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  1. Weekly Update: Bike to Work Day, Light the Night

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, I was out sick all last week with some combination of flu/cold/sinus infection. My staff handled operations in my absence. However, there were some issues tracking visit numbers, unfortunately.

    Last Thursday was Bike To Work Day. Some very awesome people stepped up and filled in for me. Sounds like it was a banner year! Congrats to all involved.

    Tomorrow evening is Light The Night. We’ll be hosting at a different location this year. Should be a better spot for folks to get their lights.

    We were inundated with donations last week. I’ll bring in staff off-hours to help scrap the junk bikes and reorganize this week. Hopefully we’ll have our space in better shape by our open hours on Wednesday.

    The numbers:

    Visitors: 8*
    Sales: $1,242.50
    Bikes (refurb): 2 for $215
    Bikes (B-a-B): 1 for $40
    Memberships: 17 for $510
    Tires/tubes: 9 for $55

    *See above issue with visit numbers.

    Jacob Benjamin
    Campus Bike Center Coordinator

  2. RECs

    Associated Project(s): 
    Utilize Carbon Credits

    Since we were talking about RECs last week, I came across this presentation that was made at ETH Chicago last week.

    Regenerative Finance, Leveraging Blockchain to Digitize the Renewable Energy Marketplace

    https://pretalx.com/ethchi-2023/talk/XSHZBM/

     

    Also, in regard to energy conservation, Maryland provides RECs for installing geothermal systems. Could we have the Illinois Portfolio Standard do the same?

    https://www.psc.state.md.us/electricity/description-documents-maryland-renewable-energy-portfolio-standard-program/geothermal-rec-frequently-asked-questions/. This would be very helpful for institutions wanting to become carbon neutral.

     

    Best,

    Andy

  3. Update on time and location RE: RSVP requested 2023 Freezer Challenge Awards Ceremony/photo shoot calendar

    Associated Project(s): 
    Freezer Challenge

    Hello Everyone,

    I am rushing to put together the mass-mail announcement for the campus research community, as My Green Labs re-finalized our results last night. This will go out by the end of this week.  

    It will include action item totals, recognition and a couple of new achievements reached by UIUC.

     

    Everyone on this email has earned an award this year, we will be awarding the top 14 performing labs.

    Sorry the celebration date is so close, we need to send the photo to the My Green Labs and the Lab Manager Journal by Sept. 29th  in order make the deadline.

     

    Thank you 

    Paul Foote

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

    Thanks to everyone that has already responded!

     

    If you have not yet had the chance, Please do so by Friday the 15th?

    So far we are looking at 2pm Thursday afternoon, I hope all can make it!

     

    Best

    Paul Foote

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

    Hello Everyone,

    The most popular date and time is Thursday the 21st at 2 pm, we will be in front of IBRL (1300 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL 61801)

    74ojavqtzwgMcTKHY0YbZu25Tmjf8nyMEpj5z2M1aZUaAUw5mMNDGSFdNwZcnE8gPi0t8PzrRIvgAIS6eEQd8BZqAZ3wVxRu1PZ9tAU5JEJAWChs8wbeANPQLdcYiX75Lp83+f9JdlDMGwqiZAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC

    IBRL-Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory

    See you all then!

     

    P.S. I am still tabulating the results, the mass email will go out to the research community Monday evening.

     

    Best

    Paul Foote

  5. USGBC LEED Cx

    Associated Project(s): 
    Retrocommissioning (RCx)

    Hi Jim & Kelly Jo,

     

    My intentions were to send this out last Friday after seeing the DKC email, I just didn’t get back to it before the end of the day. I just wanted to share the latest version 4.1 of LEED which shows the new requirements for fundamental & Enhanced Cx.

     

    Both have increased in documentation, material and tasks needed to achieve them. Above are just a few of the items that Brian and I track and report for Fundamental Cx.

     

    Looks like they are going for Platinum, the highest level. I wonder if they have looked into green cleaning or alternative energy. We may want to verify this. Keep in mind, that all the actual commissioning is covered under the required fundamental portion. Enhanced includes extra tasks needed to be performed by the contractors and possibly a 3rd party entity. Something to think about as well is overall cost of the project, this could drive the cost of the project up. So, that’s another thing we need to bring to their attention is adding the appropriate language in the specifications.  Enhanced does have a possibility of gaining 6 points but there are options. 

     

    I’ll be back in the office tomorrow; I have time tomorrow afternoon or Friday to discuss the options and path’s if we so choose to accept this route. We should also discuss UGL, they are also wanting to pursue enhanced, not sure which avenue yet, I believe they talked about option 1, path 1.

     

    Thanks,

    Jake

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

    Just an fyi with some information that Brian and I provide to USGBC for UIUC Cx activities. The material attached above is just some of what we provide for the fundamental side of commissioning. I would like to speak to you about the enhanced side when you have a few minutes.

     

    Please let me know if you have a few minutes this afternoon or tomorrow.

     

    Thank you,

    Jake

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

    Hi Jake:

     

    Rather than discussing this with me along with Morgan, I’m going to invite you to the 50% Design Review to discuss it with the PSC. Copying KJH so she sees the email string. I’m not sure where Bailey Edward is going with this other than trying to get a higher LEED score. I’m not passionate about pursuing enhanced CX but Bailey Edward wanted to discuss as a part of the rating process. Right now, I have the LEED/Enhanced CX scheduled for 11:50-12:30 on Tuesday, September 19. I know it’s part of a lunch, apologies for that. I’m attempting to get through all of the DR comments in less than 16 hours of time and this would be the last meeting of the day.

     

    Sending the schedule out shortly.

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

    Just an fyi…I reached out to Todd with Baily Edwards the other day. I have attached the email regarding that conversation.

     

    Basically, as long as they enter the appropriate language in the specifications, we could revisit this later in the project and see how the points are achievable and what’s actually needed to get them to the appropriate certification level.

  7. Sustainable Energy - Glesco Electric Inc.

    Associated Project(s): 
    Centralized Energy Efficiency Efforts

    Morgan:

     

    I spoke with Dave Dowler and he gave me your name as a person to speak with in regards to opportunities to work together for increased ability to do projects in the sustainable energy sector.

     

    Glesco is a local female owned business in Urbana and we have had the opportunity to complete numerous projects at the UIUC campus.  I have recently had the opportunity to work with developers that have been funding capital P3 projects on campus and thought perhaps an opportunity existed to do things in the sustainable energy area. 

     

    Would you have time to discuss this?  From my previous discussions at the University of Illinois, there was a “plan” in place prior to COVID that had both short-term and long-term goals in making UI more energy efficient.

     

    I believe we met at the diversity and inclusion conference this past year, however, I hadn’t fully developed the idea of how we could perhaps work together to meet these goals.

     

    I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you if you are interested.  If you think this conversation is better suited for someone other than yourself, would you be so kind as to point me in the right direction?

     

    Thank you.

    Laurda Grenda

    President of Glesco Electric Inc.

  8. building condition-sustainability

    Associated Project(s): 
    Green Research Committee

    Morgan,

    I was looking at the green research committee stuff just now. It had me thinking about charge #3 and how difficult that is. Curious what your thoughts are about it. There are parts of it we can definitely offer recommendations for. We have buildings that aren’t too far out of code/compliance and could be upgraded slowly (as budget allows) to put them in a better and more green standing. My opinion is we push for that. We also have buildings that seem to be too far gone and are in the “must rebuild” category to even inch our way towards “green.”

     

    Shutting sashes, recycling, researchers making better decisions is a small piece of the problem that we can solve with a green research coordinator. I think to some, that is the easy part to address (with proper funding for that person) but won’t really get us to where we need to be to call our campus #1 for green research.

     

    In your position with a lot of experience in sustainability and F&S, I’m curious your thoughts on this one. How do we even talk about sustainability to the buildings that are just trying to stay functional each day, where they are on the edge of even being able to do research in their facilities?

     

    Sorry for the random email. Just scratching my head on this one after really thinking about how different each research building is on this campus. Happy to chat briefly via phone before we meet next week if you want.

     

    Stephanie Hess

  10. Noteworthy at Illinois: Bike at Illinois mention

    Associated Project(s): 
    Bike at Illinois Website and Campaign
    C-U Bike to Work Day
    Light the Night
    Noteworthy
     
     


     

    Welcome to a new year at Illinois

    divider.jpg

    We've opened our semester with all the energy and excitement a new academic year deserves. By watching this short video, you'll see we are already meeting plenty of new faces.

    I am so grateful to have you as part of our Illinois family. Because, as we all know, the best parts of any new journey are the people who share it with you.

    Robert J. Jones, Chancellor

    Chancellor Jones

    		  


     

    students at memorial stadium

    Meet the Illinois family

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    The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign welcomed a record-breaking class of students for the 2023-24 academic year. Representing excellence at scale, the total student enrollment is 56,403.

    By the numbers:

    • 8,325 new freshmen
    • 74% in-state students, the largest number since 2006
    • 22% from underrepresented groups
    • 24% first-generation college students
    • 6,304 new graduate students, one of the largest group of new graduate students in history
    • 32% increase in new certificate students
    		  


     

    foellinger auditorium

    Explore our university

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    Discovering our campus: A new academic year means new opportunities to explore.

