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  1. Traffic Skills 101 course

    Associated Project(s): 

    The second idea we wanted to pursue was putting on the TS 101 courses.  The normal cost that Cynthia charges is $65 per person.  We thought we could contract with CCB $400 or $500 to do a full day lunch provided TS101 training for 10-15 people.  It would be offered to students and staff who wanted to learn more about safety and promised to be a safety advocate.  This would save money over the total cost of training and allow a larger group of folks receive serious safety training. - James Roedl
     

  2. previous project description in portal

    Associated Project(s): 

    The University has been examining the benefits and possibilities of installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on one or more of the roofs at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (KCPA) and the use of photovoltaic glass units (PVGU) in the Great Hall on the west curtain wall. Phase 1 of the study has already been conducted and the University has chosen to further consider the PV system through Phase 2 of the study, which involves evaluating the structural load of the PV system, considering the acoustic impact of the PV system, and an assessment of the existing roof.

    The budget for this project has also been established. Construction would be $585,000 -- of that $457,00 would be for the purchase and installation of solar panels and electrical work and $128,000 would be spend on general construction and construction access. The payback estimated by this budget cost is substantially longer than 25 years, but the roof would require no additional cost to the University upon completion of construction.

  3. excerpt of study regarding structural analysis

    Associated Project(s): 

    The existing structure was assessed based on the original 1966 drawings prepared by Lev Zetlin and Associates (see Appendix A). The current roof structure consists of a 6 in. reinforced concrete slab supported by steel trusses that span 84 ft across the Great Hall. The trusses are made up of teeshaped chord members and double-angle web members. Secondary wide flange beams spaced at approximately 21 ft span between the trusses and create two-way action in the slab. Analyses conducted during Phase 1 of this Feasibility Study showed that the secondary components (roof slab and beams) do not have sufficient capacity to support the added load of the photovoltaic array. Consequently, support systems were conceptualized that would deliver the new loads directly to the trusses. Analyses conducted during Phase 2 therefore focused on the roof trusses.

    Loads and stresses on the trusses were determined using the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7-10 design loads and typical material weights. Taking into consideration the dead loads (truss members, roofing materials, concrete slab, catwalks, and ceilings) and snow loads, the total load on the roof structure is estimated to be 130 lbs per sq. ft (see table below). With a distance of 21 ft-4 in. between trusses, this equates to approximately 2,800 lbs per lineal foot applied to the truss.

    • Existing Load Summary - Load (lb/ft2)
    • Truss (Self)                                     10
    • Slab                                                   75
    • Catwalks and Ceilings                   13
    • EPDM Roof                                       5
    • Insulation                                          3
    • Live Loads (Snow)                         25
    • Total                                                131 lb/ft2

    Using structural analysis software and hand calculations, it was determined that the members of the existing roof trusses labeled T-3 in the original drawings do not meet the current structural steel code for compression capacity under these load conditions. At the time of original construction, the members met requirements called for by the applicable code, the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) 6th Edition Steel Construction Manual. The AISC Steel Construction Manual has since been updated to account for torsional and flexural-torsional buckling and strength limitations of slender elements within members.

    The trusses were also analyzed for the addition of the PV cells and accompanying concrete knee walls. The weights of these materials and associated snow drifting loads would apply an additional 30 lbs per sq. ft (see table below), or approximately 665 lbs per lin. ft to the T-3 trusses at the locations of the new walls.

    • Additional Load Summary - Load (lb/ft2)
    • Concrete Wall                                    18.75
    • Photovoltaic Cells                               5
    • Snow Drift                                            7        
    • Total                                                    31 lb/ft2

    These loads would introduce an additional sixty thousand pounds (approximate) into each of the steel chord members, causing four additional chord members to be stressed beyond code-prescribed limitations

  4. Recycling bins pilot project planned for March

    Associated Project(s): 

    A project is planned for March to evaluate a new outdoor recycling station in comparison to existing bins with revised signage.  Housing has the station located inside the entrance of Ikenberry Commons.  For the project, that station will be placed outside along the North entrance, directly across from the existing bins.  After one week, waste audits will be conducted on both stations, the stations will then reversed, and the experiment will run for another week.  The project looks to compare the recycling and contamination rates of the two station types.  Results will aid in the decision making of future bin purchases.  

  5. Status of F&S truck availability

    Associated Project(s): 

    F&S Garage and Car Pool had provided IBI with a truck that could be used for moving waste vegetable oil as well as biodiesel.

    Unfortunately the truck that was used has been transferred to another department. At this time I am not aware of any other suitable truck becoming available. The University's fiscal situation is such that it is highly unlikely that another truck will be available in the near term.

    Collection and transportation of the biodiesel requires tanks and pumps. The size can vary depending on scale, but the equipment is needed regardless for efficiency. 

  6. Notes from discussion with Mike Brunk, City of Urbana Arborist

    Associated Project(s): 

    Morgan Johnston spoke with Mike Brunk with the City of Urbana about the Arbor Day Celebrations held by the City of Urbana in previous years. 

