• Academic Resources
  
  • Energy and Sustainable Engineering Program
  • Environmental Fellows Program
  • Environmental Toxicology Program
  • Human Dimensions of Environmental Systems
  • Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation 
    Biology
  • Program in Environmental and Resource Economics
  • Scholarship of Sustainability Series
  • School of Earth Society and Environment
  • Sustainability Courses and Programs
• Campus Resources
  
  • Campus Bike Shop
  • Campus Recreation
  • Campus Recycling Center (Waste Transfer Station)
  • Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD)
  • Energy Liaisons
  • Energy Management
  • Environmental Almanac
  • Environmental Compliance
  • Stewarding Excellence - Energy
  • Stewarding Excellence - Space Utilization
  • Storm Water Management
  • Student Groups
  • Sustainable Student Farm
  • Transportation Demand Management
  • University YMCA Dump and Run
  • Vet Med Esco
  • Wellness Center
  • Infrastructure for the Power Grid

• Community Resources
  
  • Air Pollution Impacts on Infants and Children
  • Bike Project
  • Built Green
  • CCNet
  • Center for Community Adaptation
  • Champaign County Bikes
  • Champaign Recycling
  • Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District
  • Common Ground Food Co-op
  • Energy Education Council
  • Environmental Education Just for Kids
  • Farmers Market in Urbana
  • First Street Farmer's Market
  • Greener Choices Products for a Better Planet
  • Habitat for Humanity Restore
  • How to Go Green with your Vehicle
  • Illinois Central College Library - Sustainability 
    Resources
  • Illinois Green Business Association
  • Making Your Home More Energy-Efficient
  • Prairie Rivers Network
  • Preservation and Conservation Association (PACA)
  • Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC)
  • Sustainable Student Farm
  • The Mountain Lakes Organic Coop
  • UI Extension
  • University YMCA Dump and Run
  • Urbana Recycling
  • Water Conservation for Kids
  • Water Conservation at Home
  • Wheels for Wishes
  • Zipcar

• Research Resources
  
  • Center for Advanced BioEnergy Research (CABER)
  • Center of Advanced Materials for the Purification of Water with Systems (WaterCAMPWS)
  • Energy Biosciences Institute
  • Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
  • Illinois Natural History Survey
  • Illinois State Geological Survey
  • Illinois State Water Survey
  • Illinois Sustainable Technology Center
  • Illinois Water Resource Center
  • Miscanthus
  • Prairie Research Institute
  • Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SED

  State and National Resources
  
  

  • AASHE
  • ACUPCC
  • Chicago Department of Environment
  • DCEO
  • Government Green Pages
  • Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation
  • Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN)
  • Illinois Biomass Working Group
  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
  • National Coucil for Science and the Environment
  • National Wildlife Federation: Campus Ecology
  • Princeton Review
  • Second Nature
  • Sierra Club
  • Sustainable Endowments Institute

American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) Pledge

On February 22, 2008, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign became a signatory to the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). We are currently one of more than six-hundred Colleges and Universities that are participating in this endeavor (see the University's official commitment pledge here (download as pdf).

As concern grows about global warming and the potential effects on health, social, economic, and ecological well-being of our world, the University is a prime place to be at the forefront of battling the negative impacts associated with climate change. The University of Illinois hosts high-caliber research and experts in diverse field across campus and seeks to become a model for not only the State of Illinois, but to become a leader in these efforts nationally and globally.

The ultimate goal of the ACUPCC is for campuses to go "climate neutral". During the first year of this commitment, a greenhouse gas emissions inventory was conducted and submitted to the ACUPCC.

Illinois submitted its Climate Action Plan in May 2010.  This plan sets aggressive goals for reaching carbon neutrality.  Facilities & Services is making great progress on the operational aspects of the plan, and the Office of Sustainability is working to connect educators and researchers to many projects associated with the plan.  Moving forward, Illinois will be required to submit updated greenhouse gas emissions inventories (2012) and progress reports(2013) on alternating years.  As reports become available, they will be shared with the public, both in this space as well as on the ACUPCC's website.

Rankings and Reports

The Office of Sustainability is responsible for coordinating the campus response to a variety of organizations related to sustainability efforts.

ACUPCC

As signatories to the ACUPCC and the Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is required to submit data regarding its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and efforts to reduce them.  The ACUPCC requires an emissions inventory within one year of signing, and a comprehensive action plan for reduction within two years of signing.  Illinois is in good standing with the ACUPCC.  

Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact

The Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact was revised during academic year 2010-2011, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was the first to sign the new compact and pledged at the Gold Level. Information required for the compact includes actions such as fostering student involvement, green building, waste reduction, new initiatives.

Voluntary Surveys

The University of Illinois also voluntarily submits data to the following surveys – the Sierra Club Cool Schools survey, the Sustainable Endowment Institute Green Report Card Survey, the Princeton Review and Petersons.  Among our Big Ten peers, Illinois consistently ranks in the upper percentile.

As more rankings from reports are released, we will share that information here.

Illinois second among Big Ten in Princeton Review - 8/10/10

Each year the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign participates in a survey distributed by the Princeton Review.  The Green Campus portion of the survey awards scores based on items such as: sustainability education and research, LEED certified buildings and other sustainable operations practices, transportation options, local foods in dining halls, and student involvement in sustainability initiatives. Illinois’ score is improved over last year from 92 to 95, placing us second among Big Ten Universities. To view Illinois’ green survey responses to the Princeton Review, please visit Princeton Review.

Comparison to Big Ten Schools:

Big Ten Sustainability Report

This document provides a comparison of Big Ten conference schools by documenting initiatives, progress, and results in the following categories: administration, infrastructure, energy use, transportation, recycling, and food. This is the first report compiling these facets to view the difficulties and potential solutions to achieve sustainability in large research-based institutions. This report was prepared by students at the University of Michigan. 
Click here to download the full report.
 

