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  1. First Harvest!

    Associated Project(s): 
    Woody Perennial Polyculture (WPP) Research Site

    The first flush of both red currants and raspberries ripened up this past week, and we were able to harvest our first calories from the WPP Research Site. Once yield and nutrition data are collected, all crops from the site, including the berries harvested this spring, are sold to University Dining Services for use in both catered campus events as well as the student dining halls. When sufficient quantitates are available, WPP crops will also be sold at the Sustainable Student Farm market stand on the quad side of the Illini Union (Thursdays, 11am-5pm).

    There are still plenty more raspberries to come this summer, as well as a solid crop of black currants and grapes!

  2. Jaime Van Mourik offers resources

    Associated Project(s): 
    Make Climate Commitments

    Roadmap to a Green Campus – www.centerforgreenschools.org/roadmap

    The Roadmap is a strategy guide for using the LEED green building certification program as a framework for developing and evolving campus-wide sustainability plans. Contained within the 100+ page document are more than 100 tools and resources to support campuses in their greening efforts and more than 20 unique profiles of college and university success stories. The guide was created with the support of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

    Hands-on LEED: Guiding College Student Engagement, www.centerforgreenschools.org/handsonleed

    This document speaks exclusively about the role students can play supporting green building projects and how they can contribute to LEED certification efforts. The guidance outlines three options for engaging students - course work, internships and volunteer opportunities. It details the benefits of involving students and outlines ways to initiate the process of developing an engagement program, such as planning considerations and LEED-related activities and tasks that students can perform.

    The Paid-from-Savings Guide to Green Existing Buildings

    http://centerforgreenschools.org/paidfromsavings

    The Paid-From-Savings Guide to Green Existing Buildings provides information to help building facilities managers and energy service companies (ESCOs) leverage utility cost savings to fund comprehensive green building retrofits. The resource provides detailed information on how to ag­gregate green improvement measures to optimize project economics and achieve LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance certification.

    Campus Implementation Workbook (attached)

    The Campus Implementation Workbook is designed with three goals in mind. To assist university and college campus teams with:

    1. Creating a green existing buildings program on campus

    2. Implementing the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance rating system at the campus and building level

    3. Establishing a culture of performance on your campus

  3. ITEP grant applications

    Associated Project(s): 
    Transportation Grants

    Stacey DeLorenzo and Morgan Johnston identified the specific scope of the Sixth Street bike lanes project to prepare a grant application.  This project will include parking removal on the east side of the street from Armory to Pennsylvania. The segment from Armory to Gregory will be implemented with the Sixth Street and Stadium Drive capital project. The remainder of the bike lane installation, along with other improvements, would occur with this grant funding.  Stacey will develop the application by mid July. 

  4. ITEP grant application discussed

    Associated Project(s): 
    Transportation Grants

    Stacey DeLorenzo and Morgan Johnston met to discuss a potential ITEP grant application.  We looked at the bike lanes needed on Sixth Street from Armory to Pennsylvania.  We will gather the information about the costs, and talk with Rita Black at the CCRPC CUUATS group about the likelihood of success.

  5. bike parking review meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    FY12 SSC Bike Parking Upgrades [ARCHIVED]

    Stacey DeLorenzo, Amelia Neptune, Morgan Johnston, and Noel Grove met to review the bike parking estimates for this project.  There are a few locations where the pavement is in terrible condition, so we discussed options for handling those locations.  The racks could be installed on rails, or the pavement could be replaced.  There were also a few locations where there are conflicting major projects occuring in the near future.  Stacey will talk to the project managers for those sites to work through the solutions for the bike parking installation.

    Additionally, this project includes the installation of one bike fix-it station at Allen Hall.  Amelia began this work and Stacey will take it over now.  Stacey and Amelia will meet with Sean Sullivan in the SSC to provide him with an update.  Noel Grove will provide cost break downs with the pavement work separate from the bike rack installation work.  He will also contact the Iron Workers to discuss options for racks on rails built in-house.

  6. Building removal

    Associated Project(s): 
    Solar Farm 1.0

    There are three buildings on the site of the future Solar Farm.  The SSC requested that the Timber Frame barn be salvaged, rather than demolished.  The company that is the preferred vendor for this work provided this detail:

    It would be our intention to reuse 100% of the wood components.  We would re-erect the building as it stands with only modifications being to the interior layout spacing.    We will recycle the steel roofing.  We would handle the concrete in non-landfill manner; planned use is as a fencing fill for the new owner.  Battens and doors and any exterior wood treatments would be reused in the re-newed structure.  Although the nails will not be reused in the re-erection of the building, they have been allocated to go to a local BFA candidate.

  7. Housing Sustainability Report 2011

    Associated Project(s): 
    Issue Press Releases and Sustainability Reports

    University Housing’s 2010 Strategic Plan identified stewardship of resources as critical to our long-term success. According to the plan, stewardship of resources means “University Housing will demonstrate intentional and transparent stewardship of the financial, physical, and human resources of our entire organization. We will seek to use and conserve our resources in an effective manner that meets the needs of our residents and customers seeking and expecting excellent value.”

    While University Housing had already initiated a number of sustainability efforts, the University developed the Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) in May 2010, identifying new sustainability mandates with which Housing will need to comply. Additionally, the Student Sustainability Committee (SSC) was asking for support on multiple initiatives.

    As a result, University Housing identified the need to pool our sustainability resources through a single point of contact and formed the Housing Sustainability Council.

    Attached Files: 

  11. 2009 Classroom Occupancy Sensor Installation

    Associated Project(s): 
    Occupancy and Daylight Sensors

    In 2009, the Student Sustainability Committee awarded $50,000 to Facilities & Services for installation of occupancy sensors to control lights in ten campus buildings: Animal Sciences Laboratory, Architecture Building, Bevier Hall, Chemistry Annex, Huff Hall, Materials Science and Engineering Building, Mumford Hall, Music Building, Noyes Laboratory and Transportation Building. The funds were used to install a total of 230 occupancy sensors in 223 rooms in these ten buildings.

    Attached Files: 

  12. 2008 Classroom Occupancy Sensor Installation

    Associated Project(s): 
    Occupancy and Daylight Sensors

    In 2008, the Student Sustainability Committee awarded $20,000 to Facilities & Services for installation of occupancy sensors to control lights in three campus buildings: Loomis Laboratory, Foreign Languages Building, and Armory. Later, the budget was increased to $50,000 and the scope expanded to include seven additional buildings: Davenport Hall, Everitt Electrical Building, English Building, Henry Administration Building, Psychology Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Building, and Wohlers Hall. The funds were used to install a total of 332 occupancy sensors in 272 rooms in these ten buildings.

    Attached Files: 

  15. comparison of porous ashpalt and conventional concrete

    Associated Project(s): 
    Parking Master Plan

    From: Skaggs, Thomas R
    Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 10:58 AM
    Subject: RE: Parking lots

    Parking Lot Construction Comparisons

      Between September 2011 and August 2012 the Parking Department undertook 2 surface lot construction projects.  Each of the two projects were different by nature but a comparison of the projects demonstrates the following results:

    Lot C-9 (Bid Project)

    Parking lot C-8 was a project to create a parking area between existing lot C-8 and lot C-9.

    • Permeable asphalt lot built on rock base.
    • Project initiated March 2010, Completed January 2012
    • 2 new lights
    • No planting islands
    • No demolition of existing parking lot
    • 1 connecting walk
    • No curbs
    • Paint stripes
    • Sewer line

     

    70 spaces

    Duration of project 22 Months

    Surface life expectancy 20 years

    Total Final Cost $483,413

    Cost per space $6,906

     

    Lot E-15 West (Design and Build In House by F&S)

     

    • Concrete surface
    • Project initiated May 2012, Completed August 2012
    • Large areas of demolition, removals including curbs, planting islands and old pavement
    • Rebuild rock base
    • Re-wire/new underground service for lights.
    • 2 large concrete planting islands
    • Replacement and expansion of concrete connecting walks
    • Replace large central drive with new concrete drive
    • Remove and rebuild concrete east entrance
    • Paint stripe
    • 4 sewers rebuilt
    • Landscaping in planters and around perimeter

    150 spaces

    Duration of project 4 months

    Surface life expectancy 50+ years

    Total Final Cost $198,720

    Cost per space $1,325

     

  16. note from Landon Hill

    Associated Project(s): 
    Single-Use Battery Recycling

    After discussions with senior management in the Division of Research Safety we have decided that we (DRS) will continue to recommend trash disposal of alkaline batteries until the campus decides to adopt an alternate policy. We do not receive that many questions regarding the proper disposal of alkaline batteries from campus and we have removed all but two references regarding the disposal of the alkaline batteries from the DRS website.

    This is an interesting study from MIT which you may already be aware of:  http://www.epbaeurope.net/documents/NEMA_alkalinelca2011.pdf

    Thanks.