    • The tree planted on the west side of Follenger Hall was for the tenth anniversary of Urbana’s Tree City designation in 1986.
    • Urbana does a proclamation that the Mayor reads, usually signed by the Mayor of Urbana and the Mayor of Champaign. Urbana facilitates it,and they could add UI.
    • They work with the park district, and build trees in the parks, invite a particular school with one or two grades.  They pre-plant the trees and have mulch piles, so the kids get to mulch the tree. Talk about the eco benefits of trees with a barrel of water and a five gallon bucket and a milk jug. 
    • It is actually bird and tree day.  Entertain the kids, proclamation from mayors, newspaper, and event for kids.  Tree planting of some sort and an acknowledgement.
  7. Media Hits

  8. Newsletter January 2015

    Associated Project(s): 

    Come join us for our first general meeting of the semester! Several students who attended the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo this past November will be discussing various education sessions they attended. These sessions cover a wide range of metrics in the realm of sustainability, so you definitely do not want to miss out!

    We will also be giving a general run-down of our events and projects for this semester, including the 3rd annual Student Sustainability Initiatives Symposium (SSIS), our LEGO LEED Engineering Open House project, LEED Study Sessions, and much more!

    As always, food will be provided! The meeting will be Wednesday, January 27th at 5pm in Newmark 2311

    Contact Dhara Patel at dhara.x.patel @ gmail.com if you have any questions!

     

    Projects Chair position available!


    Interested in joining our USGBC Students UIUC team? We are currently looking for a Projects Chair to run our Projects Team! This person will be in charge of running various sustainability and green building projects in the C-U area, such as Engineering Open House, Campus Conservation Nationals, and more! This is a great position for those interested in obtaining networking and leadership experience in a casual setting.

    If YOU are interested in this position, please attend our general meeting on Wednesday and talk to one of the board members indicating your interest! If you cannot make the meeting, please email our organization account at usgbcstudents.uiuc@gmail.com!

     

    Membership


    USGBC Students membership is $10 for the semester and $15 for the year. Only members can attend Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, run for Executive Board positions, apply for Intern and Chair Positions, and participate in non-meeting activities that require funding. Members also receive a $10 discount for LEED Study Sessions!

    As a new additional benefit, becoming a member will give you access to the official US Green Building Council internal "Facebook": National Field. This is an invaluable resource that will allow you to network with USGBC staff in Washington D.C., all state and regional chapters, and USGBC members across the nation.

    Contact John Shapely at jshaple2 @ illinois.edu to become a member!

     

  9. 2015 Campus Tree Advisory Committee charge letter

    Associated Project(s): 

    From: Johnston, Morgan B
    Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2015 3:18 PM
    To: Welch, Ryan B; Johnston, Morgan B; Lewis, Brent Christopher; McSweeney, Kevin; Kling, Gary J; Lage, Stephanie M; Brunk, Mike
    Subject: Campus Tree Advisory Committee

    Hello,

    I am writing to formally ask for your participation in the new Campus Tree Advisory Committee for calendar year 2015.  Superintendent of Grounds Ryan Welch and I will co-chair this committee, under the purview of Facilities and Services Executive Director Al Stratman.  Our goal is to achieve the Tree Campus USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation by the end of this calendar year.  To that end, we would like your advice for the following items, as listed in the attached charge letter.

    1. Assist with Tree Campus USA application by December 31, 2015.
    2. Recommend policies for the maintenance, removal, planting, and landscaping of trees. 
    3. Recommend a tree protection plan process for construction and trenching. 
    4. Recommend a policy for enforcement, penalties, and appeals related to tree damage.
    5. Develop a communication strategy to help make the campus community and contractors aware of policies, procedures, and goals of Tree Campus.
    6. Plan an Arbor Day observance event for Arbor Day (last Friday in April).
    7. Review annual expenditures related to tree maintenance.

    We expect to meet for one hour approximately once per month, except during the summer months.  The first meeting will be set for early February.  Please let me know if there is someone who manages your calendar for you, and I will work with them to schedule the first meeting.

    Thanks in advance for your help with this process!  I look forward to meeting with you next month.

    Sincerely,

    Morgan

  10. Solar Farm Agreements Signed

    Associated Project(s): 

    CHAMPAIGN, IL (January 20, 2015) –  Construction of a 5.87 megawatt (MW) Solar Farm on campus will begin in Spring 2015 after university and state officials approved power purchase and land lease agreements with Phoenix Solar South Farms, LLC.

    See the attached release, fact sheet, and poster for more details.

  11. Previous iCAP Portal overview

    Associated Project(s): 

    To increase the use of renewable energy sources for campus electrical needs and meet the commitments set by the 2010 Climate Action Plan, the University of Illinois issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a firm to design, build, operate, and maintain (DBOM) a Solar Farm at the Urbana campus with a corresponding Power Purchase Agreement.  The Solar Farm will be connected directly to the University’s electrical distribution system in parallel with the electrical service provided by the local utility.

    The University provides electricity, chilled water, and steam service to more than 50,000 people (faculty, staff and students) who work, learn, and/or live on the campus.  The electricity generated from campus is delivered to the campus via the University’s owned and operated distribution system.  Although the University’s grid is connected to the local utility transmission and distribution system, which receives transmission services from the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator (MISO), the University will use all of the electricity generated from the solar farm project.

    Background

    The University is seeking a proposal to lease 21 acres of land in the South Farms area, for the installation and operation of a Solar Farm.  The University will lease the land to the selected Proposer for $1.00 per year and establish a Power Purchase Agreement for the renewable energy.  The Proposer will be responsible for design, construction, permitting, transportation needs, operation, and maintenance of the Solar Farm, as well as connection to the University’s electrical grid.

     

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