Sustainability Council Members

The Sustainability Council was put in place in 2008 to help lead sustainability efforts at the University of Illinois. The Council is comprised of campus leaders and student and faculty representatives. It provides strategic direction and oversight of the campus sustainability initiative.

2012-2013 Sustainability Council Members

An Excerpt from our Vision Statement

In Fall of 2009 The Strategic Opportunity in Global Sustainability Challenges: A Vision for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was developed in a highly inclusive process that involved the surrounding communities.

The visioning process identified two global grand challenges for which Illinois is well positioned to be a leader:

1) To maintain or restore natural ecosystem function while providing essential human services, and 
2) To sustainably raise the quality of life for the world’s poor to acceptable levels.

There are five goals associated with the vision:

1) Create a new forum for in-depth, cross-disciplinary engagement on the sustainability grand challenges, 
2) Create and implement a sustainable campus operations plan that maintains or restores natural ecosystem, function and supports impoverished communities, 
3) Infiltrate sustainable thinking into campus missions through new education activities,
4) Create incentive programs that spur sustainability activities to meet the above goals, and 
5) Create a viable financial plan for sustainability activities. Task Forces are currently identifying near term actions around goals 1–3, and helping to implement them.

Illinois is also committed to achieving responsibilities of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). Energy conservation has been an emphasis as part of the ACUPCC. For example, FY09 was only the second time in 20 years that campus electricity consumption dropped from one year to the next. The progress is attributed to a broadening campus conservation effort, including retrocommissioning, departmental and college reduction initiatives, reduced HVAC system operating hours, and the campus relamping program. Total energy consumed by the main campus at Urbana-Champaign dropped 6.5% in FY09 compared to FY08. Campus consumption is now nearly 10% lower than FY07 on a square foot basis. The FY09 energy reduction resulted in a budget savings of approximately $7.5 million. The goal for FY10 is another 5% reduction (i.e. 5% below FY09).

Earth Week 2014

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign invites you to join us in celebrating Earth Week this April 21st through the 26th. Earth Week is a time to enact change and real movement towards consciousness about how our decisions affect our campus environment and good ol' Mother Earth. Whether you're already a passionate environmentalist or just looking to have some April fun, we hope to see you all out and about showing the Earth some serious love this week!



Thank you to UIUC Students for Environmental Concerns (SECS), the Institute for Sustainability, Energy & Environment, and all of our co-sponsors and partners.

Check out the full detailed schedule of events below. Stay connected on our Facebook event page!

Clothing Swap Collection: Thursday, April 17 and Friday, April 18
April 17th: Drop off at University YMCA, 1001 S. Wright Street, Urbana, IL
April 18th: Drop off at Main Quad, Anniversary Plaza 
Clothes can be recycled, too! Do some spring-cleaning and drop off your gently used clothing – then swap out your donations for other students’ items. Every item you donate gets you one swap at Monday’s Clothing Swap & Drive. Choose to receive swapping rights for your items, or just to directly donate to the Champaign Salvation Army. Non-swap donations are welcome at the bin at the Y all week through Friday, April 25th. APO members will receive service points! Co-sponsored by APO Service Fraternity and SECS.

Build-a-Bike Raffle:
Entry all week at almost every event!
Final drawing at 5:45pm during Veggie Burger Cook-Off, Friday April 25th, Illini Grove Pavilion 
SECS Earth Weekers teamed up with the Campus Bike Shop to build a beautiful bike with their very own Earth-lovin’ hands – and now it can be all yours! And with the opportunity to enter the raffle at almost every Earth Week event, your chances of winning are sky high. Be on the lookout for event-specific codes and links to submit your entry each time. One entry per guest per event. Must be present at drawing to win. Entries are FREE!

Pledge Wall:
April 21st: YMCA, April 22nd-24th: Main Quad, & April 25th: Illini Grove
What’s your environmental pledge? Make it known on our Earth Week Pledge Wall! Share your pledge (for this week or beyond) about how you’re making a difference environmentally or what inspires you to change. We’ll be stationed at various Earth Week events throughout the week, as well as on the Main Quad.

Monday, April 21:

9-11:30am: iCAP Forum
Illini Union, Rooms A&B, 1401 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 
Join iSEE and the Sustainability Working Advisory Teams (SWATeams) to learn about the progress the campus has made in meeting the Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) goals, and to provide input into how the campus should move forward in the arena of sustainability. The program will consist of a light breakfast, overview presentations by the iSEE Associate Director of Campus Sustainability and SWATeam representatives, and roundtable discussions.

12n-1pm: UC Energy Star Challenge Lunch
Illini Union, General Lounge (210), 1401 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL

12n-4pm: Clothing Swap & Drive
University YMCA, Latzer Hall, 1001 S. Wright Street, Urbana, IL 
All of last week’s donations will be ready for picking at this APO + SECS swapmeet! Latzer Hall will look like your favorite thrift store, where you can swap out each clothing item you donated for something “new.” All leftover items will be donated to the Champaign Salvation Army at the end of the week. Non-swap donations are welcome at the bin at the Y all week through Friday, April 25th.

2pm-5pm: Sustainability Symposium
Illini Union, Rooms A&B, 1401 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 
Check out the progress on the latest sustainable campus initiatives! Presentations and poster session from the Institute for Sustainability, Energy & Environment and the Student Sustainability Committee. Light refreshments will be provided.

6pm-7pm: DIY Green Supplies
University YMCA, 1001 S. Wright Street, Urbana, IL 
Give your cleaning and beauty supplies a green makeover! Join us for a student-led lesson in Do-It-Yourself environmentally friendly supplies. Learn how a few simple ingredients can become your new go-to daily products. Please bring along empty and clean containers to house your creations - glass jars, tupperware, plastic bottles, etc. Led by Jola Szkodon & SECS
RSVP REQUIRED online

7pm-9pm: "Symphony of the Soil" Film Screening
W-109 Turner Hall
Learn about the importance of the complex relationships within the stuff beneath our feet! Hosted by the Soil & Water Conservation Society. $3 suggested donation to benefit the RSO - and to cover popcorn!

