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  1. SmartWay E-update

    Associated Project(s): 

     

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    SmartWay e-update

     

    December 2022 SmartWay e-update

     

    Happy Holidays! 

     

    As 2022 comes to a close, EPA SmartWay extends holiday greetings to all our partners. Whether your company participates in SmartWay as a shipper, carrier, or logistics partner, we know that you and your colleagues are busy delivering food for holiday dinners, toys for small children, lights to brighten dark days and much, much more! During this special season, people from all walks of life, representing cultures from all over the world celebrate light, life and new beginnings. The past couple of years have been full of challenge and change and as we look ahead, SmartWay will continue to support the efforts of its partners to make the world a better place. Your commitment and the goals you’ve set to improve the efficiency of how goods are moved are critical to keeping communities healthy, safe and strong. Best wishes for a happy holiday season and a joyous New Year! Thank you for all you do. We look forward to our work together in 2023 and beyond.

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    News for EPA SmartWay Partners and Stakeholders

     

    EPA Seeks Public Input on $1 Billion Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle, $3 Billion Clean Ports and other Inflation Reduction Act Programs

    EPA is seeking public input on new and existing programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), including a new $1 billion Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle program and $3 billion Clean Ports program. Under the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle EPA will be offering grants and/or rebates to replace heavy-duty vehicles with zero-emission vehicles, support zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and to train and develop workers. Under the Clean Ports program EPA will offer grants for the purchase and installation of zero emission technologies to reduce pollution at ports, and to develop qualified climate action plans.

     

    EPA has published a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public input on core design aspects for these and other programs supported by IRA. The RFI provides background information on each IRA program and a series of questions for the public to consider as they provide input. The RFIs are open for public comment through January 18, 2023. Public input and information will be used to inform the development of the programs in addition to other stakeholder engagement activities that EPA will be conducting consistent with its Grant Competition policy. For more information and to provide input on the Clean Heavy-Duty, Clean Ports and other IRA programs, visit www.epa.gov.

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    EPA Publishes Final Rule to Control Air Pollution from Heavy-Duty Trucks 

     

    On December 20, EPA issued a final rule "Control of Air Pollution from New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards," that adopts new, stronger emissions standards to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from heavy-duty vehicles and engines starting in model year 2027. The new emissions standards cover a wider range of heavy-duty engine operating conditions compared to today's standards, and the rule requires these more stringent emissions standards to be met for a longer period of time when these engines operate on the road. The new rule and tighter standards will result in widespread air quality improvements across the U.S., especially in areas already overburdened by air pollution and emissions.

     

    The final rule is one of three major actions being taken under EPA's "Clean Trucks Plan." Under this plan, the Agency intends to propose two additional rulemakings in 2023 which, when considered cumulatively with this final rule, would put in place more protective long-term standards that would reduce smog, soot, and climate pollution from heavy-duty vehicles and would include consideration of greater adoption of zero-emissions vehicle technologies. For more information on EPA's Clean Trucks Plan, and the new rule to limit NOx emissions from heavy-duty commercial vehicles, visit www.epa.gov.

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    Upcoming Virtual Meetings and Conferences 

     

    National Academy 

    of Sciences Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 

    January 8-12, 2023

    Washington, DC

     

    The Transportation Research Board is holding its 102nd Annual Meeting January 8-12, 2023 in Washington, DC. TRB's Annual Meeting is expected to attract thousands of transportation professionals from around the world. The meeting program covers all transportation modes, with sessions and workshops addressing topics of interest to policy makers, administrators, practitioners, researchers, and representatives of government, industry and academia. The spotlight theme for the meeting is Rejuvenation Out of Disruption: Envisioning a Transportation System for a Dynamic Future. For more information on the program and to register visit trb.org

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    SMC3

    JumpStart 

    January 23-25, 2023 

    Atlanta, GA 

     

    A three-day annual supply chain event produced annually by SMC3, JumpStart brings together leading carriers, shippers, logistics service providers and technology providers to exchange ideas, information and perspectives. The meeting focuses on key topics and emerging trends in technology, infrastructure, and operations. This year, SmartWay will present on recent enhancements to the partnership, the value of collaboration and its less than truckload carbon calculator. The program agenda, speakers and more information is available at smc3jumpstart.com

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    Retail Industry Leaders Association LINK 2023

    The Retail Supply Chain Conference 

    February 19-22, 2023

    Orlando, FL 

     

    The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), a SmartWay Affiliate, is hosting LINK2023, the association's annual supply chain conference, February 19-22, in Orlando, FL. The focus of this year's conference is on the economic and logistical headwinds that retailers are experiencing as they adjust to the pandemic and envision the future of their supply chains. Sessions cover technology developments and applications that can help improve demand planning, forecasting, and case studies on how to effectively manage disruption. Other topics include strategies for strengthening consumer experience, freight delivery, infrastructure, emissions accounting and sustainability. More than 300 exhibiting companies and nearly 2000 attendees are expected to participate in LINK2023. SmartWay and its partners will be on deck to share experiences and to highlight the value of collaboration across the supply chain. For more information, visit LINK2023

