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Projects Updates for iCAP Working Group (iWG)

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  1. Edu009 - Updating College of Business Course Descriptions - Submitted

    The iCAP Education team made the following recommendation on 2/11/24:

     

    This recommendation asks the faculty teaching ACCY 405, BUS 101, BUS 401, BADM 395, and FIN 490/580 to update their course descriptions to better reflect the sustainability content being taught. Suggested unit/department to address implementation: College of Business, specifically the Business Administration, Finance and Accounting faculty Connection to iCAP goals: 6.2 [Establish a comprehensive online repository for courses and academic programs with sustainability content.] Perceived challenges: Faculty would be required to go through the process of updating their course descriptions, but may not know what constitutes sustainability course content. Being able to disseminate course search terms may be difficult in a decentralized college. Anticipated timeline of implementation: Fall 2024.

    Attached is the iCAP Education team recommendation Edu009 Updating College of Business Course Descriptions with comments from the iCAP Education team.

  2. Sustainability Sub-Council Meeting 11/27/2023

    The Sustainability Sub-Council met on November 27, 2023 in preparation of the Sustainability Council meeting. The primary agenda items included: 

    • Sustainability General Education Requirement
    • Green Research Program
    • Plastic Waste Reduction
    • Carbon Credits

    The slide deck and meeting minutes are attached.

  3. LW006 Permeable Asphalt Maintenance at Lot C9 - Returned

    Parking has limited funding, so during the first May iWG meeting, the recommendation was sent back to the Land & Water team. The committee advised to add in capture rate and return on investment data before resubmitting for another meeting.

     

    See submitted recommendation LW006 Permeable Asphalt Maintenance at Lot C9

  4. LW005 SFC Permeable Pavers - Declined

    The following response was received from John Marquardt on October 16, 2023:

     

    Good Afternoon,

     

    Thank you for the recommendation to install permeable surfaces in the State Farm Center parking lots.  I am pleased to report that State Farm Center has recently resurfaced two of its lots with permeable pavements, the SE Lot following the renovation of State Farm Center in 2016, and most recently the NE lot in 2021.

     

    Project specifications from the most recent lot renovation list the following description and statistics about how this project (and the SE project in 2016) addressed permeability concerns of the lots:

     

    “A total of approximately 12,500 square feet of permeable pavement was installed in the NE lot.  As detailed on the plans, the pavement section will include a consistent 5” of porous asphalt on top of variable thickness permeable aggregate (varying from 8” to 24”). A single 12” underdrain will run the entire length of permeable pavement patch, and a controlled 6” outlet pipe will be connected to the existing and adjacent 36” storm sewer via a new manhole. While soil types in this area will only allow for very minimal infiltration, the drainage rock will provide enough inherent storage to detain the 1-year, 1-hour storm event. The available storage is approximately 7,000 CU FT and the storm runoff volume for this event is 6,775 CU FT. “

     

    State Farm Center will be resurfacing the NW and SW parking lots in 2025 as part of planned and budgeted R&R operations. We fully anticipate that these projects will be completed with similar specifications to ensure that they are environmentally conscious with regard to permeability and other factors.

     

    Thank you for your time and concern.

     

    Read the iWG transmittal for LW005 SFC Permeable Pavers.

     

     

     

  5. Transportation 015 Fleet Replacement - Transmitted

    On 9/18/2023, the Transportation 015 Fleet Replacement recommendation was transmitted to Dr. Ehab Kamarah, Associate Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of Facilities & Services, with the following email. The iWG assessment is attached. 

    Dear Dr. Kamarah,

    The Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) Working Group (iWG) recently approved recommendation Transportation015 from the Transportation iCAP Team to establish a framework for accomplishing iCAP 2020 Objective 3.1, which relates to developing a replacement plan for 80% of campus fleets by FY24 to improve university-owned vehicle efficiency. The specific tasks outlined in the recommendation are to (1) develop a definition for a “fleet” as it applies to campus vehicles; (2) establish fleet administrators in units with a fleet greater than five vehicles to assist with the development of a replacement plan; and (3) require fleet administrators to meet at least annually with the F&S Fleet Operations team. Additional details are provided in the attached recommendation.

    The Formal iCAP Procedures include a section on campus unit responsibilities upon receipt of a recommendation, and we respectfully request your response to this recommendation by October 13. If you have any questions regarding this recommendation, please let us know. 

    Sincerely,

    Jennifer Fraterrigo

    **************************************************

    Dr. JENNIFER FRATERRIGO AND

    MORGAN B. WHITE
    Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP)

    iCAP Working Group co-chairs

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    sustainability@illinois.edu  
    https://icap.sustainability.illinois.edu/

    Read the Trans015 Fleet Replacement recommendation here

  6. ZW009 Project4Less Expansion - Transmitted

    On 6/24/2023, the ZW009 Project4Less Expansion recommendation was transmitted to Alma Sealine and Jason Ensign at University Housing with the following email. The iWG assessment is attached.