8pm-9pm: Earth Hour
Go dark to go green! Switch off all non-essential lights and electronics from 8-9pm, and take an hour to send some respect to good ol’ Mother Earth. All are welcome to partake, especially University Housing and Greek Houses. 
 

Tuesday, April 22: (Earth Day)

11am-2pm: Environmental Expo
Illini Union, Courtyard Café, 1401 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 
Watch the Courtyard Café be transformed into a mini Quad Day – exclusively featuring environmental RSOs and local sustainable organizations! Pass through and learn about more ways to get involved with all things environmental on- and off-campus. Talk with reps, grab some info, and even partake in crafts like DIY planting!

5:15pm-6:30pm: Earth Week Chat with IEC 
University YMCA, 1001 S. Wright Street, Urbana, IL 
Looking to learn more about environmental policy and current issues? Stop by the Y to join in on the conversation with Jen Walling, visiting us from the Illinois Environmental Council. Have your Qs answered and your opinions shared - and grab some free food! RSVP online

6pm-7:30pm: Illinois Sustainable Technology Center Sustainability Film Festival “Living Downstream”
Spurlock Museum, Knight Auditorium, 600 South Gregory St., Urbana, IL
This poetic film follows Sandra during one pivotal year as she travels across North America, working to break the silence about cancer and its environmental links. After a routine cancer screening, Sandra receives some worrying results and is thrust into a period of medical uncertainty. Free and open to the public. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and seating is first come, first served. Films will be followed by discussions with expert guest speakers.

8pm-10pm: Bidder 70 Movie
Main Quad near Anniversary Plaza (Illini Union)
Join SECS for an outdoor screening of Bidder 70 on this beautiful night of Earth Day! You won’t want to miss this compelling story of one student’s act of civil disobedience towards climate justice. We’ll be watching on the big screen at the main quad near Anniversary Plaza (Illini Union). Bring a blanket and some buddies! Stay updated on the Facebook event in case of rainy backup location at the University YMCA.

Wednesday, April 23:

10am–11am: Campus Wide Bicycle Census
Urbana, IL—Every Bike Counts. Facilities and Services at the University of Illinois is partnering with Champaign County Bikes to count every bike on campus. The census will take place on Wednesday, April 23 from 10-11AM. The bicycle data collected is critical for future university decision-making and planning including: determining the location and quantity of additional bicycle parking needed to meet demand, estimating the increasing number of cyclists on campus, and prioritizing bicycle infrastructure projects. Volunteers are needed to help with the count and can register at tinyurl.com/kcbc4t4. Please contactbike@illinois.edu for additional information.

11am-3pm: Bike Tune-Ups & Blend-Ups
Anniversary Plaza on the Quad (Behind Illini Union)
Bring your bike by for the cheapest tune up in town! Tune ups from Bike Face start at just $5. In need of a rad refreshment on your way to class? SECS has got you covered! Use your own two legs to blend up a sustainable smoothie on our student-built Bike Blender. Choose from local dairy, juice and fruits (plenty o’ vegan options!) to create a $2 smoothie - ingredients brought to you by Common Ground Food Co-op. All proceeds will benefit Bike Face and SECS respectively. 

12n-1pm: ISTC Sustainable Seminar Series
Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, SJW conference room 1 E. Hazelwood Drive, Champaign, IL 
Presented by Margaret Guerriero - Director of the Land and Chemicals Division, USEPA
Born in the wake of elevated concern about environmental pollution, EPA was established on December 2, 1970 to consolidate in one agency a variety of federal statutes pertaining to research, monitoring, standard-setting and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection of air, water and land. Throughout the years, EPA has incorporated the concept of sustainability into many of its programs. Margaret Guerriero will be discussing the top ten ways EPA uses the principles of sustainability to accomplish its mission to protect human health and the environment. This webinar will be broadcast live and also archived on our websitewww.istc.illinois.edu for later viewing. If you cannot attend the event at ISTC, you may view the webinar live by registering at: https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/419336127. 

2:30pm-3pm: Chancellor Sustainability Discussion
Illini Union, Colonial Room 1401 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 
Take advantage of this opportunity to directly connect with Chancellor Phyllis Wise! Hear a bit about her role in campus sustainability efforts, and come prepared with your own questions about the University. 

5:30-6:00 Conservation Reception for Craig Cox at the Alice Campbell Hall hosted by the Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture Program in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences in honor of Earth Day in partnership with the Student Chapter of the Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Society, the Agriculture Watershed Institute, Faith in Place, Illinois Stewardship Alliance and Prairie Rivers Network!   The event is free and open to the public.  Free parking will be available after 5.00 in lot D22 904 W. Oregon.  

6:00-6:50: Craig Cox Senior Vice President of the Environmental Working Group will be at the Alice Campbell Hall to discuss how the elimination of direct payments to agriculture and their replacement with programs that provide revenue and price guarantees will affect taxpayers, farm income, and resource conservation.  He’ll explain how the recent Farm Bill fixed some glaring problems associated with crop insurance programs by establishing a quid pro quo between farmers and taxpayers by asking farmers to take steps to cut soil erosion on their most vulnerable cropland, protect wetlands and refrain from breaking out native grassland and prairie in return for crop insurance premium subsidies and other federal farm program benefits.  He will consider whether these provisions offer sufficient protection for working lands at a time when high crop prices, biofuel mandates and competition for land have spurred substantial intensification and expansion of row crop production that is tied to soil degradation, water pollution and loss of habitat.  Craig, who has spent his life working for conservation and worked on the last four farm bills, will discuss what will be needed to harmonize agriculture and the environment in this challenging century. If you’d like to meet with Craig during his visit contact mwander@illinois.edu.