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    Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) EXPO 2023

    May 1-4, 2023 

    Anaheim, CA 

     

    ACT EXPO is a 4-day fleet focused conference that will explore the trends, infrastructure and technologies transforming clean commercial transportation. The 2023 program will spotlight low- and zero-emission fleet case studies, financial incentives to improve the total cost of ownership for advanced clean vehicles, climate and environmental policies, and the accelerated development of zero emission infrastructure, as well as technology advancements with battery technology, charging infrastructure, biofuels, hydrogen, autonomous vehicles and more. On the exhibit floor attendees can gain access to 185+ commercial vehicles, including battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, renewable fuels and connected tech. More than 275+ suppliers of equipment for all vehicle weight classes and fleet applications will also be exhibiting. Opportunities to get behind the wheel and test drive dozens of new vehicles are offered during a two-day Ride & Drive event. For more information visit ACTEXPO2023

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    Anyway you ship it, move it the SmartWay!

     

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | smartway_transport@epa.gov | http://www.epa.gov/smartway

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | 2000 Traverwood DrAnn Arbor, MI 48105

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  2. Green Lab Initiatives Take Root Around the World

    Associated Project(s): 

    Paul Foote shared the following article regarding Green Labs:

    This sustainable labs article shares a look into the current international climate regarding green labs.

    The author’s high level summation quotes green lab leaders as well as comments from NIH and HHS regrading funding and sustainability, and other key topics surrounding sustainable & green labs.

    https://www.the-scientist.com/careers/green-lab-initiatives-take-root-around-the-world-70676

  3. Sustainability Council Meeting 12-13-22

    The Sustainability Council met on 12-13-22 and discussed the following agenda:

    • Zero Waste
    • Energy Planning
    • Strategic Plan
    • Old Business
      - Sustainability General Education Requirement
      - Sustainable Land Management Committee Report

    The meeting minutes and slide deck are attached. 

  4. Campus Energy Student Video 2022

    In December of 2022 Aaryaman Patel, a Mechanical Engineering student, published a video for a competition through the International District Energy Association. The purpose of the video is to highlight energy systems within a University campus.

    Below is the link to his video:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLrt4X0EOGA

     

  5. iCAP Portal Admin Meeting - January 6, 2023

    Associated Project(s): 

    Done:

    • Fancy project layout, Header project layout - make images in image banner clickable (go directly to image)
    • Main nav: move focus to search box when Search is clicked
    • Objectives page (DEV):
      • Fix bug: metric collapsing seems to scroll the page
      • Add "jump to chapter" option:
        • Dropdown list for mobile, theme icons for larger screens
        • Reporting Progress icon jumps to chapter 9
        • Don't show Funding icon

    Discussion:

    • Question about a TODO: "Collections page: Add image upload option". At a previous meeting we had this TODO, but what was the context? Was it to have a thumbnail for each Collection? Or a banner image?
    • Should we link to "Take Action" project from homepage?
    • Archiving projects

    TODO:

    • Set up GA4
    • Homepage: make image in Image Gallery go to image gallery (in addition to button)
    • Objectives page: disable the following styles:
      •   @media (min-width: 44em)
        .objectives-dashboard .view-header .options-chapter > *
    • Search: can it be less rigid? e.g. ignore punctuation, understand that "bikes" and "bicycles" are equivalent, etc.
    • Fancy project layout mockups - keep tweaking #3 to improve contrast
    • Discuss metrics
      • Metrics with lots of data
      • Consider how to handle old metrics that no longer track new data. Archive somehow?
      • Fun with math (e.g. combining multiple metrics)
      • Calculated Metrics on Dev site
    • Track down and resolve informational message on full listing page for Project Updates by Key Objective (see, e.g. Projects Updates for key objective: 1.0 iCAP 2020 Illinois Climate Action Plan)
    • Why is the Achieve Zero Waste project map page not loading?
  6. LW004 Monarchs Need Milkweed - Transmitted

    Following approval by the iCAP Working Group, Jennifer Fraterrigo, iSEE Associate Director for Campus Sustainability, transmitted the LW004 Monarchs Need Milkweed to F&S Associate Vice Chancellor and Executive Director, Ehab Kamarah, on 12/15/2022. 

    See the original LW004 Monarchs Need Milkweed recommendation here. 

  7. New iSEE Green Event and Chapter Certifications

    Congratulations to our newest recipients of our Certified Greener Campus Programs as we finish out the semester.

    Green Chapter:

    Alpha Phi Beta (Alpha Chapter), Gold, Recertified December 2022

    Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Gold, Recertified December 2022

     

    Green Event:

    Chancellor's Office for Special Events President and Chancellor’s Holiday Reception, Certified December 2022

     

    Keep up the great work!

  8. Land & Water iCAP Meeting 12/13/2022

    On December 13th, the Land & Water iCAP team met to discuss a new approach to crafting recommendations for next semester; including the creation of a land subcommittee and a water subcommittee.

    Meeting minutes are attached.

  9. Engagement002 Take Action Weblink - Successful

    Madhu Khanna, Director of iSEE, responded to the Engagement iCAP Team on 12/12/22: 

    Dear Engagement Team,

    Thank you for submitting the Engagement002 Take Action Weblink recommendation. We agree that clarifying the Campus Sustainability page on the iSEE website to prioritize “taking action” is an important initiative.

    While we fully support increasing visibility of sustainability best practices and involvement opportunities, we ask that the Engagement team provides an outlined vision of your suggestions on how to consolidate information on the Campus Sustainability Page. Additionally, please provide examples of what type of actions you would like to see by clicking a “take action” link.

    Thank you again for your hard work and we look forward to reviewing your website suggestions!

    Sincerely,

    Madhu Khanna

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

    See transmittal and iWG assessment of Engagement002 Take Action Weblink here.
    See original submittal of Engagement002 Take Action Weblink recommendation here.  

  10. Weekly Update: Slow week

    Associated Project(s): 

    All, Slow week again. A few more kids’ bikes trickled in, which was good. Our giveaway is this coming Saturday and we’re accepting bikes until Friday evening. A notice went out in E-week and the like so hopefully that’ll bump up our count. I haven’t taken inventory at Urbana for our total count but I’m guessing around 40 between both spaces.

    Tony, former Bike Project staffer and integral member in the creation of the original bike center in 2010 was back in town last week. He came and volunteered a full 4 hours and helped train up some staff, too.

    Our sales last week are at a record low. We had a few people in each day but looks like adjustments only, used innertubes, and no purchases. I’ll dig into the numbers this week to confirm it genuinely is that low and not an error.

    The numbers:

    Visitors: 18
    Sales: $5.50

     

    Thanks!

     

    Jacob Benjamin
    Campus Bike Center Coordinator

  11. Zero Waste iCAP Meeting 12/8/2022

    On December 8th, the Zero Waste iCAP team met to discuss a new approach to creating recommendations for next semester. During the meeting, the team created subcommittees based on aspects of the key priorities document and provided feedback on an environmental engineering sustainability project. 

    Meeting minutes are attached.

  12. Engagement003 Sustainability Ambassador Program - Submitted

    The Engagement iCAP Team submitted the attached Engagement003 Sustainability Ambassador Program recommendation to the iWG on 12/8/22. The recommendation states: 

    The Illini Sustainability Ambassador program is meant to have an emphasis in housing but can be applicable in any form across campus. The status would last for one year, with a recertification needed year after year. There will be a one-day introductory training session that covers our own campus sustainability goals (the iCAP). The session includes overview of ILO, Greener Campus Programs, SSC project funding, and highlighting the SSLC and iSEE sustainability event calendars. The introductory session will be at the beginning of the school year, and we will have a celebratory event in April to recognize the people who successfully became sustainability ambassadors. To incorporate the program into housing, there is a checklist of how to make your residence more sustainable (i.e., turning lights off when not in use, eating a vegetarian meal once a week, reusable coffee cup, walking to class, etc.). These actions would contribute to the five hours of volunteering or service that are required to become a sustainability ambassador. 

  13. Engagement005 DIA and Green Sports Alliance - Submitted

    The Engagement iCAP Team submitted the attached Engagement005 DIA and Green Sports Alliance recommendation to the iWG on 12/8/22. The recommendation states as follows:

    The 2020 Illinois Climate Action Plan calls for the university to increase the visibility of campus sustainability efforts by joining the Green Sports Alliance through the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics by summer 2021. While the DIA has not formally joined the Green Sports Alliance, Facilities & Services became a member of the GSA in June 2021, and GSA presented at the October 2021 Illinois Green Infrastructure & Erosion Control Conference. Other Big Ten Institutions involved in the GSA are Indiana University, Michigan State University, Pennsylvania State University, The Ohio State University, The University of Iowa, The University of Michigan, and The University of Minnesota(Swanson 2022).

    University of Illinois Athletics is a role model for college sports. Formally enrolling in the Green Sports Alliance will bridge the gap between organizations/colleges on campus, as well as leading sustainable efforts along with other Big 10 Schools.

  14. Engagement004 ADV498 Sustainability Campaign Partnership - Submitted

    The Engagement iCAP Team submitted the attached recommendation Engagement004 ADV498 Sustainability Campaign Partnership to the iWG on 12/8/22. The recommendation states: 

    The Engagement Team recommends that we implement two sets of campaigns (one designated for students and the other for faculty/staff) that will promote iSEE’s message across campus. Our team has compiled a set of advertising campaigns that were created by this year’s ADV 498 Capstone class to use as advertising materials around the campus. Furthermore, we request that iSEE’s Communication team uses these materials and campaign methods for each term (Spring 2023-Fall 2023 and Spring 2024-Fall 2024). The iCAP Engagement Team can stay involved in this effort if need be. Please see attached documents for Ad Campaign plan.

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