The Student Sustainability Committee approved funding for a small solar PV array on the roof of the Idea Garden Shed at the Arboretum.

Here are the tasks we need to focus on starting with the highest priority.     1st Web Development. http://ssc.union.illinois.edu. The website looks pretty nice but its content is lacking particularly in the projects page. There are pictures missing for many completed and under construction projects (I am currently working on that).      2nd Encourage more people to work on working groups. The more people involved in the process the more of an impact the committee will have on campus.      3rd Have more people, particularly students, submit proposals      4th Have the committee be known throughout campus. I would be willing to do some research to see what percentage of the school knows about it now to measure our effectiveness.      If you know anyone who is interested in social media, photography, videography, or writing, please encourage them to join.     I hope to see everyone soon,   Marlon Mueller-Soppart

F&S requested funding from the Student Sustainability Committee for replacing 352 metal hallide lights along pedestrian walkways on campus with LED fixtures, expected to save approximately 90 tons of carbon dioxide per year.

The SSC funding for Zero Waste Coordination ($64,862) covers four different recycling efforts.

1)      Campus-wide infrastructure, $29,750: Expanding the “Dual bins on the Quad” to north of Green and eastward to Goodwin Avenue, in collaboration with F&S Superintendent of Grounds Ryan Welch.  Ryan’s Grounds workers are mapping the existing bins, as a first step.  All of this funding is for the physical infrastructure (bins and lids, etc.).

2)      Campus-wide education, $1,032: The key message of personal responsibility for waste management needs to be communicated through multiple channels on campus, in order to effect the culture shift that we deeply need on campus.  F&S will create educational materials to explain the recycling options available to the campus community, to reduce confusion.  The funding is based on 8 presentations throughout campus and development of educational materials (which will be used in future years as well).  All materials will thank SSC for their funding support.

3)      Building specific solutions, $30,520: Per the completed Waste Characterization Studies, there are various changes that can be implemented in the studied buildings to improve waste diversion.  These changes need to be approved and implemented in coordination with building occupants, so there is a need for a staff coordinator to work with the individual units.  The funding is based on two weeks of staff time per building, for eight buildings.

4)      Special recyclables expansion $3,560: There are new programs available for interested units on campus to recycle nitrile gloves, styrofoam, alkaline batteries, and glass.  Unfortunately, very few units are aware of these opportunities.  We are requested funding for student employees to reach out directly to potential participants and help them incorporate the applicable programs.