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Projects Updates for NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors

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  1. Engagement003 Sustainability Ambassador Program - Successful

    Associated Project(s): 
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    Engagement iCAP Team Recommendations Summary
    Engagement iCAP Team
    NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors

    Please see attached the response to the Engagement003 Sustainability Ambassador Program recommendation from Dr. Madhu Khanna.

    See the Engagement003 Sustainability Ambassador Program assessment.

    For future updates, please refer to the NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors project.

    Attached Files: 

  2. Next steps from NRES285 spring report

    Associated Project(s): 
    NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors

    Karl Radnitzer (Associate Director at Uni High) responded to the spring 2022 NRES285 final report with the following action items and requests at the end of June 2022.

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

    I have included Don Marrow (our Business manager) and Elizabeth Majerus ( our Director of the School). The part in red is where is where we need money to complete the projects Don and Elizabeth.

    I have read the report. I want to do the following:

    1. I will have 8 paper recycle containers on each floor- clearing marked. Should I spray paint them green or blue?
    2. Make sure all black containers are for garbage/trash only so we don't find contamination in all recycling bins.
    3. The issue with the steel door our previous business manager wanted the wooden doors.  Didn't have much say
    4. I would like all lights motions to switched to sensor LED. Don how do we make that happen?
    5. We realize our windows are not very effective. We need a complete overhaul of our windows.
    6. We did have a group talk to us about food recycling, but they wanted to do the composting inside the building. That was not going to work.
    7. On the land section, I have a boy scout do his eagle project on the area right outside the door on Springfield so that it now looks much better. We also have a club taking care of the small garden.
    8. Don, how can we get more sensor water bottle filters on each floor.. We have one on third, we need on second near 206 and one near 106 N.

  3. NRES 285 Final Reports for Uni High (2022)

    Associated Project(s): 
    NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors
    NRES 285: Sustainability Metrics and Evaluation Techniques

    Below is an email exchange involving the NRES 285 Uni High reports:

    Dear Director Elizabeth Majerus and Karl Radnitzer,

     

    You both are the first recipients of the final sustainability written report and class presentation! For Karl, our team worked in conjunction with Don Marrow, and with you fulfilling his position, we wanted you to have a copy of this report. We hope that you both enjoy the report, and that it helps Uni!

     

    Sincerely,

    John Michelotti

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

    Hi John,

     

    Thanks for the report. I have printed it out and plan to read after school ends (May 27th). Thank you for your work.

     

    Karl

     -------------------------------

    Thank you for planning to read it, and you’re absolutely welcome for our work. Have a good last stretch up until the end of school.

     

    Sincerely,

    John Michelotti

     -------------------------------

    Hi John,

     

    Fist of all I noticed you were in Koinonia House. I have two of my friends that were in that house- Tim and Paul Manning. Do you know them? They would have graduated in the late 70s or early 80s but are very active alumni.

     

    I have included Don Marrow (our Business manager) and Elizabeth Majerus ( our Director of the School). The part in red is where is where we need money to complete the projects Don and Elizabeth.

     

    I have read the report. I want to do the following:

     

    1. I will have 8 paper recycle containers on each floor- clearing marked. Should I spray paint them green or blue?
    2. Make sure all black containers are for garbage/trash only so we don't find contamination in all recycling bins.
    3. The issue with the steel door our previous business manager wanted the wooden doors.  Didn't have much say
    4. I would like all lights motions to switched to sensor LED. Don how do we make that happen?
    5. We realize our windows are not very effective. We need a complete overhaul of our windows.
    6. We did have a group talk to us about food recycling, but they wanted to do the composting inside the building. That was not going to work.
    1. On the land section, I have a boy scout do his eagle project on the area right outside the door on Springfield so that it now looks much better. We also have a club taking care of the small garden.
    2. Don, how can we get more sensor water bottle filters on each floor.. We have one on third, we need on second near 206 and one near 106 N.

    John,

    I will be back in town July 6th. Maybe we can touch base.

     

    Karl

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

     

    Dear Eric and Meredith,

     

    I hope each of your summers are restful and going well! I received this email today, along with one other that I will also forward, from Karl Radnitzer at Uni High. They are responses sent to me, Elizabeth Majerus, and Don Marrow—for some reason you both and the students were not included, but I think it’s because I sent out the files to him. I wanted you both to be aware so that you can appropriately respond whenever you can. I will tell him I’m forwarding this all to you both and thank him for his outlook on making changes. Thank you so much!