    Landon Hill

    Division of Research Safety

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    217-333-2436

    landon@illinois.edu

  17. Teresa Tousignant requests meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    TBH Lighting Project

    Here are the proposal and supporting documents for the TBH lighting project.   The account number has been set up so the project now has access to the funds.   I’d like to get this project into the lighting design and electrical engineering pipeline as soon as we can.  I’d also like to call a project kickoff meeting so we can sit down with Prof. Hall, Director Chasco, and Eva Sweeney and make sure everyone is on the same page.

    Teresa Tousignant
    Student Sustainability Committee

    Energy Working Group Co-Chair

  18. potential water reuse at NCPD

    Associated Project(s): 
    Water Conservation [ARCHIVED]

    From: Lev, James R
    Sent: Saturday, June 08, 2013 8:21 AM
    To: Reeser, Doris Jean
    Cc: Kim, Qu; Bundren, Brian Christopher; Johnston, Morgan B
    Subject: U13038 NCPD - install solar array - conceputualization (U-1937)

    We have an opportunity in this project at the Parking Deck that I want to put on the table right away as it could affect the other projects underway on the ground floor of the building. 

    the parking deck solar array project will provide energy capacity to the ECE project in its goal to achieve net Zero status.  it will also provide power for new LED lighting throughout the parking deck. 

    We will be collecting or harvesting rainwater from the proposed solar array project on the top parking deck.  at this time the plan is to direct the water directly into the drainage system for the building.  this would be the sanitary system since the water on the decks have runoff from vehicles.     

    At little expense this water could be redirected and used for irrigation or flushing toilets on the ground floor.  this would require some storage capacity somewhere in the structure and some alteration to the water supply piping.   splitting the water supply piping between potable water and flushing water would need to be done now for that option to be used on the first floor..   otherwise this potential use of harvested water could be installed later.

    Paul Foote has told me that there are grants available to pay for this type of conservation measure. 

    Is this worth investigating at this late date in your projects?

    It seems to be an opportunity that fits well with everything that is being done at the parking deck.  I felt that I should at least raise the question and not miss an opportunity for a sustainable addition to the facility.

    Jim

    James R. Lev AIA

    Architect, Capital Planning

    Facilities & Services

    University of Illinois

    Champaign, Illinois

  19. meeting updates

    Associated Project(s): 
    Install Solar PVs on NCPD [ARCHIVED]

    Yesterday’s meeting covered more refined and detailed breakdown of the following topics, most of which were discussed in prior meetings, with the exception of the newly introduced structural support “Space Frame” option.

    • Panel layout configurations for truss mounted structural frame- 4 sections of seven rows at approx. 100 modules/row or four sections of six rows also 100 modules each. Truss mounting providing specific spacing for mounting dimensions. Also mentioned types of Truss material recommending tubular over welded angle, siting weatherization, degradation, appearance and animal habitat prevention as main reasons.
    • Space Frame structure was introduced as a favorable option.
    • A space frame is a structure system assembled of linear elements so arranged that forces are transferred in a three-dimensional manner. In some cases, the constituent element may be two dimensional.
    • Macroscopically a space frame often takes the form of a flat or curved surface.
    • It should be noted that virtually the same structure defined as space frame here is referred to as latticed structures in a state-of-the-art report prepared by the Task Committee on Latticed Structures [2], which states
    • A latticed structure is a structure system in the form of a network of elements (as opposed to a continuous surface). Rolled, extruded or fabricated sections comprise the member elements.
    • Another characteristic of latticed structural system is that their load-carrying mechanism is three dimensional in nature.
    • Space frame benefits although more costly up front were presented as prefabricated, galvanized and powder coated, sturdy, longer Life cycle and less maintenance, but requiring cranes and other installation costs. They also have installer requirements for mounting solar array as to maintain the integrity of the coating and protective surfaces. Provided flexible mounting spacing to help maximize power output and minimize shading.
    • Inverter layout revisited with schematic diagram presented illustrating component placement and wiring layouts.
    • An overall electrical schematic was presented identifying key component placing and overcurrent protection limits and needs, along with electrical room Layout.
    • Metering usage stated existing meters could be utilized with the addition of a revenue grade power production meter to monitor the array output.
    • Single line diagram was presented identifying current and project components, mentioning the output potential of 1400-1600 amps at 480 volts.
    • Introduced idea of rainwater harvesting for irrigation or toilet flushing usages.
    • Procurement procedures mentioned and moved as major topic for next meeting with concerns of turnkey type purchasing being the industry norm verses purchasing standard variety purchasing from multiple vendors in normal construction.
    • Next meeting PEP is having the structural Engineers present design considerations, and Mr. Jim Lev will have construction procurement representative attend.

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