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  1. Housing Sustainability Re-Cap

    Associated Project(s): 
    Achieve Zero Waste
    Increase Recycling Rates

    Below is an email exchange regarding University Housing recycling:

    It was great talking with all of you about sustainability in University Housing. I hope my input didn’t scare you too much. Given our size, and the number off residents we house, we have to maintain some discipline in how we communicate to and interact with our residents. I’m sure we can find a viable method for reaching our residents to inform them of sustainability issues and event across campus. Below are a few talking points I jotted down during out meeting.

     

    • Below are four key communication methods for reaching our residents.
    1. 11x17 posters in the dining halls. You would need to produce 200 posters to reach all the halls. I can share any drafts you have with various people in Housing to get their feedback before they are printed.
    2. Digital Signs Link: https://housing.illinois.edu/resources/policies/digital-signs
    3. Dining hall napkin holders (I need to double check with Thurman Etchison on availability, or Meredith can ask him next time she talks with him)
    4. Housing Insider and Family and Graduate Housing Newsletter. The Housing insider a weekly newsletter we send to all undergraduate residents. The FGH Newsletter is sent to all graduate and apartment residents monthly. Notices in the Housing Insider are typically one and done. They don’t like to run the same notice for consecutive weeks at a time.
    • I attached our standard recycling container label. This is placed above all recycling containers in Housing and in the trash/recycling rooms in the residence halls.
    • Placement of a QR code on the residence hall room recycling containers, similar to what was displayed on the Don’t Waste It recycling containers. I suggest we wait until next summer when the students are not in the rooms to add this to the containers. It’s far less complicated if the residents are not in their rooms. Although, like Meredith suggested, we could explore providing the stickers at the residence hall front desks for the students to place on the containers themselves.
    • We discussed incorporating a short segment on sustainability in the RA training at the beginning of the academic year. I will bring this idea to the Residential Life leadership to get their thoughts.
    • We also discussed how we might be able to include components on sustainability in our programming to Housing residents. Nathan Sanden is responsible for implementing the Residential Curriculum, so I will share this idea with him for thoughts and input.

     

    I ended up closing the meeting invite without saving, which I was using to keep notes during the meeting. So please let me know if I missed any key takeaways.

     

     

    BRYAN JOHNSON

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

    Hi Bryan,

     

    Daphne Hulse and I have been developing plans for a campus-wide plastic waste reduction campaign. I think the communication methods you mention below could be valuable for messaging. If you agree, Daphne can incorporate these into the strategy.

     

    We remain interested in adding a sticker with a QR code to the residence hall room recycling containers to direct students to a website with more information about recycling and waste management. Can you provide an estimate of how many stickers we would need?

     

    I also want to follow up on your last two points about incorporating sustainability into RA training and programming to Housing residents. Our survey data indicate that first year students are more likely to purchase single-use plastic bottles, so we think targeting this group is important. Has Residential Life leadership and or Nathan Sanden responded to your inquiries concerning this issue?

     

    If you would like to discuss any of these items further, Daphne and I would be happy to join you on a call.

     

    Thank you,

    Jen

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

    Okay, I have some answers for you. Attached is our proposal to the SSC to fund the recycling containers. The original purchase was for 6,511 containers, but I would guess a few have disappeared by now. I was not able to find anyone within our Sustainability LLC to help mange this project or take on submitting another request to SSC to fund the stickers. If we move forward with this project, we will need to meet with Housing Facilities staff to iron out the logistical details. Our facilities staff will not be able to assist with placement of the stickers, so we will need to find a different avenue for getting them placed. I copied Matt Brown and Mark Kuehl from Housing Facilities on the email to keep them in the loop.

     

    Herb Jones, Director of Residential Life, said he is open to a conversation to talk through your thoughts on incorporating a sustainability component into our RA training. Jenny Bates, copied here, manages his calendar, if you would like to reach out to her and schedule a time to meet.

     

    Also, here is an updated link to Housing’s website for digital sign requests. We redesigned our webpage a couple months ago and the old link was inactive.  https://www.housing.illinois.edu/digital-signage

     

    Also, also, I am still trying to confirm if we rent out the space on the napkin holders in the dining halls. We have not done this in the past, but we have a new Director of Dining who might have a different direction for these.