6pm-7:30pm: Illinois Sustainable Technology Center Sustainability Film Festival “Terra Blight”
Spurlock Museum, Knight Auditorium, 600 South Gregory St., Urbana, IL
Terra Blight is a documentary exploring America’s consumption of computers and the hazardous waste we create in pursuit of the latest technology. Terra Blight traces the life cycle of computers from creation to disposal and juxtaposes the disparate worlds that have computers as their center. From a 13-year-old Ghanaian who smashes obsolete monitors to salvage copper to a 3,000-person video game party in Texas,Terra Blight examines the unseen realities of one of the most ubiquitous toxic wastes on our planet. Free and open to the public. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and seating is first come, first served. Films will be followed by discussions with expert guest speakers. 

7pm-8pm: Keynote Speaker Stephen Ritz
Student Dining and Residential Programs Building (SDRP) 2025 Multipurpose Room, 301 E. Gregory Drive, Champaign, IL 
Join us in welcoming Stephen Ritz, a teacher and activist from the South Bronx who believes that students shouldn’t have to leave their community to live, learn, and earn in a better one. Stephen will document his journey as a classroom teacher turned urban farmer and how the mantra of "no child left behind" can include "no child left inside." Thirty-thousand pounds of vegetables later, his favorite crop is "organically grown citizens." It's all about planting seeds - seeds of hope, engagement and opportunity! Learn about his innovative work and be inspired by his passion that’s making a difference. Q&A after presentation. Free and open to the public. View TED talk.

Thursday, April 24:

12n-1pm: ISTC Sustainable Seminar Series – iSEE a Sustainable Campus
Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, SJW Conference Room, 1 E. Hazelwood Drive, Champaign, IL
Presented by Ben McCall - Associate Director for Campus Sustainability, Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and the Environment (iSEE), Learn about an overview of iSEE, a look at how well our campus is meeting the targets set out for 2015 in the Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP), and a vision of how our campus will set concrete plans in place to meet our long-term sustainability goals, including carbon neutrality by 2050. If you cannot attend the event at ISTC you may view the webinar live by registering athttps://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/869934591. The webinar will also be archived on www.istc.illinois.edufor later viewing.

3pm-4pm: Facilities & Services Utilities Master Plan
University YMCA, 1001 S. Wright Street, Urbana, IL 
As part of Earth Week on the Urbana campus, Facilities & Services will provide an update on the Utilities Master Plan from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 24 at the University YMCA (1001 South Wright Street). The plan examines university energy production and distribution systems, integrating with the energy conservation targets and strategies outlined by the Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP).  The presentation will focus on the Utilities Master Plan’s current progress, highlighting the tools and processes being used to meet desired campus outcomes related to projected growth and associated energy demand.

6pm-7:30pm: Illinois Sustainability Technology Center Sustainability Film Festival “Waste=Food”
Spurlock Museum, Knight Auditorium, 600 South Gregory St., Urbana, IL
WASTE = FOOD explores this revolutionary "cradle to cradle" (as opposed to "cradle to grave") concept through interviews with its leading proponents, American architect William McDonough and German ecological chemist Michael Braungart, coauthors of Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things. Their ideas are increasingly being embraced by major corporations and governments worldwide, unleashing a new, ecologically-inspired industrial revolution. Free and open to the public. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and seating is first come, first served. Films will be followed by discussions with expert guest speakers.

8pm-10pm: SECS Benefit Concert
Red Herring, 1209 W. Oregon, Urbana 
Come out and share a night with fellow music and Earth lovers at one of the hippest spots in town! Proceeds will benefit the University YMCA and their funding of SECS projects toward a more sustainable Earth. $5 suggested donation. Stay tuned for the official lineup of local CU bands. Doors open at 7:30pm. List of bands include Ashland, 
The Ars Nova, Illini Contraband, Justin Rondon, and Alec's Band..

Friday, April 25:

12n-1pm: ISTC Sustainable Seminar Series – Agricultural Plastics: Progress and Barriers in Closing the Loop
Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, SJW conference room, 1 E. Hazelwood Drive, Champaign, IL 
Presented by Roger Springman - Agricultural Plastics Consultant (Madison, WI)
Plastic provides agriculture with many options to cost-effectively store commodities, ensile forage, contain fertilizers/pesticides, protect crops, etc. But, at the end of its life cycle, agricultural plastic is more likely to become a waste than a resource. What is happening? Why hasn't more progress been made? Are there any technologies or break-throughs on the horizon? This seminar will examine the current state-of-the art and offer directions for the future. If you cannot attend the event at ISTC, view the webinar live by registering athttps://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/577612959. The webinar will also be archived on www.istc.illinois.edufor later viewing.

3pm-6pm: SECS Veggie Burger Cook-Off
Illini Grove Pavilion 
Spend an afternoon outside with the SECS Sustainable Landscapes & Food project group! Each team or individual enters their recipe into the competition for best Earth Week veggie burger of 2014. Grills will be available for use at Illini Grove. Remember to keep it veg and be creative - no store bought burgers, please! Even if you're not competing, come hang out with us and some locally donated snacks. Make sure to sign uphere. so we know you're competing! Full list of rules here. 

5:45pm: Build-a-Bike Raffle
Must be present to win
You’ve waited all week – it’s time to draw the winner of the Build-a-Bike! Built with love by the SECS Earth Week team and the patient guidance of the Campus Bike Shop, this beauty will be matched with its new owner when the raffle winner is drawn. Your journey in sustainable transportation can begin immediately as you join us on the Bike Face Friday Ride!

6pm-7pm: Bike Face Friday Ride
Leave from Illini Grove
Bike Face enjoys a group bike ride through town every Friday – and this week you can join them! Meet us with your bike (and helmet) at Illini Grove and we’ll tour the streets of Champaign-Urbana with this bike-lovin’ RSO!