    Hi Alma and Jason,

    Thank you for meeting with iCAP representatives about the Project4Less recommendation from the Zero Waste iCAP Team (ZW009).  After our discussion, the iCAP Working Group discussed the topic again, and we have the following recommendation (highlighting added): 

    The iWG recommends that Housing keep and strengthen their relationship with Project4Less, even though there is a funding shortfall for Housing at large.  This project should remain a priority, and in fact they can talk with the student leaders about how best to use the remaining Student Sustainability Committee (SSC) funding of $1,700. There is also a possibility of future SSC funding for future expansion of the program, as needed in conjunction with the continued efforts to reduce food waste.

    We also recommend that Housing promote the various sustainability programs they are doing.  This should be done through links to the iCAP Portal and in the Housing newsletter.

    It would be great if you would identify a contact person we can work with to help promote all the great things that University Housing is doing for campus sustainability. The Formal iCAP Procedures includes a section on campus unit responsibilities upon receipt of a recommendation, and we respectfully request a reply to this recommendation by July 14, if possible. 

    Sincerely,

    Morgan and Jen

    =====================================

    MORGAN B. WHITE and

    Dr. JENNIFER FRATERRIGO
    Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP)

    iCAP Working Group co-chairs

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    sustainability@illinois.edu  
    https://icap.sustainability.illinois.edu/

    See the ZW009 Project4Less Expansion recommendation here.

  7. ZW011 State Farm Center Recycling - Transmitted

    On 6/6/2023, the ZW011 State Farm Center Recycling recommendation was transmitted to Mr. Josh Whitman and Mr. Tim Knox at the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA), with the following email. The iWG assessment is attached.

    Dear Mr. Whitman and Tim,

    The Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) Working Group (iWG) recently reviewed recommendation ZW011 from the Zero Waste iCAP Team. The iWG recommends that the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics increase permanent recycling infrastructure on the upper concourse of the State Farm Center by purchasing and installing 3-stream bins that adhere to the campus standard. Additional details are provided in the attached recommendation and assessment.

    The Formal iCAP Procedures include a section on campus unit responsibilities upon receipt of a recommendation, and we respectfully request your response to this recommendation by June 30. If you have any questions regarding this recommendation, we are happy to meet to discuss it.

    Sincerely,

    Jennifer Fraterrigo

    **************************************************

    Dr. JENNIFER FRATERRIGO AND

    MORGAN B. WHITE
    Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP)

    iCAP Working Group co-chairs

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    sustainability@illinois.edu  
    https://icap.sustainability.illinois.edu/

    See the ZW011 State Farm Center Recycling recommendation here.

  8. iWG Meeting Notes from 05/09/2023

    Please see attached the iWG meeting notes from the meeting held on May 9, 2023. During this meeting, the following recommendations were dicussed:

  9. Energy011 Priority Technologies and Practices for a Clean Energy Plan - Successful

    Following is the response from Dr. Ehab Kamarah (on May 5, 2023) regarding the Energy011 Priority Technologies and Practices for a Clean Energy Plan recommendation.

    Dear Dr. Fraterrigo,

    We agree that this summary of current efforts towards carbon-neutral energy will be helpful, and we will coordinate the development of this document.

    Regards,

    Ehab

    Read the iWG Transmittal update for the Energy011 Priority Technologies and Practices for a Clean Energy Plan recommendation here.

  10. Trans015 Fleet Replacement recommendation - Submitted

    On May 5, 2023, the Tranportation iCAP Team submitted the Trans015 Fleet Replacement recommendation. See below a preview of the recommendation:

    The objective of this recommendation is to establish a framework for accomplishing iCAP 2020 Objective 3.1, which states, “Establish written replacement plans for at least 80% of campus fleets by FY24 to improve university-owned vehicle efficiency.” By

    1. Enumerating a definition for a “fleet” as it applies to vehicles on campus, and
    2. Requiring campus units with a fleet more than 5 vehicles to establish a “Fleet Administrator” tasked with communicating with the F&S Fleet Operations team and creating a written replacement plan for the fleet, and
    3. Requiring all Fleet Administrators to have a minimum of once-a-year meeting with the F&S Fleet Operations team.

    DEFINITIONS

    Campus Fleet

    • The total number of vehicles owned and operated by the various units of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.

    Unit Fleet

    • A total of 5 or more vehicles operated by an individual unit on campus.