    Experiencing game day: Illinois returns to Memorial Stadium for its Big Ten opener against Penn State on Saturday. 

    Visiting the Illini Union: A new exhibition at the Illini Union Art Gallery is featuring photographs of artwork from the Mexican Muralism movement. 

    Watching live performance: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts showcases national and international artists as well as university student performances in music, theater, dance and more. 

    Exploring Krannert Art Museum: The university is home to the second-largest general fine art museum in the state. 

    Biking at Illinois: Illinois is a leader in sustainability and active transportation. Celebrate C-U Bike Month during September.

    		  


     

    orange fountain

    Get ready for Illinois Homecoming

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    It's one of the best weeks of the year. Whether you’ve lived here for years or are returning for the first time, Illinois Homecoming is the perfect time to explore our university community.

    Mark your calendars for Oct. 15-21, with more details coming soon.

    		  


     

    student with research project

    Discover Illinois innovation

    divider.jpg

    Inspiring discovery: In 30 seconds, watch how Illinois is a world-class leader in research, teaching and public engagement. 

    Seeing humanities in action: Undergraduate humanities scholars are pursuing community engagement opportunities within the Champaign-Urbana community.

    Bringing cells to life: Researchers, policymakers and Minecraft players can look forward to the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology’s newest research center. 

    Leading autonomous construction: The university will be the site of a new research center focused on the most pressing questions related to autonomous construction technologies.

    Propelling ag education: Illinois will collaborate with six community college agricultural technology programs to design and conduct a course and internship program for students.  

    		  


     

    alma mater statue

    Stay connected with Illinois 

    divider.jpg

    Missing campus: Watch live from the Main Quad or at the Alma Mater statue.

    Following news at Illinois: Stay up-to-date on the latest Illinois news.

    Applying to Illinois: Know an aspiring Illini? Applications for admission are now open.

  12. Water filler stations

    Associated Project(s): 
    Reduce Single-Use Plastics
    Water Fountain Retrofit

    Hi Dave,

     

    What effort and rough costs would it take to clean off the hard water stains on filler station spouts across campus?

     

    Thanks,

    Morgan 

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

    Pete,

     

    What do you think about this? I will see if we have a list.

     

    Dave

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

    We do have a list…I’ll have to find it and get it to you.

     

    Thank you,

    Pete

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

    Is this the BSW team to do this work?

    Dave

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

    Yeah, we remove water stains from sinks and faucets. If the Plumbing shop doesn’t mind we can add it to our “to do” list.

     

    Thank you,

    Pete

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

     

    Pete,

     

    We view this as BSW work not the Plumbing shop.

     

    Thanks,

     

    Dave

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

     

    Hi Dave and Pete,

     

    Pete – were you able to get some of these water bottle fillers cleaned, per the email below?

     

    Dave and Pete – who would be responsible for resetting the filter status indicator light on the water hydration stations?  I believe the filters would be replaced through BMG, but is the indicator light something that would be reset when the filter gets replaced?  And I think there could be some hydration stations out there with no filter, but that still have a filter status indicator light…

     

    Thanks,

    Morgan

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

     

    Given our staffing shortages, we have not started working on this. It should be something we can get to over the winter break if hiring continues at the current pace.

     

    Thank you,

    Pete

  13. Connecting Gina and Daphne: Thrift store idea?

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainable Procurement
    Reuse Surplus Goods and Valuable "Waste"

    Hi Gina,

     

    It was great seeing you today! I am connecting you with Daphne Hulse, the zero waste coordinator at F&S. She organized the Dump & Run on campus in May, where she coordinated with Salt & Light and Goodwill. She also worked with University YMCA and volunteered for their Dump & Run event in August. I know Daphne loves the idea of Thrifting and she practices it too, so I think she would be interested in helping out with this idea!

     

    Thank you,

    Sarthak

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

    Thanks for connecting us, Sarthak!

     

    Hi Gina – this is right up the F&S zero waste team alley! And several others, too, who I am including. The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, & Environment staff/interns have organized several “clothing swaps” over the years. Connor Purcell, cc’d, is a part of the Law School and is involved with their professional clothing donations program. I’m also including Param and Ashvin, who are working to organize a student-led zero waste week in March next semester.

     

    I would love to set up a time to chat about this – what’s your availability look like?


    Thank you,
    Daphne

  15. FY24 iCAP Teams Charge and Priorities

    Associated Project(s): 
    Topical iCAP Teams

    Attached is the 2023-2024 iCAP teams charge letter.