Saturday, April 26:

9:30am-2pm: Prosperity Gardens Workday
Prosperity Gardens, First Street, Champaign, IL 
Looking for a hands-on way to give back to Mother Earth? Join us for this volunteer workday at one of Champaign’s fastest growing urban farms. We’ll get a tour of the garden sites and help out with preparing for the busiest time of the year – growing season. Lunch will be provided. RSVP Required online.

Earth Week 2013

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will be celebrating Earth Week on April 20-26. Earth Week is a time to promote awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment, sustainable living and earth awareness. 

Several exciting activities are being planned for the week. We hope you will join us in celebrating!

All Week

The One Shirt National Collegiate Clothing Challenge - The ARC and CRCE will be collecting clothing to be donated to local charities!
 

Saturday, April 20

8:00am-12:00n: Countywide Residential Electronics Collection
The News-Gazette Distribution Center, 3202 Apollo Drive, Champaign (access to the Distribution Center is at the intersection of North Market Street and Olympian Drive)
Got an old TV, computer monitor, or other electronic items not being used anymore?  Area residents are invited to bring old or unwanted electronic items to the upcoming Countywide Residential Electronics Collection to have these items responsibly recycled or refurbished.  Several teams of community service volunteers will be on hand to unload electronic items from residents’ vehicles.  No fees will be collected from persons dropping off items. Information about the upcoming collection on April 20 is available on the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) website at www.ccrpc.org.  Persons may also contact CCRPC at 217-328-3313 with questions about the collection.

12:00n-2:00pm: Campus and Community Day of Service
Activities and Recreation Center (ARC), Champaign

Members of the local community and University of Illinois faculty, staff, and students will join forces to kick off National Volunteer Week 2013, which will take place from April 21-27. One project that is already being planned involves packaging 146,000 meals - one thousand for every year of public engagement since the University was chartered - for local foodbanks to be distributed to needy families in Champaign-Urbana. The University's National Soybean Research Laboratory created the recipe in-house, so it's an "Illinois" meal. Hundreds of volunteers are needed for the food packaging project, so we are volunteering as a group for the 12 ' 2 p.m. time slot. We would love for you, your family and friends, or colleagues to join us. (Children 12 and up are eligible to participate). Contact Laura Bleill lwbleill@illinois.edu for more information and to register your company; we will register as a group.

2:00-4:00pm: "Blooms, Not Butts"
The UI Wellness Center and Masters of Public Health program are organizing a cigarette litter cleanup project. Volunteers will pick up litter and distribute flowers and cards, emphasizing two benefits of campus going smoke-free: beautification of our surroundings, and a cleaner environment for all. After the collection, students will build creative displays out of the litter in a live contest at the Environmental Expo (April 23, from 11am-2pm in the Union Courtyard Café). Cash prizes and more will be awarded. We are still looking for volunteers for both the pickup and the display contest! Contact Paula Chmiel at chmiel1@illinois.edu to volunteer at the pickup; submit ideas for a chance to be chosen for the contest here:  http://goo.gl/mxkNw. More info:http://www.campusrec.illinois.edu/Smoke-Free/blooms_not_butts/faq.html.

Sunday, April 21

11:00am-1:00pm: Exit Signs Scavenger Hunt
Meet at Engineering Plaza, between Everett and Engineering Hall
We will show you how to spot incandescent-lighted Exit Signs and equip you with blueprints of what signs to check for these incandescent lights. The "training" should takes than ten minutes, and then you can be on your way! Bring some friends and compete to see who can find the most or use it as an excuse to explore a building you've never been in before! Then, celebrate a job well done of "greening" campus by enjoying some delicious pizza! For more information please contact Becca Nothof at nothof2@illinois.edu.

Monday, April 22 (Earth Day)

12:00n: Town Hall Meeting
Beckman Auditorium 
We encourage you to attend the upcoming Town Hall meeting on April 22 at noon in the Beckman Auditorium.
Our plan at this meeting is to share a vision and set of strategic actions for Illinois. These actions were developed based on the Chancellor's year-long listening and learning tour and the recent campuswide Visioning Future Excellence process. As you know, higher education is at a crossroads and we must be ready to embrace and lead change. We believe the plan we are developing will increase the impact, excellence, and visibility of our institution. What we do now will position the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for success for the next 20-50 years.

2:00-5:00pm: Campus Sustainability Symposium
Illini Union, Rooms A&B, 1401 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 
.Presentations and Poster Session, light refreshments

6:30-8:00pm: Green Cleaning Workshop - Learn how to make your own green cleaning supplies!
Illini Union, room C, 1401 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 
Student participants will be given "recipes" to make green cleaning items and will be able to take home what they make. The event is aimed to teach students how to make environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies and give information on resources for moving out of their apartment. Sponsored by the Tenant Union.

7:30pm: Movie "Dr. Seuss's The Lorax" 
On The Quad (ARC Auditorium rainy day backup)

Tuesday, April 23

11:00am-2:00pm: Environmental Expo
Illini Union, Courtyard Café, 1401 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 
Campus Environmental groups and various activities like planter pot painting and seeds to plant

12:00n: Center for a Sustainable Environment Director Presentation
2311 Newmark
William Sullivan says he gets to wake up every morning and do things he loves. Through his research, teaching, and engagement, he helps create a healthier, more sustainable world. Sullivan is Professor of Landscape Architecture and leads the Sustainability and Health laboratory at the University of Illinois. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan with a concentration in Environment and Behavior. Sullivan is immediate Past President of the Council of Environmental Deans and Directors and just finished 3 terms (6 years) as a member of the National Academies’ Institute of Medicine Roundtable on Environmental Health Science, Research, and Medicine.  He is an active member of the University’s Education Justice Project and lead the Environmental Council at Illinois from 2003 to 2008. Sullivan teaches courses on Environmental Sustainability, the Built Environment and Human Health, and Human Factors in Design. You can visit his website at: www.willsull.net.. There will be pizza at 11:30.

