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  1. SmartWay E-update

    Associated Project(s): 
    EPA SmartWay Affiliate

     

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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 Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

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  2. Green Lab Initiatives Take Root Around the World

    Associated Project(s): 
    Green Research Committee

    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

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainability Council
    Achieve Zero Waste
    Clean Energy Plan
    Sustainability Gen-Ed Requirement
    Sustainable Land Management Committee

    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. 

    Attached Files: 

  8. Campus Energy Student Video 2022

    Associated Project(s): 
    Independent Student Projects
    Explore Options for 100 Percent Clean Campus Energy

    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

     

  9. iCAP Portal Admin Meeting - January 6, 2023

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainability iCAP Portal

    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?

  10. New iSEE Green Event and Chapter Certifications

    Associated Project(s): 
    Certified Green Chapter Program
    Certified Green Event Program
    Certified Greener Campus Programs

    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!

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

    Associated Project(s): 
    Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
    Cover Crops on South Farms
    Campus Landscape Master Plan (CLMP)
    Water Conservation [ARCHIVED]
    Obtain and Publicize Water Data
    Land and Water iCAP Team

    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.

    Attached Files: 

  14. Weekly Update: Slow week

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    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

  15. Zero Waste iCAP Meeting 12/8/2022

    Associated Project(s): 
    Develop Sustainable Purchasing Policies
    Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) Climate Action Plan
    Food Waste Reduction
    Plastic Bag Recycling
    Zero Waste iCAP Team

    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.

    Attached Files: 

  16. ISTC sends a draft proposal to F&S

    Associated Project(s): 
    Waste Stream Characterization Study Phase 3

    From: Scrogum, Joy Joann <jscrogum@illinois.edu>
    Sent: Thursday, December 8, 2022 5:10 PM
    To: Hulse, Daphne Lauren <dlhulse2@illinois.edu>
    Cc: Samaras, Zach <zsamaras@illinois.edu>; Feher, Savannah <sfeher@illinois.edu>; Vogel, Kealie Diann <kdvogel2@illinois.edu>
    Subject: UIUC 2023 waste audit proposal

     

    Hello, Daphne it was nice to speak with you earlier on the zero waste iCAP call. I’m glad our committee was able to submit the recommendation on expanding food recovery through Project4 Less to the iCAP Working Group and look forward to their response. Based on today’s discussion, I’m excited to tackle further priorities next semester, and I look forward to hearing more about the progression of the student project you shared.

     

    Attached is ISTC’s proposal for the waste characterization study we’ve discussed, including two options (Tier I and Tier II) for your consideration. I hope this accurately reflects your goals and expectations for the project. Please let me know if you have questions or would like to discuss further customization or adjustments to better match your needs. And of course, please let me know if you’re leaning toward pursuit of Tier I or Tier II based on estimated costs.

     

    We look forward to hearing from you,

    Joy

     

    Joy Scrogum
    Assistant Scientist, Sustainability
    LEED Green Associate | Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP)
    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    Prairie Research Institute
    Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC)
    Champaign, IL 61820

    Attached Files: 

  18. Education iCAP Team December Meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    Education iCAP Team

    Education iCAP Team had its final monthly online meeting of the semester on Monday, December 5th, at 5 PM. The team had two guests from GIES College of Business: Gopesh Anand and Sharon Shavitt. The team discussed potential ways to improve sustainability education at the College of Business with the guests. Afterward, the team further discussed the Sustainability in Study Abroad Recommendation draft, which is ready to be submitted to iWG. Finally, the team chair, Jessica Nicholson, gave updates on the Sustainability Gen-Ed project. The meeting minutes are attached. 

    Attached Files: 

  19. 12-7-22 External Meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    "Don't Waste" with Coca-Cola

    On December 7, UIUC sustainability representatives met with Coca-Cola and discussed the following:

    Attendance: Jake Slager, Shawn Patterson, Dominika Szal, Sarah Carten, Thurman Etchison, Daphne Hulse, Liz Doeschot, Jen Fraterrigo

    • Debrief from last week’s call:

      • Thinking about how we can integrate the Don’t Waste campaign into our existing initiatives that we have planned for spring 2023: Big Ten basketball game (February/March), ISTC waste audit (March), Earth Month (April), Earth Day (April 22), Housing/F&S Dump & Run (May).

      • Social media: Don’t Waste Wednesdays - spread the responsibility and partnership across F&S, iSEE, the Union, Housing/Dining, DIA so it is feasible to achieve.

        • Allows the different groups to specialize in their areas (e.g. iSEE sharing research-related news, Dining sharing food-waste related news).

        • Jake suggests that we could create friendly competition to keep the entities engaged and wanting to produce content.

      • Interest in exploring the Illini App for sustainability initiatives / GIS maps (water bottle refill stations).

      • Jen is planning to coordinate small internal group to talk through the reusable cup idea. It needs more exploration.

      • Interest in pursuing a zero waste basketball game in the spring (Big Ten).

    • Cadence for next year: how often should we meet, who should be included?

      • May consider meeting less than once per week (maybe every other week) unless there is an upcoming event where we need to meet every week leading up to it.

    • What do we need bin-wise?

      • Temporary bins tend to be inherently flimsy.

      • The cost of sturdier bins is much greater.

      • May be worth a revisit in the future to figure out an alternative.

    • Feedback: what’s been helpful with Coke calls? What can they continue to support?

      • Helpful that Coke facilitates a synergy across different entities at U of I that don’t always get to communicate so regularly on issues of sustainability.

    • Next week will be the assessment call for waste management.

    • Spring planning: Earth Month, Earth Day, surprise & delight, events.

    • Would need to contact concessions to see if they can track the amount of items sold.

      • having their input would help us get more accurate data.

     

  20. Campus Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) fall 2022

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC)
    Bike at Illinois Website and Campaign
    Bicycle Registration
    Pedestrian and Bicycle Counts
    Walkability Study
    ADA Transition Plan and 2017 Supplement
    Commuter Program: Bus, Bike, and Hike
    Reduce Driving on Campus
    Support Zipcar in Champaign-Urbana
    Bike Share with Veo
    Collection and Donation of Abandoned Bicycles

    Please see attached the final presentation for the CTAC fall 2022. Watch the meeting recording here: https://uofi.box.com/s/6fp2xuq2qnwv4vgm34itku4pbdy2bioy

    Attached Files: 

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