     

    Thanks,

    BRYAN JOHNSON

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

     

    Bryan,

     

    Thank you for sharing this information. It is all very helpful!

     

    Daphne and I can look into developing an SSC proposal, perhaps with the assistance of our iCAP Engagement team. I think we can also find people to help with sticker placement if the project is funded.

     

    We are looking forward to discussing incorporating a sustainability component into RA training with you on April 7 at 3:00 pm.

     

    Best,

    Jen

  3. Application drafted

    Associated Project(s): 
    Project Revert to Earth

    From: Kim, Hannah <hannahk9@illinois.edu>
    Sent: Saturday, March 25, 2023 8:23 PM
    To: Hulse, Daphne Lauren <dlhulse2@illinois.edu>
    Subject: Re: SSC Application

     

    Daphne, 

    Yes, we liked the gift card idea, so we put down 5 gift cards of $100. 

    We have successfully submitted the application!! Again, appreciate all of your help and I am so excited for this project. Fingers crossed:) 

     

    Have a wonderful weekend, 

    Hannah Kim

    From: Hulse, Daphne Lauren <dlhulse2@illinois.edu>
    Sent: Friday, March 24, 2023 10:59 AM
    To: Kim, Hannah <    hannahk9@illinois.edu>
    Subject: Re: SSC Application

     

    Hi Hannah,

     

    That make sense to me. Another option might be to purchase x number of gift cards for a raffle drawing (ex: all volunteers who sign up and show up are automatically entered into a raffle drawing for 3 $25 or $50 gift cards). That was an immediate thought that came to mind!

     

    From: Kim, Hannah <hannahk9@illinois.edu>
    Sent: Friday, March 24, 2023 10:56 AM
    To: Hulse, Daphne Lauren <dlhulse2@illinois.edu>
    Subject: Re: SSC Application

     

    Hey, 

     

    Thank you for taking a look at it:) Yes, we are currently working on the budget as we talked to Professor Prescott, and she recommended us to have some payments for students to volunteer to gather the data as the scale of the study doesn't seem so feasible for two students. So, we have been thinking about that aspect. What do you think? 

     

    Hannah Kim 

    From: Hulse, Daphne Lauren <dlhulse2@illinois.edu>
    Sent: Friday, March 24, 2023 9:40 AM
    To: Kim, Hannah <    hannahk9@illinois.edu>
    Cc: Vaya, Sakshi <    svaya2@illinois.edu>
    Subject: RE: SSC Application

     

    Thank you very much for sharing, Hannah! This looks excellent. I’m hopeful that SSC will take to it and move you on to step 2.

     

    The only piece I noticed missing was the “Total amount requested from SSC” on page 2. Are you still working on finalizing the proposed budget before submitting?


    Thank you!

    Daphne

     

     

    Daphne Hulse (she/her)
    Zero Waste Coordinator
    Facilities & Services | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    +1 (217) 333-7550 | dlhulse2@illinois.edu
     
    Bu0VAhW8+s0AAAAASUVORK5CYII=

    Please consider the environment before printing an email. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act any written communication to or from university employees regarding university business is a public record and may be subject to public disclosure.

     

     

     

    From: Kim, Hannah <hannahk9@illinois.edu>
    Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 11:29 PM
    To: Hulse, Daphne Lauren <dlhulse2@illinois.edu>
    Cc: Vaya, Sakshi <svaya2@illinois.edu>
    Subject: SSC Application

     

    Dear Daphne, 

     

    Hello, I hope you have had a good week so far. Here is the finalized application for the research project. I am so excited to submit this and start this big journey!! 

     

    Best, 

    Hannah Kim

    Attached Files: 

  4. iSEE announces seed funding for two new projects

    Associated Project(s): 
    Towards Zero Waste: Automated Waste Classification via Computer Vision

    On March 6, iSEE posted a news release with the following information:

    "The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) is providing seed funding for two new research projects at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign that will use automation to enhance waste sorting for campus recycling efforts and reduce manual labor costs in small urban farming operations.

    Both projects are funded through iSEE’s 2023 Campus as a Living Laboratory (CALL) program, which supports research teams that tackle interdisciplinary sustainability issues on campus or in neighboring communities. They focus on leveraging campus infrastructure and enhancing researchers’ capacity to address critical knowledge gaps and ultimately secure major federal, foundation, or private funding.

    “U of I researchers are applying the latest advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to overcome environmental challenges confronting our communities and the world at large,” said Jeremy Guest, iSEE Associate Director for Research. “Through these grants, our engineers, scientists, and university staff will tackle the pervasive problem of municipal waste and help make sustainable farming more accessible to all, using our own facilities as a model.”

    The U.S. EPA estimates that half of municipal solid waste ends up in landfills, contributing to significant methane emissions that harm our climate, and the problem is growing with the spread of urbanization. New refined resource recovery methods are needed to expand recycling and meet the demands of global recycling firms for higher-quality material. Robotic systems with mechanical arms and machine learning can sort waste more efficiently, reducing processing time and turning waste into treasure.

    A new project led by Nishant Garg, Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, will use advances in computer vision to more efficiently classify the more than 5,000 tons of waste generated on campus each year, which is now sorted by hand for recycling. Using cameras installed at the Waste Transfer Station, a machine-learning model will classify waste on a conveyer belt into six categories: paper, plastic, food, metal, glass, and yard waste. It will feed that data into a live dashboard, to motivate the campus community to follow best practices for waste disposal and recycling and to help meet zero-waste goals in the Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP).

    Another new project addresses the manual labor costs associated with high tunnels — curved metal structures covered with greenhouse plastic that are ideal for growing plants on small urban farms. Cost-effective and adaptable, these high tunnels can extend the growing season, protect against severe weather, increase crop yields, and improve the quality of fruits, vegetables, and cut flower. But they are labor-intensive, requiring an extra layer of management to ensure quality crops.

    The Robot Integrated High Tunnels (RobInHighTs) project will use AI-powered robotics to automate operations for high tunnels at the Sustainable Student Farm – leading to improved crop yields, reduced manual labor costs, and higher profits. Led by Naveen Kumar Uppalapati, Research Scientist at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), the team will also evaluate the profitability of RobInHighTs and identify barriers to their use by urban and minority farmers. RobInHighTs can ultimately help transition amateur urban gardeners and growers into profitable long-term farmers, enabling efficient and fresh local food production and opening up new income streams for small and underserved communities."

    Read more about the Campus as a Living Lab program and current and past projects >>>

    Seed-funded teams are expected to work with iSEE to submit proposals for external funding of at least $1M.

    “We are excited to work with these teams to help grow these projects into full-fledged interdisciplinary research programs,” Guest said.

    — News release by Julie Wurth, iSEE Communications Specialist

  5. ZW010 Tailgate Recycling - Submitted

    Associated Project(s): 
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    Zero Waste iCAP Team
    Zero Waste Recommendations Summary

    The Zero Waste iCAP Team submitted the attached ZW010 Tailgate Recycling recommendation to the iWG on 3/24/2023. The recommendation states:

    The Zero Waste Team recommends that Facilities & Services (F&S) and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) work with the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) to implement a recycling program at tailgate events during the 2023 football season and beyond.

    The following would require F&S to provide blue bags, which Athletics will distribute to tailgate participants when they are checking in by car. These bags will contain paper instructions stapled onto each blue bag. The attached paper will convey what recyclable materials can be placed in the blue bag, and will include a map with locations of “collection hubs” (location at which a F&S recycling pan is placed) – at Lot 31 and Lot 32 – so tailgaters know where to bring their filled blue bags. In addition, F&S and iSEE will work together to solicit volunteer support for the tailgate events. Volunteers will be spread across the tailgating lots to distribute more blue bags as needed and offer educational support to fans as questions about trash and recycling arise.

    Following the end of the tailgating event, volunteers will assist with clean up (recyclables collection) from the Grange Grove field. The volunteers will work with DIA to ensure that F&S receives the recyclables from this clean-up session, prior to DIA’s sweep.