     

    Sincerely,

    John Michelotti

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

    Hi Morgan, Paul, Andy, and Karl,

    Last semester, the NRES285 students worked on a sustainability assessment of Uni High. Karl Radnitzer (Associate Director for Student Life at Uni High) expressed interest in moving forward with a few initiatives, as follows:

    1. I would like all lights motions to switched to sensor LED. Don how do we make that happen?
    2. We realize our windows are not very effective. We need a complete overhaul of our windows.
    1. Don, how can we get more sensor water bottle filters on each floor.. We have one on third, we need on second near 206 and one near 106 N.

    I am wondering if any of you have information on how we can move forward with any of these items. If there is someone else I should reach out to, please let me know. Thanks so much!

    Meredith

  6. NRES 285 - iCAP Ambassadors - Facility Liaison

    Associated Project(s): 
    NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors

    "Hello Elizabeth and Don,

     

    Thank you again for agreeing to serve as facility liaisons for our NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassador Course! We look forward to this interdisciplinary, collaborative, and interactive field course. We sincerely appreciate your willingness to participate.

     

    This is the second week of the course and students have begun to learn about the Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) 2020 and sustainability best practices. The syllabus with course schedule is attached; please note that the students will not necessarily visit their buildings until the end of February.

     

    Before the initial call or meeting (set up by the student group), we encourage you to assess your building to identify if there are any areas that the students should avoid walking through or areas in which they might need accompaniment. In March, the Thursday class period will be “reserved” as a time for students to work with their facility liaisons and/or assess buildings. If the class period time (Tuesday/Thursday 9:30 – 10:50 AM) does not work for you to meet with the group, the students will work with you to identify another day/time. 

     

    The students will be provided with the building floor plans ahead of time and both you and the student group will receive the “sustainability checklist”. This list will serve as the foundation for their building assessment in which they will base their final report and sustainability recommendations. In summary, the role of you two as facility liaisons are as follow:

    • Work with a student team (4 students), who will be trained on the Illinois Climate Action Plan. Students will hear from various guest lectures throughout the month February.
    • Students will visit their campus building in March and April to observe and gather sustainability information (e.g., number/location of recycling bins) and make recommendations as a final assessment/report. Building floor plans will be provided to the students by F&S/Eric and Meredith. 
    • Facility liaisons are strongly encouraged to have weekly or bi-weekly check-in calls with the student group.
    • Facility liaisons are strongly encouraged to walk the building with them and/or to be there for student teams to assess certain areas, and discuss/answer questions about the building.

     

    Please reach out to Eric and myself at any time throughout the semester if you have any questions or if we can help facilitate communication or expectations between you and the student group. Thank you so much again!"

    -Meredith Moore (01/25/2022)

    Sustainability Programs Manager 
    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE)

    Attached Files: 

  7. NRES 285 iCAP Ambassadors Presentation

    Associated Project(s): 
    NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors

    A presentation titled, "How Campus Works", created by Morgan White, was presented on 1/25/2022 in the NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors course.

     

    The topics discussed:

    1. Campus Master Plan and the iCAP

    2. Energy Overview (Campus and Buildings)

    3. Facility Liaisons and F&S

    4. Building Service Workers

    5. Building Users (Students, Faculty, Staff, and Visitors)

    6. How it ALL Works Together...

     

     

    The presentation is attached below.

     

     

     

    Attached Files: 

  8. STARS award finalists

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS)
    Apply for Recognition
    Solar Farm 2.0
    NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors

    The University of Illinois has two submittals that are recognized as finalists for the 2021 Sustainability Awards:

    More information can be found at https://www.aashe.org/news/meet-the-2021-sustainability-award-finalists/. 

  9. Updated list of student projects that need YOU!!

    Associated Project(s): 
    Independent Student Projects
    Rainwater Management
    NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors
    Champaign County Sustainability Network (CCNet)
    Campus Tree Inventory
    Sustainability Literacy Assessment
    Compost at National Soybean Research Center (NSRC)
    Resilience Commitment
    Resilience iCAP Team

    This is a list of projects that need students to work on.  It will be updated periodically by sustainability staff members, the last update was 9/16/21:

    • The campus MS4 stormwater permit currently has 49 Best Management Practices (BMPs) that have to be completed annually https://fs.illinois.edu/services/safety-and-compliance/about-the-program . One of the 49 BMPs is a Public Education and Outreach requirement to broadcast or publish one stormwater Public Service Announcement (PSA) on social media, radio, television and/or internet. We currently have a couple on our website and would like to keep it up to date with new materials whenever possible.  https://fs.illinois.edu/services/safety-and-compliance/about-the-program/events-and-outreach. Another opportunity is for a Public Participation and Involvement BMP to discuss and provide opportunity for public input on the Storm Water Program (permit BMPs), climate change and environmental justice topics. This could be met by webinars, PSAs, posters, etc. Contact is Betsy Liggett. ~ Morgan
    • Follow through with Facility Liaisons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: Huff Hall. ~ Meredith
    • Follow through with Facility Liaisons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: Armory. ~ Meredith
    • Follow through with Facility Liaisons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: Bevier Hall. ~ Meredith
    • CCNet Website: Work with the Champaign County Sustainability Network (CCNet) leadership team to redesign and publish the CCNet website (old version is online at http://www.champaigncountynet.org/). There is a monthly brown bag sustainability networking event on the Third Thursday of each month, but the website hasn't been updated since 2016. Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu. ~ Morgan
    • We are seeking a student volunteer who can do tree identification for a series of trees in the Arboretum, and work with the University Landscape Architect, Brent Lewis, and the Superintendent of Grounds, Ryan Welch, to compare the tree identification to the draft tree inventory. Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu. ~ Morgan
    • Help iSEE develop a Sustainability Literacy Assessment. Contact Meredith Moore, mkm007 at illinois.edu. ~Meredith
    • Help iSEE work with Student Sustainability Committee grant to expand small scale campus composting. Contact Meredith Moore at mkm0078 at illinois.edu. ~ Meredith

    • This project is a collaboration with the Illinois State Section of the American Planning Association; we have been asked to create a community land use and revitalization plan for a small town in Kankakee County.  It is a rural community, predominantly people of color, originally settled by folks leaving the South during the Great Migration.  There are many layers to the story, but it is ultimately a story of environmental equity as The Nature Conservancy and Field Museum have been collaborating with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to acquire land to create the Black Oak Savana nature preserve.  The majority of residents are opposed to this preserve, primarily because land has been purchased via tax sale and foreclosure, therefore taking land out of Black ownership.  This also further burdens remaining property owners because the nature preserve land becomes tax exempt, shifting the property taxes that are no longer paid on nature preserve property to a smaller and smaller portion of land owners.  

      Students interested in this project could assist with GIS analysis and help identify opportunities to balance environmental sustainability goals and land preservation with social and economic sustainability goals and to identify economic opportunities that accomplish all three.  Contact Lacey Rains Lowe at lacey.rains <at> champaignil.gov.

    • Expand on existing statistical analysis with ArcGIS and spreadsheets of potential race/income disparities in provision of street trees, sidewalks, urban heat, parks, bus stops, etc.  Data sets provided. Contact is Scott Tess at srtess <at> urbanaillinois.us.

    • LIVESTOCK FACILITY DECOMMISSIONING at the Imported Swine Research Laboratory - The push to expand the UI Research Park will require decommissioning of the waste lagoons associated with the Imported Swine Research Laboratory (ISRL). This presents an nice opportunity for a class to develop and design a decommissioning plan with associated costs and timeline. Colleen Ruhter is the point of contact, cruhter <at> illinois.edu.

    If you have a project idea, please contact us at sustainability@illinois.edu, or submit it through the iCAP Portal Suggestions page.

  10. Updated list of sustainability projects that need YOU!!!

    Associated Project(s): 
    Independent Student Projects
    Tree Campus Higher Education
    ENG 177 GFX Global Sustainability Scholars
    NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors
    Green Infrastructure
    EPA SmartWay Affiliate
    Solar Farm 2.0
    Compost at National Soybean Research Center (NSRC)
    Green Sports Alliance (GSA)

    This is a list of projects that need students to work on.  It will be updated periodically by sustainability staff members, the last update was 8/30/21:

    • The campus MS4 stormwater permit currently has 49 Best Management Practices (BMPs) that have to be completed annually https://fs.illinois.edu/services/safety-and-compliance/about-the-program . One of the 49 BMPs is a Public Education and Outreach requirement to broadcast or publish one stormwater Public Service Announcement (PSA) on social media, radio, television and/or internet. We currently have a couple on our website and would like to keep it up to date with new materials whenever possible.  https://fs.illinois.edu/services/safety-and-compliance/about-the-program/events-and-outreach. Another opportunity is for a Public Participation and Involvement BMP to discuss and provide opportunity for public input on the Storm Water Program (permit BMPs), climate change and environmental justice topics. This could be met by webinars, PSAs, posters, etc. Contact is Betsy Liggett.
    • Develop informational messaging about SmartWay, get more UIUC departments aware of the program, and coordinate a related student event.  Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu.
    • Support the Champaign County Design and Conservation Foundation (CCDCF) Board with their county-wide efforts for conservation and design.
    • Conduct a campus poll (fall semester 2021) regarding the Top 10 most iconic/significant/impressive trees on campus (including the arboretum). Develop an online survey tool (i.e., an online poll) whereby students and campus employees can nominate their favorite campus trees. Upon conclusion of the survey, work with Jay Hayek to tabulate and rank the results and create a publicly viewable ArcGIS Online StoryMap showcasing campuses Top Ten Trees. Prepare a presentation of results for the annual Arbor Day Celebration. Contact Jay Hayek at jhayek at illinois.edu.
    • Follow through with Facility Liaisons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: Illini Union.
    • Follow through with Facility Liaisons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: Huff Hall.
    • Follow through with Facility Liaisons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: ECE Building.
    • Follow through with Facility Liaisons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: Armory.
    • Follow through with Facility Liaisons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: Bevier Hall.
    • CCNet Website: Work with the Champaign County Sustainability Network (CCNet) leadership team to redesign and publish the CCNet website (old version is online at http://www.champaigncountynet.org/). There is a monthly brown bag sustainability networking event on the Third Thursday of each month, but the website hasn't been updated since 2016. Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu.
    • We are seeking a student volunteer who can do tree identification for a series of trees in the Arboretum, and work with the University Landscape Architect, Brent Lewis, and the Superintendent of Grounds, Ryan Welch, to compare the tree identification to the draft tree inventory. Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu.
    • Work on outlining sustainable initiatives that DIA can take in support of the Green Sports Alliance. Contact Meredith Moore, mkm0078 at llinois.edu.
    • Help iSEE develop a Sustainability Literacy Assessment. Contact Meredith Moore, mkm007 at illinois.edu. 
    • Help identify and develop opportunities for intersecting sustainability and the arts (sustainability murals, utility box artwork, etc.). Contact Meredith Moore, mkm0078 at illinois.edu. 
    • Develop permanent posters for the Solar Farm 2.0, to guide tour participants at the site. Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu.
    • Help iSEE work with Student Sustainability Committee grant to expand small scale campus composting. Contact Meredith Moore at mkm0078 at illinois.edu.
    • If you have a project idea, please contact us at sustainability@illinois.edu, or submit it through the iCAP Portal Suggestions page.

  11. list of projects needed

    Associated Project(s): 
    Independent Student Projects
    Tree Campus Higher Education
    NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors
    EPA SmartWay Affiliate
    Champaign County Sustainability Network (CCNet)

    This is a list of projects that need students to work on.  It will be updated periodically by sustainability staff members, the last update was 6/24/21:

    • Develop informational messaging about SmartWay, get more UIUC departments aware of the program, and coordinate a related student event.  Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu.
    • Conduct a campus poll (fall semester 2021) regarding the Top 10 most iconic/significant/impressive trees on campus (including the arboretum). Develop an online survey tool (i.e., an online poll) whereby students and campus employees can nominate their favorite campus trees. Upon conclusion of the survey, work with Jay Hayek to tabulate and rank the results and create a publicly viewable ArcGIS Online StoryMap showcasing campuses Top Ten Trees. Prepare a presentation of results for the annual Arbor Day Celebration. Contact Jay Hayek at jhayek at illinois.edu.
    • Follow through with Facility Liasons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: Illini Union.
    • Follow through with Facility Liasons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: Huff Hall.
    • Follow through with Facility Liasons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: ECE Building.
    • Follow through with Facility Liasons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: Armory.
    • Follow through with Facility Liasons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: Bevier Hall.
    • CCNet Website: Work with the Champaign County Sustainability Network (CCNet) leadership team to redesign and publish the CCNet website (old version is online at http://www.champaigncountynet.org/). There is a monthly brown bag sustainability networking event on the Third Thursday of each month, but the website hasn't been updated since 2016. Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu.
    • We are seeking a student volunteer who can do tree identification for a series of trees in the Arboretum, and work with the University Landscape Architect, Brent Lewis, and the Superintendent of Grounds, Ryan Welch, to compare the tree identification to the draft tree inventory. Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu.
    • If you have a project idea, please contact us at sustainability@illinois.edu, or submit it through the iCAP Portal Suggestions page.

  12. NRES 285 Presentation Ceremony

    Associated Project(s): 
    NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors

    Each of the five teams presented their work and building recommendations at a presentation ceremony on May 14, 2021. Click here to view the recording.  

    Five buildings were assessed this semester by student teams of 3-5 people. These buildings were: 

    • Illini Union
    • Electrical and Computer Engineering 
    • Huff Hall
    • Bevier Hall
    • Armory 

    Click here to view the final reports and presentations. 

  13. Building Sustainability Checklist

    Associated Project(s): 
    NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors

    The attached building sustainability checklist will be used to guide the NRES 285 students in conducting their assessments of five campus buildings (Union, Armory, Huff Hall, ECE, and Bevier Hall). This checklist was reviewed by a variety of stakeholders, including iSEE staff and F&S employees: Morgan White, Brent Lewis, Shantanu Pai, Paul Foote, Stacey DeLorenzo, Beth Leitz, and Maddy Liberman. 

    Attached Files: