Under the leadership of Professor Evan DeLucia, the Center for a Sustainable Environment is transitioning to the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE). The News-Gazette wrote a great article covering the transition and the goals of the new organization (see file).
We are pleased to inform you that Prof. Evan DeLucia will become the first director of the Center for a Sustainable Environment, pending approval by the Board of Trustees.
EATING LOCAL MEANS CHOOSING FOODS THAT ARE GROWN WITHIN A 100 MILE RADIUS OF
WHERE YOU CONSUME IT.
The Dining Services Division of University Housing has made great strides in sustainable practices. They purchase local foods, have implemented trayless dining, and donate 100% of its waste vegetable oil to the biodiesel project. In addition, they have recently been recognized for sustainable cleaning practices. Their newest facility, the Student Dining and Residential Programs building, is expected to achieve LEED Silver certification.
In June 2008, our Chancellor directed a 10% cut in per square foot energy use (download as pdf) to be achieved over the next three years using fiscal year 2007 as the base year. The campus far exceeded this goal with a 17% reduction in three years! Further, the iCAP commits our campus to a 40% energy reduction by 2025.
THE ILLINOIS PATH:
A natural landscape promoting sustainable connections across campus communities (PDF)
Citing campus sustainability and enhancement, Illinois Chancellor asked a graduate class to provide a strategic assessment and implementation plan for a managed natural landscape on the Military Axis, a site located on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, in a manner consistent with the University's mission and Master Plan.
Illinois is committed to sustainable building design. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Facility Standards and Design Guidelines were recently updated to require all new construction and major renovations over $5 million be certified at a minimum Gold level building under the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED rating system. All projects less than $5 million are asked to design to Gold standards, but are not required to be certified.
Most operations on our campus are managed by Facilities & Services. They are responsible for energy production and distribution, maintenance of our buildings, grounds keeping, waste management, water supply, and much more. They have made a strong commitment and are at the forefront of sustainable operations practices. The links to the left will provide brief explanations of sustainability in our operations. Further information can be found at the links below.
The CSE provides several outlets to learn about sustainability initiatives, education, research, and events. The CSE has made a concerted effort to increase their followers on Facebook and Twitter, since that seems to be an effective way to communicate with students. Other efforts to be more comprehensive are underway, as well.