    Additionally, the Zero Waste Team requests 1-2 iSEE tents to establish a visible presence at each “collection hub.” It is recommended that 2 volunteers will be manning each tent, where they will be collecting filled blue bags from fans, handing out more blue bags, and incentivizing/rewarding participants with free merchandise (as available).

    F&S, iSEE, and DIA will communicate with Illini Union/the Bookstore regarding opportunities for partnership. Additionally, the F&S Zero Waste Coordinator (ZWC) will communicate with campus’ Coca-Cola Representative, Jake Slager, about allocating the mutual sustainability funds for tailgating merchandise. The ZWC will also work with the DIA marketing team to ensure that fans attending the game (season ticket and single ticket holders) are aware of the tailgate recycling activities happening, through their communications strategy.

    Following the football event, the Zero Waste Team recommends that DIA facilitate a survey opportunity for fans, with input regarding what questions are asked from F&S and iSEE. During the November 14th, 2022 inaugural Fighting Illini, Fighting Waste basketball event, DIA surveyed fans with the following questions:

    1. “Did you notice that this [basketball] game was a recycling-focused event?” YES / NO
    2. “Did you recycle your bottles and/or cans at the [basketball] game?” YES / NO
    3. “Do you support having more emphasis on recycling in future [basketball] games?” YES / NO

    It is recommended that a similar approach is taken for tailgate recycling. Allowing fans to voice their feedback is crucial for DIA, iSEE, and F&S to improve on fan experience for future events.

    After the football game, volunteers will work with DIA to sweep the stadium for leftover recyclables.

    Suggested unit/department to address implementation: Facilities & Services, the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics

  6. 3-24-23 Housing + F&S meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    Dump and Run

    Attendance: Pete Varney, Shawn Patterson, Dan Hiser, Bryan Johnson, Mark Kuehl, Morgan White Daphne Hulse

    1. Squirrels. Housing was scouting areas outdoors and BSWs brought up the concern with squirrels.

    1. If we collect food, will the squirrels be an issue?

    2. We would only accepted closed, non-perishable foods, but this does not ensure students will follow the guidelines exactly.

    3. What do the squirrels do?

    1. E38 in front of Campus Rec/Scott Hall, squirrels have been seen eating the wiring. BSWs are concerned that squirrels would eat and break things stored in the storage units.

    2. PODS locations for LAR, Allen, & Busey. There are not many great spots outdoors.

    • Potentially: parking spots - in front of Allen, or over by McKinley.
    • Busey: place it on the grass between this area? Not a lot of space.
    • All of the other places suggested, it would work okay to put PODS outdoors.

    3. Staff to man the storage containers.

    1. If volunteer staff are outdoors to open and close the doors to the PODS, it can allow us to keep the PODS idea and also prevent squirrels from entering.

    2. Things don’t really get busy until Wednesday. Maybe do a couple hours of pickup during afternoon on Monday and Tuesday. Start full time on Wednesday. Saturday is the last day. No volunteers on Sunday.

    4. Dan & Transportation Co. can provide transportation to the places that can’t have a big pod in them.

    1. This would follow our original plan to put gaylords in the halls and have them taken to PPSB.

    5. Create certain hours for drop off (volunteers man during these hours). All other hours the PODS are closed.

    6. Suggested locations for PODS.

    1. 4 spots at IKE (one at each corner)

    2. 1 PAR

    3. 1 ISR

    4. 20 footers.

    5. Markup on exactly where those are at, LAR-Busey-Allen would go.

    6. Northside of Allen Hall/LAR check with transportation people - Morgan will check and copy Daphne.

    7. Daphne to reach out to the Main Library about their food pantry.

    1. Thurman in Dining may be able to assist with collection.

    2. Group agreed that keeping food collection separate from Dump & Run is best.

    8. Daphne’s quotes (for local PODS companies) was close to the estimate that Bryan and Mark found.

    1. One company was significantly more expensive, probably because they come from Normal, IL (not in town) and they have extra fuel surcharges, expensive pick up and drop off fees.

     

    2023-03-24 Meeting recording here on google drive.