    This recommendation calls on each campus unit with 5 or more vehicles to appoint an employee as a “Fleet Administrator”. The Fleet Administrator will be tasked with the following responsibilities:

    1. Establishing a sustainable fleet plan capable of achieving certification with the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA).
    2. Establishing a written, comprehensive strategy for replacing the fleet’s existing vehicles with more environmentally sustainable models.
    3. Communicating with the Fleet Operations team at the Transportation & Building Services department at Facilities & Services regarding development of the sustainable fleet plan or fleet replacement plan.
    4. Communicating with other Fleet Administrators regarding development of the sustainable fleet plan or fleet replacement plan.
    5. Attending annual meeting(s) with all Fleet Administrators, the Fleet Operations team at Facilities & Services, members of iSEE, and the Parking Department to discuss progress in development and implementation of fleet replacement plans and identify best practices moving forward.

    Strategies for creating a sustainable fleet plan or fleet replacement plan may include the following:

    • Consulting with Fleet Operations team at the Transportation & Building Services department at Facilities & Services regarding the replacement of their fleet vehicles
    • Plans for transitioning to newer vehicle models with higher fuel efficiency or alternative fuel sources such as electricity or hydrogen.
    • Plans for “right-sizing” the fleet that assesses the extent university vehicles are being used:
      • To complete necessary tasks.
      • By designated personnel.
      • In a fuel and cost-efficient manner.
    • Limiting the idling of vehicles
    • Educational training for their drivers
    • Reporting of vehicle and fuel usage as well as setting a target reduction for following years

    Suggested unit/department to address implementation: All campus units with more than 5 vehicles.

  11. ZW011 State Farm Center Recycling - Submitted

    On May 5, 2023, Zero Waste iCAP Team submitted the ZW011 State Farm Center Recycling recommendation. Please see attached.

    Without appropriate recycling infrastructure on the upper concourse of State Farm Center, campus is losing valuable recyclable materials sent to the landfill (particularly with recyclable items left in the arena). Additionally, the installation of permanent recycling bins on the upper concourse would facilitate the ability for fans to recycle at any athletic or entertainment event held at State Farm Center.

    The purpose of this recommendation is to be a conversation-starter in regard to permanent recycling on the upper concourse. The proposed use of MAX-R bins is a suggestion, based on campus’ success with the roll-out of these bins throughout our facilities.

    Suggested unit/department to address implementation: Division of Intercollegiate Athletics

  12. ZW008 Adopt a Highway/Drain - Returned

    ZW008 Adopt a Highway/Drain was returned to the Zero Waste iCAP Team by the iWG. See the following message:

    Hello Zero Waste iCAP Team,

    Last spring, the Zero Waste iCAP Team submitted a recommendation regarding the adopt a highway/drain programs (https://icap.sustainability.illinois.edu/project-update/zw008-adopt-highwaydrain-submitted).  The iCAP Working Group discussed this a couple times and there were a few concerns raised by the iWG and by F&S, such as how we can ensure safety of a student group working on a street drain. You can see the related meeting notes attached here.  

    We are returning this recommendation to your team for review.  If you believe this recommendation is a priority, please discuss it with the Land and Water iCAP Team and the Resilience iCAP Team to refine it before resubmitting. 

    Thank you,

    Morgan and Jen

    =====================================

    MORGAN B. WHITE and

    Dr. JENNIFER FRATERRIGO
    Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP)

    iCAP Working Group co-chairs

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    sustainability@illinois.edu 
    https://icap.sustainability.illinois.edu/

    See the ZW008 Adopt a Highway/Drain recommendation here.

  13. ZW010 Tailgate Recycling - Successful

    Following is the response from DIA:

    Jennifer,

    The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) approves the recommendation to work with Facilities and Services and the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and the Environment to implement a recycling program at football tailgate events. Assistant Athletic Director Tim Knox will be responsible for coordinating the implementation for DIA.

    Josh

    See the iWG assessment for ZW010 Tailgate Recycling here.

  14. Engagement005 DIA and Green Sports Alliance - Successful

    Following is the response from DIA:

    Jennifer,

    The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) approves the recommendation to formally join the Green Sports Alliance at the $2,500 Premier Membership level. Assistant Athletic Director Tim Knox will be responsible for coordinating the implementation for DIA.

    Josh

    See the iWG assessment for Engagement005 DIA and Green Sports Alliance here.

    For future updates, please refer to the Green Sports Alliance project here.

  15. Education008 Accounting for Sustainability in Study Abroad - Successful

    Following is the response from the department:

    Dr. Fraterrigo and Ms. White,

    Thank you for sharing the recommendation from the Education iCAP Team regarding the incorporation of sustainability learning in study abroad programs campus-wide.  We will share the recommendation with the IACSC and plan for a fuller discussion with that group at our May meeting. As soon as the May meeting is scheduled, we’ll confirm a timeline for a formal response.

    We’re happy to discuss further if pushing the response later in May presents an issue.Thank you,

    Kristi and Luis

    See the iWG assessment of the Education008 Accounting for Sustainability in Study Abroad recommendation.

    For future updates, please refer to the Sustainability in Study Abroad project

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