5:00-7:00pm: Joint Open House -- Champaign County Greenways & Trails Plan Update / Illinois Bike Transportation Plan
Illinois Terminal City View, 4th Floor, 45 E. University Avenue, Champaign 
CCRPC will be hosting the second public meeting for the Champaign County Greenways & Trails Plan update; and Alta Planning+Design will be present regarding the Illinois Bike Transportation Plan, which is the bicycle element of IDOT’s Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). Stop by anytime there is no formal presentation or agenda, just stay as little or as long as you like.For more information: Web: http://www.ccrpc.org/greenways/news.php or
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/events/562866970400737/

6:30pm: Your Environmental Road Trip screening - (YERT)
University YMCA, 1001 S. Wright Street, Champaign

 

Wednesday, April 24

11:00am-3:00pm: Biker Blender Smoothies!
Anniversary Plaza (in between the Quad and the Union)

11:30am-1:30pm: Building Systems Thinking on the Front Lines of Sustainability: Project-Based Teaching Approaches and an Online Data Sharing Tool
NCSA, 1205 W. Clark, room 1040, Urbana, IL
Systems thinking, understanding the interconnections among environmental, social and economic components, is critical to advancing progress on sustainability challenges. Developing systems thinking requires a deep understanding of the complexity of sustainability issues that can only be gained by studying real-world situations. Helping students learn how to frame open-ended, real-world projects is challenging, and doing so within the context of scattered information and data from multiple community partners is even more so. This workshop will highlight approaches, successes, and learning lessons from a two-year effort to develop interdisciplinary project-based coursework in Champaign, Chicago, and Chennai, India. An online tool called Medici, developed at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications for sharing diverse data and information collections, will also be demonstrated. Opportunities for future class and research projects to build upon these data and information collections in the future will be explored with participants.
Registration is required. Lunch will be provided

9:00-10:30pm: Benefit Concert/Open Mic Night
Red Herring, 1209 W. Oregon, Urbana
Featured bands include Illini Contraband, Justin Ronton, and Mischief Makers!

Thursday, April 25

11:00am-3:00pm: AgroEcology and Sustainable Agriculture Symposium 
Illini Union, 1401 W. Green Street, room 314A, Urbana
The University of Illinois Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture Program (ASAP)
will host a special symposium entitled "Understanding and Addressing the
Anti-GE Critique."
"This year we decided our annual Earth Day event would attempt to answer students' questions about GE plants. Inquiring minds want to know what all the fuss is about," said Michelle Wander, symposium organizer, ASAP director, and professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. "Some believe GE plants are essential contributors to sustainable agriculture, enabling huge gains in productivity and efficiency by preventing pest problems and alleviating the need to treat them; others see GE as a technology that concentrates control of agriculture and reduces consumer choice, making us use more resources to achieve diminishing returns. We recognize that this is a complex subject and hope many views are shared," Wander said. 
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required but is encouraged. To register, visithttp://asap2013.eventbrite.com. Presentations will be given by four speakers followed by a panel. 
 

6:00-8:00pm: Champaign-Urbana Green Initiatives Social Event
Escobar's Restaurant, 6 E. Columbia, Champaign
Come celebrate Earth Week with fellow earth-friendly folks. During the evening, we will hear updates on Champaign's possible bag ordinance (Councilwoman Deb Feinen), the Mahomet Aquifer Sole Source Aquifer Petition (Champaign Assistant Attorney Joe Hooker), the Urbana Climate Action Plan and other sustainability initiatives (Urbana Mayor Prussing), and the state bill to establish hydrofracking regulations (tbd).  In addition to our special-topic guests, we will also be inviting members of the Urbana and Champaign city councils and General Assembly representatives.  This is a great opportunity to meet our local policymakers and have conversations about important, local environmental issues.  Free appetizers will be provided but drinks are on your own. This event is co-sponsored by Sierra Club, Prairie Rivers Network, Faith in Place, and Audubon Society.  Hope you can join us! 

6:30-9:30pm - CyclingSavvy Course - Truth & Techniques of Traffic Cycling
Natural Resources Building, Room 101, 615 E. Peabody Drive, Champaign (Enter through South East Doors)
Free and open to all 15 years and older, regardless of cycling experience.
Using guided discussion along with photos, illustrations, animations and videos, this classroom course provides all the knowledge you need to drive your bike safely and confidently in traffic. Knowledge of the Law covers the legal rights and responsibilities of cyclists. Knowledge of Bicycling Safety shows that cycling is safe and that understanding the causes of bicycle crashes and how to avoid them makes cycling safer still. Knowledge of Traffic Cycling Problem Solving examines a variety of traffic cycling situations (including local video) and how a savvy cyclist negotiates them.
For more information, see CyclingSavvyIllinois.notlong.com.

Friday, April 26

12:00n: Sustainable Innovations Seminar Series "American Energy Policy and Other Funny Stories" presented by Michael Webber, University of Austin, TX
Illini Union, room C, 1401 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL Lunch will be provided. Registration is required by Thursday, April 18.
This talk will share funny anecdotes and revealing conundrums from four decades of sub-optimal US energy policy.  It begins with an overview of global energy trends, with a particular focus on the history and evolving role of US energy production and consumption.  Part entertainment and part college lecture, this talk has some surprising points of view, mythbusting revelations, and fun facts scattered along the way about the dysfunctional world of modern policy-making.  It includes an overview of the latest developments in the energy sector (such as the revolution in fracking, and the recent price drops for solar panels), and closes with optimism that despite a determination by policymakers to worsen the situation, the energy outlook is quite rosy anyway.


4:00pm: Sustainable Foods Discussion and Picnic!
Illini Grove Shelter House
featuring numerous U of I professors from all fields


HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL OUT AND ABOUT! 
MAKE EVERYDAY EARTH DAY!

Sponsors: 
Center for a Sustainable Environment, Student Sustainability Committee, Student Sustainability Committee, Activites and Recreation Center, Illini Union, Facilities & Services, Grounds Division, University Housing, UI Wellness Center, Espresso Royale, Big Grove Restaurant, and the Tenant Union.

Earth Week 2012

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will be celebrating Earth Week on April 16-20. Several exciting activities are being planned for the week. We hope you will join us in celebrating!

All Week

The One Shirt National Collegiate Clothing Challenge - The ARC and CRCE will be collecting clothing to be donated to local charities!

Saturday, April 14

9:00am – Noon – Boneyard Creek Community Clean Up Day
Join us to protect our local creeks and lakes to ensure a healthier community. Volunteers pick-up litter, remove non-native plants and install stormdrain medallions.
Schedule:
9:00 a.m.: Check in begins at Scott Park, 207 E. Springfield Ave., Champaign,  or remote sites. 
9:00 a.m. to Noon: Work time! Activities are all around the community.
Noon: Lunch at Scott Park!

Check-in at Scott Park unless you have been told to go to remote check-in site. 

What should I wear/bring for the event? 
Wear closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops), long pants recommended. If you'd like, bring a filled water bottle. You can refill it at the Scott Park registration site. Wear last year's orange t-shirt if you have one - reduce, reuse, and recycle!

Thank you for making our community waterways healthier!

Monday, April 16

1:30-3:30pm - ICAP Forum/Review 
I-Hotel and Conference Center - Chancellor Ballroom
At the iCAP Forum, the Office of Sustainability will present a status update about progress towards meeting our commitments in the Illinois Climate Action Plan.  This will include a broad overview of the various initiatives that are currently underway and a summary of the next steps in this process.  After the presentation, participants will be asked to work in groups to provide feedback about setting priorities for further iCAP implementation.  As stakeholders in this campus-wide effort, all members of the campus and community are welcome to attend the iCAP Forum and participate in the discussions.

4:00-5:00pm - Green Building Presentation
University YMCA 
Want to learn more about the most cost effective way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and lower building operating costs? Come hear Kristine Chalifoux of the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center(SEDAC) present a primer on energy and how buildings use it. She will discuss the costs of energy from different sources(including efficiency), the "top ten" energy efficiency measures for new and existing buildings, and the strengths and limitations of the LEED process in producing energy efficient buildings.   "The only guarantee is that a building won't perform the way you expect."  This presentation will provide valuable information for anyone considering a career in designing buildings or their systems. Find out more about SEDAC's work here. Organized by the U.S. Green Building Council Students-UIUC and Students for Environmental Concerns.

6:30-9:30pm - CyclingSavvy Course - Truth & Techniques of Traffic Cycling
Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) Auditorium
Free and open to all 15 years and older, regardless of cycling experience.
Using guided discussion along with photos, illustrations, animations and videos, this classroom course provides all the knowledge you need to drive your bike safely and confidently in traffic. Knowledge of the Law covers the legal rights and responsibilities of cyclists. Knowledge of Bicycling Safety shows that cycling is safe and that understanding the causes of bicycle crashes and how to avoid them makes cycling safer still. Knowledge of Traffic Cycling Problem Solving examines a variety of traffic cycling situations and how a savvy cyclist negotiates them.
Follow-up on-bike CyclingSavvy sessions will be held in Urbana on Saturday, May 5. For more information, see CyclingSavvyIllinois.notlong.com.

Tuesday, April 17

8:30am-4:30pm: Water in a Changing World:  A Comparison of Midwest and European Approaches 
I Hotel and Conference Center, Champaign, IL

Water@leeds is the largest university-based water research center in the UK.  A team of scientists from the University of Leeds will participate in a workshop with Illinois researchers to compare different approaches to address climate uncertainty and the impacts on water resources.  The format will feature short presentations followed by panel discussions on the following:

The workshop is supported by a grant from the European Union Center of Excellence.  Other sponsors include the Illinois State Water Survey, the University of Leeds, the Prairie Research Institute, the Midwestern Regional Climate Center, and the Office of Sustainability.

For more information contact, George Czapar gfc@illinois.edu
 

4:00pm-5:00pm - Speaker Panel - Environmental Ethics 
Asian American Cultural House 
Come hear University Professor Madhu Viswanathan and Pastor Steve Shoemaker speak about the link between the environment, religion, and ecology.

8:00pm-10:00pm - Movie showing - Wall-e 
On the Quad if weather permits or Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) Auditorium
http://www.facebook.com/events/386697074696703/?notif_t=plan_user_joined

Wednesday, April 18

11:00am - 3:00pm - Bike Blender
On the Quad 
Made from vegan, organic ingredients, you can make your own smoothie using our bike blender! A bike will be attached to a blender so that when pedaled, activates the blades of the blender. Smoothies will be made by letting students “pedal” their own. Smoothies will be sold for $2. Come get a refreshing, sustainable drink between classes!


11:00am-3:00pm - Globe/Picnic for the Planet
On the Quad 
Come enjoy another day of the Globe while having a picnic on the quad! Bring your lunch and celebrate the planet we live on, the food it provides, and the people with whom we share it.