  8. Illinois Green Economy Network is hiring

    Associated Project(s): 
    Green Jobs

    Hi all,

     

    I’m passing along a job opportunity that may be applicable to graduates of the iSEE Fellows and Environmental Leadership Programs.

     

    The Illinois Green Economy Network is hiring their next Executive Director. IGEN is a consortium of all Illinois community colleges working together to drive growth of the clean energy economy and green workforce.

    This unique approach leverages the power of a sustainability network while utilizing the deep community connections of individual colleges. IGEN provides a platform to expand the deployment of clean energy technologies, increase employment opportunities, improve environmental and human health, foster community engagement and accelerate market competitiveness. More information can be found at this link: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/heartland/jobs/3968559/executive-director-illinois-green-economy-network-igen

     

    Please share this with your networks and feel free to share in an upcoming iSEE newsletter.

     

    Sincerely,

     

    Stacy Gloss

  11. iSEE Proposal Update

    Associated Project(s): 
    Towards Zero Waste: Automated Waste Classification via Computer Vision

    Dear all,

     

    I wanted to share the good news that iSEE has agreed to fund our waste characterization proposal. I’m working with them on the paperwork to set up an account.

     

    We’ll formally start in the Fall, possibly Sep 2023. I plan to hire a student who can lead the ground work.

     

    I’ll be in touch in August to setup a meeting.

     

    Best, 

    Nishant Garg

    Assistant Professor

    Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

     

  12. Campus Rainwater Management Plan SSC Grant Application

    Associated Project(s): 
    Rainwater Management
    Rainwater Management Program
    Rainwater Management Plans

    Hello Student Sustainability Committee. Attached is a SSC Step 1 funding application request for the campus Rainwater Management Plan. I have also included a photo of the Boneyard Creek since it is a campus waterway and the application requested one map, graphic or picture. Please contact me with any questions and thank you for considering.

    Betsy

    Attached Files: 

  14. FSH 232 compost opportunity

    Associated Project(s): 
    Project Revert to Earth

    From: Hulse, Daphne Lauren
    Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2023 1:40 PM
    To: Kim, Hannah <hannahk9@illinois.edu>
    Cc: Vaya, Sakshi <svaya2@illinois.edu>
    Subject: FW: Composting Tumbler

     

    Hi Hannah,

     

    During our call yesterday we briefly touched on part 2 of your project, to be informed by the research study. If it is determined a small-scale pilot compost project should be implemented on campus (& depending on the response from the Sustainable Student Farm), this class which regularly produces food scraps might be a great start.


    Thank you,
    Daphne

     

    Daphne Hulse (she/her)
    Zero Waste Coordinator
    Facilities & Services | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    +1 (217) 333-7550 | dlhulse2@illinois.edu
     
    Bu0VAhW8+s0AAAAASUVORK5CYII=

    Please consider the environment before printing an email. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act any written communication to or from university employees regarding university business is a public record and may be subject to public disclosure.

     

     

     

    From: Wong, Corina <cwong54@illinois.edu>
    Sent: Thursday, February 2, 2023 12:13 PM
    To: Moore, Meredith Kaye <mkm0078@illinois.edu>
    Cc: Hulse, Daphne Lauren <dlhulse2@illinois.edu>
    Subject: Re: Composting Tumbler

     

    Hello Meredith and Daphne, 

     

    My class consists of 40 people (or 20 pairs) and we meet twice a week. Our food scraps would consist of egg shells, fruit, and veggies scraps. I'm thinking about 5-10 pounds a week. It depends on each lab. 

     

    Thanks,

    ​Corina Wong (she/her/hers)

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 

    Food Science Major - Class of 2026

    cwong54@illinois.edu | 773-733-3719 

    From: Moore, Meredith Kaye <mkm0078@illinois.edu>
    Sent: Wednesday, February 1, 2023 11:02 AM
    To: Wong, Corina <    cwong54@illinois.edu>
    Cc: Hulse, Daphne Lauren <    dlhulse2@illinois.edu>
    Subject: RE: Composting Tumbler

     

    Hi Corina,

     

    Thank you for reaching out and for your interest in responsibly disposing of food from FSH 232. I am copying Daphne Hulse, who is the campus Zero Waste Coordinator so that she can stay in the loop as well. We still have a tumbler at the National Soybean Research Center and Presby Hall. These are approximately 65 gallons; do you have an estimate of how much food waste your course generates? The Presby Hall tumbler is not at capacity, so theoretically, you are welcome to use this for vegetable/fruit scraps. We are in the process of identifying a larger scale option though unfortunately this is all we have available at the moment.

     

    Thank you!

    Meredith  

     

    --------------------------------------------
    “There are a lot of dreamers – dreaming is very important, but it’s really the dreamer and the doer. You’ve got to be the doer.” –Will Steger  

    MEREDITH MOORE
    Sustainability Programs Manager 

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE)
    1101 W Peabody Drive (Suite 382), Urbana, IL, 61801
    217.333.0119 | mkm0078@illinois.edu
    www.sustainability.illinois.edu
     
    signature_2127019860

    Please consider the environment before printing out an email. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act any written communication to or from university employees regarding university business is a public record and may be subject to public disclosure. 

     

    From: Wong, Corina <cwong54@illinois.edu>
    Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2023 10:08 PM
    To: Moore, Meredith Kaye <    mkm0078@illinois.edu>
    Subject: Composting Tumbler

     

    Dear Meredith,

     

    My name is Corina Wong, and I am taking FSHN 232: The Science of Food Preparation. When researching composting at UIUC, I found your contact information regarding a composting tumbler. I was wondering if the composting tumbler still exists. 

     

    I'm emailing you because in FSHN 232 we produce a lot of food waste due to the nature of food preparation. Right now, our food waste is simply tossed into the trash. I would like to find a solution to our food waste (and one that would last for future semesters since this class is offered every fall and spring). I was wondering if we could put our food waste into that tumbler. If not, do you have any alternative solutions? I have contacted the dining services, and unfortunately, delivering our food waste to the Grind2Energy services is not possible. 

     

    Please don't hesitate to ask me any questions!

     

    Thanks,

    ​Corina Wong (she/her/hers)

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 

    Food Science Major - Class of 2026

    cwong54@illinois.edu | 773-733-3719 

  17. Outreach for Bee Campus advisory board members

    Associated Project(s): 
    Bee Campus USA

    Good afternoon! I’m Sinead Soltis, one of the sustainability interns at Facilities and Services. In representing my team at F&S, I am planning on getting a committee together to once again to advise our campus’ Bee Campus affiliation. Our campus has previously held this designation in 2018 & 2019, but the committee has since dissolved. As a committee, we will weigh in on all things pollinator related, in addition to having a space for students to share their volunteer efforts regarding bees with faculty/staff (& vice versa)! I can see this being a low-commitment group, as we will likely be sharing efforts already being made across the Champaign-Urbana area.

     

    With that being said, I wanted to gauge interest for joining as a member. Meetings will likely be held monthly, or bi-monthly, as needed. I am aware that some of you have previously been members of this committee, or at a minimum, listed as a member. I would appreciate members who have previously sat to join us, at least for the first few meetings. Also, feel free to forward this invitation to anyone you would feel would benefit from sitting on this committee!

     

    If you are interested in joining the committee, please respond to me when you can. A tentative meeting is planned for some time in April, although an exact date has not yet been chosen.

     

    Bee Campus USA website, for more information: https://beecityusa.org/bee-campus-usa-commitments/

     

    Thanks in advance,  

    Sinead Soltis  

  18. ECIP awards for 2022

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy Conservation Incentive Program (ECIP)

    Hello Jen and Morgan,

    I have attached a draft of the award letter to be sent to the deans and dept heads, and am reaching out to iSEE in regards to supporting this program.

     

    I believe in the past ISEE co-presented these awards with F&S and more recently the awards were presented at the Sustainability Celebration which works well to promote more exposure for all sustainability items on campus.

    Unfortunately, the BTAF Mechanical Engineering conference and I2SL conferences are during the same week so we were not available to join this past year.

     

    We are now looking at 5 separate presentations at each location to present this years awards and wondering what support or involvement ISEE would be interested in?

     

    Thank you 

    Paul Foote

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

    Hi Paul,

     

    Jen and I spoke about this, and iSEE is interested in continuing to participate in the presentation of the ECIP awards.  We would like to suggest that this be a single award presentation, rather than the five separate events.  It can occur during Earth Month, and perhaps it could be held at the ACES Library, which is a nice venue and it was the ECIP winner with the highest energy savings.

     

    Please let us know if this is an acceptable plan, and we can arrange a call to talk about the details.

     

    Also, I asked Ehab about the Henry Admin Building leadership, and he suggests Paul Ellinger be the point of contact for the award letter.

     

    Thanks,

    Morgan

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

    Hello Everyone,

    This is a terrific plan, Rob gave the go-ahead to plan the venue, date & time etc.

     

    When works best for all?

     

    Thank you

    Paul

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

    Hello All,

    I am bumping this to the top of the email list for scheduling the venue and timing for this event.

    Let me know when we can discuss/finalize the details?

     

    Best

    Paul Foote

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

    Hi Paul,

     

    Is there anything that you were anticipating including in this event agenda, other than the ECIP announcements and plaque distribution?  If not, it might be better to include both years’ winners in the fall 2023 campus sustainability celebration. 

     

    I realize this is a shift from what we were thinking of, but it would be a shame to put together an event that is only 15 minutes long…  It would also be difficult to get a broad audience.

     

    Thanks,

    Morgan

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

    Hi Morgan,

    We were thinking this timeframe might fit better than the fall venue with multiple conferences etc…

    Pending the date, we should have information regarding the next round of funding and were planning to gather the facilities managers at this event to share examples and promote future project applications.

     

    Thoughts everyone?

    Best

    Paul

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

    Hi Morgan and all,

    I crossed the revolving loan fund and ECIP, the ECIP awards can be discussed at our next monthly meeting.

     

    Thank you

    Paul Foote

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

     

    Hi Paul, What monthly meeting?

    thanks, Morgan

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

    Hi Morgan,

    UES has a monthly meeting for ECIP, RLF, rapid back and other funding items as needed.

     

    Best

    Paul

     

  19. Student Sustainability Committee applications - due 3/24

    Associated Project(s): 
    Retrocommissioning (RCx)
    Student Sustainability Committee (SSC)

    Hello XMT,

     

    If you or your staff are planning to submit an application for Student Sustainability Committee funding this spring, please copy me and Lisa Peacock, so we can advocate and support the F&S applications during the committee review periods.

     

    The step 1 applications are due this Friday, March 24, and the info is online here: https://studentengagement.illinois.edu/student-sustainability/ssc/funding/.

     

    Thanks,

    Morgan

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

    Morgan,

     

    Is there a funding limit for SSC?

     

    Thanks

    David Hardin

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

    Hi Dave,

     

    They don’t really have a funding limit, but they are more likely to fund something under $250k, especially if they are contributing to a project with other funding too.  A lot of student-led projects are only $50-10k.  They probably have about $750k available this spring and they will have more in the future, as they just got approval to raise the fee.

     

    Thanks,

    Morgan

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

    Morgan,

     

    I asked Dylan to submit an application for Wohler’s Hall. The ReCx team identified some deferred maintenance/energy conservation work at a total cost of $450K. I spoke with Brad, and he believes there is $150K available from deferred maintenance funds, and UES can provide $150K, hopefully another $150K from SSC, which would allow us to move forward. The energy reduction would result in a 5-year payback.

     

    Thanks

    David Hardin

  20. iSEE New Green Office and Event Certifications

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

    I hope everyone had a restful spring break, welcome back and congrats to our newest recipients of the Green Office and Green Event Certification Programs!

    -Green Office: University of Illinois Police Department, Gold (35 sustainable actions pledged!), Recertified March 2023

    -Green Events: 

    -Chancellor's Office for Special Events University Scholars Reception, Certified March 2023

    -Chancellor's Office for Special Events SSCIL Gies Groundbreaking Ceremony, Certified March 2023

    -Chancellor's Office for Special Events Chancellor's Staff Excellence Awards, Certified March 2023

    Keep up the great work!

     

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