    Below is an email sent by Madhu Khanna to the 2023-2023 ICAP Teams:

    Dear iCAP Team Members,

     

    Thank you once again for your service in helping to make the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign a more sustainable campus. Attached is your charge letter for the 2023-2024 academic year with an outline of your campus sustainability duties as part of an iCAP Team. We look forward to your positive and impactful contributions.

     

    Thank you,

    Madhu

     

     

     

    Attached Files: 

  17. Bike at Illinois Newsletter: September 2023

    Associated Project(s): 
    Bike at Illinois Website and Campaign
    C-U Bike to Work Day
    Light the Night
    Collection and Donation of Abandoned Bicycles
    Lock Your Bike Right (LYBR)

     

    Facilities & Services

    Bike at Illinois

     

     

     

     
    Bike at Illinois Newsletter: September 2023

     

     

    Thank you for registering your bicycle! There are a few bicycle related events coming up in the Champaign-Urbana area, and we would like to invite you to participate in them!

    We, also, want to remind you to collect your bike registration sticker (shield) and attach it to your bicycle, if you have not done so already. There are, currently, eight campus and community Shield pick up locations. You will be required to show the Bike Registration Fee payment confirmation email and identification to collect a shield.

    Winners of Bike Registration Raffle will be contacted soon as well!

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Upcoming events

     

     

     

    CU Bike Month 2023 t-shirt

     

    		  

    Bike to Work Day

    Ride your bike to campus on Thursday, September 14, and get a free T-shirt! Welcome stations featuring drinks and snacks will be available from 7 to 10 a.m., at eight university locations. Participants will also be able to interact with other bicyclists and city planners about potential enhancements to the bicycle network and future programming. First-time riders are encouraged to take part and learn more about the C-U bike community.

    You must preregister at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BiketoWorkDay and bring your bicycle to get this year's shirt (shown). The event will move to September 15, should inclement weather arise.

    Light the Night – Free Bike Light Giveaway

    The 16th annual Light the Night is Tuesday, September 19, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Alma Mater Plaza, Hallene Gateway, and the Ikenberry Commons Quad. You MUST bring your bike to get a light set. Approximately 1,100 bike light sets will be available. In case of severe weather, the event will be rescheduled for September 21.

    Remember, bike lights are required by Illinois law when riding at night. Volunteers are still needed for the event.

    Reclaiming an Abandoned Bike

    F&S removed almost 230 abandoned bicycles on campus this summer. If you left your bike and want to reclaim it, email bike@illinois.edu and include where it was located, the make/model, color, and serial number, if possible. Bike registration information or other documentation will be needed to prove ownership (e.g., pictures). More information is available at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/ReclaimBike. If the bicycle wasn't registered, that step must be completed before retrieving the bike. The deadline to reclaim your bicycle is Friday, September 22, 2023. Any unclaimed bikes will be donated to the Campus Bike Center and the Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign to help support bicycle programs and initiatives.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Bike Safety: Always lock your bicycle

     

     

     

     

    For nearly 60 percent of the bike thefts reported in the past year, the stolen bicycle was not locked. Always lock your bicycle to a bike rack to keep it safe. Watch this video on how to properly lock your bicycle. Watch other educational videos created by Bike at Illinois.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Thank you so much for all your support, and learn more about the Bike at Illinois program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Contact us at bike@illinois.edu for any questions.

     

     

     

     

  20. F&S Announcement - Celebrate C-U Bike Month

    Associated Project(s): 
    C-U Bike to Work Day
    Light the Night

    Join the Others in the Community at Bike to Work and Light the Night Events

    Bike at Illinois strives to offer resources, education, and engagement for a safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable biking experience on the Urbana campus. As the university celebrates C-U Bike Month, please join students, faculty, and staff in upcoming events and learn more about bicycle registration, safety tips, rules of the road, bike infrastructure, and how to participate in sustainability initiatives.

    Bike to Work Day
    Ride your bike to campus on Thursday, September 14, and get a free T-shirt! Welcome stations featuring drinks and snacks will be available from 7 to 10 a.m., at eight university locations. You must preregister at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/BiketoWorkDay and bring your bicycle to get the shirt.

    Volunteers can also help provide more information about the benefits of registering your bike with 529 Garage’s national database (https://go.illinois.edu/RegisterYourBike). Once registered, owners will get a 529 Shield (registration decal) to help as a theft deter

    Light the Night – Free Bike Light Giveaway

    The 16th annual LTN is Tuesday, September 19, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Alma Mater Plaza, Hallene Gateway, and the Campus Bike Center (51 E. Gregory Drive). You MUST bring your bike to get a light set. Approximately 1,100 bike light sets will be available this year.

    Remember, bike lights are required by Illinois law when riding at night. Volunteers are still needed for the event.

    Attached Files: 

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