policy
    Zero Waste iCAP Team
    Large-Scale Food Waste Composting

    The Zero Waste iCAP Team met on Thursday, March 31 to de-brief the Plastics Reduction Strategy discussion, review committee member research on the Adopt-a-Highway/Adopt-a-Drain and Composting Committee Recommendations, and begin discussion on amending the Campus Administrative Manual's Paper Policy. Meeting minutes are attached.

    Attached Files: 

  15. Zero Waste iCAP Team Meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    Achieve Zero Waste
    Establish a Net Zero Waste Plan and Policy
    Zero Waste iCAP Team
    Large-Scale Food Waste Composting

    The Zero Waste iCAP Team met on Thursday, March 31 to de-brief the Plastics Reduction Strategy discussion, review committee member research on the Adopt-a-Highway/Adopt-a-Drain and Composting Committee Recommendations, and begin discussion on amending the Campus Administrative Manual's Paper Policy. Meeting minutes are attached.

    Attached Files: 

  16. College of ACES ESCO Projects

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy Performance Contracting / ESCO

    Response to Brian Bundren's request for a time estimate for new ACES ESCO projects.

    From: Roman, Robert Raymond

    To: Bundren, Brian

    Good Morning Brian,

    We are gathering data on recommended scope and deferred maintenance opportunities in the buildings so we can assemble a presentation for review and discussion with your office. We would seek preliminary consent to continue in the ESCO process at that time from the Provost Office. It is my understanding that Dr. Kamarah’s office is working to put together a meeting with the parties involved. Hopefully, we will be meeting within the next two to three weeks. If we gain approval, I expect that we will begin in-depth scope development to provide to the system office for bid preparations.

     

    Hopefully, this addresses your inquiry. If not, please feel free to contact me.

     

    Best Regards,
    Rob

     

    Robert Roman
    DIRECTOR UTILITY & ENERGY SERVICES
     
    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    Utilities & Energy Services (UES)
    Facilities and Services Office
    1501 S. Oak Street
    Champaign, IL 61820
    217.300.5810 | roman at illinois.edu
    fs.illinois.edu/services/utilities-energy
     
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    CEFP Logo
     

  17. Transportation iCAP Team Meeting 3/31/2022

    Associated Project(s): 
    Transportation iCAP Team
    Fleet Replacement Plans
    Campus Landscape Master Plan (CLMP)

    The Transportation iCAP team met today 3/31/22 to discuss reaching out to the Prairie Research Institute to help establish a formal fleet replacement plan, the ongoing walkability audit and mode choice survey, and the ongoing Campus Landscape Master Plan Public Forums.

    Attached Files: 

  18. Sustainability Sub-Council Meeting Minutes 3-30-22

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainability Council
    Sustainable Land Management Committee
    Achieve Zero Waste
    Campus Landscape Master Plan (CLMP)
    Broaden Sustainability Education
    "Don't Waste" with Coca-Cola
    Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS)

    The Sustainability Sub-Council met on 3-30-22 in preparation of the Sustainability Council meeting. The agenda was as follows: 

    • Introductions
    • Sustainable Land Management (for South Farms)
    • Waste Reduction Strategies
    • Updates – Campus Landscape Master Plan, Sustainability Gen Ed requirement
    • STARS report

    The meeting minutes and PowerPoint presentation are attached. 

    Attached Files: 

  20. Interview with Caleb Brooks (NPRE Professor, UIUC Micro-Nuclear Involvement)

    Associated Project(s): 
    Clean Energy Plan

    A document containing the notes from this interview is attached below.

     

    Summary of the Clean Energy Transition Plan Interview:

    Caleb Brooks - NPRE Professor, UIUC Micro-Nuclear Involvement

    On 3/31/22 the team spoke with Dr. Caleb Brook, who is a professor in the nuclear engineering department here at the University. The team spoke to him about the feasibility of using micro-nuclear reactors as a power source for the campus. Dr. Brooks is about to start research to determine these exact questions. In his opinion, campuses will be using micro nuclear reactors to power themselves, but it is going to take eight to ten years to get to that point. The research done with micro nuclear reactors has been more theoretical and not applicable at this time. The team still feels that the university should start saving money now to purchase a nuclear reactor once they are commercially available.

    Attached Files: 

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