12:00n-1:30pm - Permaculture a Dangerous Enterprise
Illini Union, room 210
The presentation will be followed by questions and a 30 min reception  
Mark Shepard farms and teaches in south western Wisconsin where he has been building a 106 acre permaculture paradise for over 15 years.  The farm is a diversified venture that is growing ideas and community culture along with a polyculture of plants, animals and enterprises.  Over 250,000 trees have been planted by the keyline technique in the beautiful coulee district of Wisconsin. Trees and market garden patches are planted on contour to retain water via a network of small pocket ponds and spreader swales that slow and spread rain water and protect the land from erosion.  His farm embodies the radical idea of managing a perennial food ECOLOGY, which means that all of the rules of ecology apply.  According to Mark “When conventional disturbance ceases, (stop the plow and herbicides) a site begins to aggrade... soil fertility increases, organic matter increases, soil life diversity increases, nutrient cycling improves, plant and animal populations and diversity increase.   Pests and diseases come into their "natural" population cycles and levels.  What ends up happening is that input costs (tillage, herbicide, fertilizer, pest control, disease control) decline. When your input costs approach zero, your net profitability increases”.  Mark is encouraging young farmers to contribute to this vision and he backs this up by supporting ‘collaborative enterprisers’.  Aspiring permaculture entrepreneurs learn through doing as they design and implement projects on the ground.   In his talk, Mark will explain how and why his permaculture paradise differs from traditional permaculture, how it is a force for good and, explain how he is spreading this dangerous idea through collaborative enterprisers.   Attend this event to learn about his edible woody crops nursery, and how growing trees shrubs, vines, and canes to produce food, medicines, fuels and fiber are revolutionizing agriculture in nature's image while simultaneously revitalizing culture, stabilizing the economy, and restoring the environment. 

Sponsored by: Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture Program (ASAP)

3:00pm-5:00pm - Environmental Expo
Courtyard Cafe inside the Illini Union
The Environmental Expo will be an exhibit of campus RSOs, organizations, and foundations that help to promote and attain sustainability on and off campus. Come see what “green” groups Illinois has to offer.

3:00-6:00pm: Public Engagement Symposium: Transforming Our Society
Activities and Recreation Center (ARC)
Your participation will provide faculty, staff, students, and community partners the opportunity to share innovative ideas and approaches to community engagement activities. We hope you will learn from, support, and celebrate the quality and variety of our scholarly and creative community engagement efforts. It is our hope to enlighten, educate, and inspire; to strengthen relationships; and to develop a culture of engagement across the campus and local communities. The Symposium is free and open to the public.

8:00pm - Benefit Concert 
Canopy Club
Come see the Ragbirds, the Great Divide, and Jaik Willis in a performance at Canopy Club. The concert will be benefitting the University YMCA as they help to fund Students for Environmental Concerns’ projects toward a more sustainable campus and world. Tickets will be sold $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

Thursday, April 19

11am-3:00pm - Globe
On the Quad
Come get your picture taken and write your Earth Week pledge and put it on the globe!

5:30pm - Keynote Speaker Majora Carter - Home(town) Security
NCSA , room 1122
Come hear the visionary voice of Majora Carter speak on environmental equity and the work she has done to lead environmental and economic development.
http://www.facebook.com/events/366608156715201/

Friday, April 20

12:00pm - Coal-Free Summer Celebration - Beyond Coal
At the tennis courts across from Abbott 
On Friday, April 20th, at noon, SECS’ Beyond Coal group and Facilities and Services(F&S) will be hosting a ‘Coal Free Summer Celebration’ to celebrate the fact that Abbott Power Plant will not burn coal over the summer, and encourage the campus to further reduce coal use and move completely beyond coal. Come here information about campus coal use and how it can further be reduced from students from SECS, scientists from Prairie Rivers Network, Professor Brian Deal of Urban Planning, and F&S, and sign petitions to show support of going beyond coal on campus. Free food! Basketball courts at Oak and Gregory(across from Abbott)–meet at the YMCA at 11:30 to walk over as a group, or take the Yellow South from campus.

Saturday, April 21

9:00am-1:00pm - Community Electronics Collection for Earth Day!
Atkins Building Parking Lot - 1800 S. Oak Street (NE corner of Oak and St. Mary's) 
Keep the Earth Clean and Green this Earth Day!

Mervis Industries, WICD and the Illinois Green Business Association are hosting this free event to reduce the amount of old electronics sent to landfills. Collection will be open to the community.

Accepted Items: Computers, servers, network devices, monitors (CRT and Flat screen), printers, tv's, vcrs, dvd players, stereos, copiers, cell phones and smart phones.
**We DO NOT accept speakers or microwave ovens.

Sunday, April 22

1pm – Earth Day Prairie Work Day 
Florida Orchard Prairie Site
Come help Red Bison, Students for Environmental Concerns, and Alternative Spring Break work on transplanting some native plants that RB/SECS have been growing in the campus greenhouses to our own campus’ prairie site.

Sponsors: 
Students for Environmental Concerns, Office of Sustainability, Environmental Change Institute, ARC, Illini Union, University of Illinois Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership, College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, School of Architecture, College of Business, Center for Advanced Study, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Institute for Computing in the Humanities, Arts, and Sciences, School of Earth Science and the Environment, College of Engineering, Office of Equal Opportunity and Advancement, I-TOPP project, Department of Geography, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National Center for Supercomputing Applications, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Prairie Research Institute, Office of the Provost, Social Dimension of Environmental Policy Initiative in the Beckman Institute, funded in part by SORF, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research; Action Research Illinois; Center for the Advancement of Sustainability Innovations, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Earth Week

Each year, our campus celebrates Earth Day with a week full of activities.  The Office of Sustainability collaborated with student groups in planning and organizing events for Earth Week 2011. The Earth Week celebration was intended to widen sustainable practice awareness to the campus community.  The events of the week showcased many organizations that promote sustainability, engaged students to be more involved in sustainable efforts, allowed students to use sustainability in their own lives and also included entertainment to celebrate Earth Day. Michael Ableman (Sustainable Canadian Farmer) visited campus to share his life experiences with the students and community.  The week included workshops, a clothing swap and an organization fair showcasing RSO’s and other units that practice sustainability.  Planning for Earth Week 2012 will begin during the fall semester.  Would you like to help?  Please let us know!