Mei Tessum reached out to Morgan White to ask for approval to put ammonia air pollution sensors around campus. Morgan redirected Mei to the Architectural Review Committee who is responsible for requests regarding temporary and permanent installations on campus. 

A picture of the ammonia air pollution measurement instrument is attached:

Please see the attached newsletter for updates from the EPA's SmartWay program for the months of February and March. 

A document containing the notes from this interview is attached below.

Summary of the Clean Energy Transition Plan Interview:

Maria Maring - SSLC iWG Representative

Gabriel Kosmacher -SSLC Member

On 3/11/22, the team met with SSLC representatives from the iWG, Maria Maring and Gabriel Kosmacher. They had beneficial insight into the human side of energy implementation on campus. They both have experience in allocating SSLC funds to student proposed projects, so it was interesting to hear their point of view of sustainability projects on campus. They recommended energy conservation techniques that do not rely on individual actions. They also provided insight into the fact that students just want to see clean energy on campus, and they do not care how it happens. Finally, they expressed concerns on the location of micro nuclear reactors on campus, while also stressing that students would not be against nuclear power if they are educated on the topic.

Hello Campus Race to Zero Waste 2022 Participants,

I hope everyone is doing well. Week 7 begins this Sunday!

Just a reminder, If your campus is unable to track waste, please consider hosting an online education and engagement campaign during the competition timeframe. Please see attached for the CR2ZW 2022 participant badge (two file formats). Please post this on your websites, and share via social media to highlight and celebrate your participation in the 2022 Campus Race to Zero Waste!

FEATURED INFO in this Email: (more details bellow)

• Share videos and photos from your competitions
• Week 6 ends tomorrow, Saturday, March 12, 2022
• Week 7 begins Sunday, March 13, 2022
• April 5 Webinar: New Plastics Reduction Partner Certification Program
• Graduate Student Fellowship Opportunities ($6,000 Fellowship Stipend)
• EcoCareers 2022 – 30% Discount on Campus Sponsorships for CR2ZW Partners

Upcoming deadlines, and other key information and resources:

• Share videos and photos from your competitions! Use hashtag #CR2ZW2022 when posting your photos and videos to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok.
   
• Week 6 reporting is due Wednesday, March 16. Check out the 2021-2022 calendar for upcoming deadlines. To report for Week 6, go to ReTRAC log-in at https://connect.re-trac.com/login and click on Week 6 report. Be sure to click Complete and Save at the bottom of the report.
  
  • Zero Waste Main Category Participants – There are separate reports in ReTRAC to complete if you are participating in the main, 8-week Zero Waste category (tracking trash, recycling, food organics and materials for reuse); This category doesn’t not have a real-time weekly ranking report due to the “materials for reuse reporting.”
    
    • Step 1: Fill out “Zero Waste Building Description and Identification Survey” to share information about the three buildings that are participating.
    • Step 2: There are weekly Zero Waste reports (similar to the weekly reports for Diversion, Per Capita Recycling and Food Organics) to be filled out each week.
    • Step 3: The “Zero Waste Building Waste Audit/Waste Minimization Survey” should be completed by the end of the competition/review period. The waste audit has been waived for 2022, so please do not complete that section of the survey. Please complete the “Waste Minimization Activities” section only.

Note: The guidance above is for the main, 8-week Zero Waste category only. The Race to Zero Waste – One Building Challenge is a special category, requiring one-month tracking; reporting due by end of the competition/review period.

• Week 7 begins Sunday, March 13 through Saturday, March 19. Reporting for Week 7 is due, Wednesday, March 23, 2022.
• April 5 Webinar – Learn about New Plastics Reduction Partner Certification Program – The National Wildlife Federation and the Campus Race to Zero Waste are excited to announce the launch of a new certification program for colleges and universities taking action to reduce the purchase and use of plastics on campus.  There are three levels of certification available: Bronze, Silver and Green. Campuses will be asked to report on actions in the following categories: Building Awareness, Support Behavior Change, Assess and Implement Operational Change and Demonstrate Institutional Leadership. This is a FREE program to participate in. Participation in this program is eligible for AASHE STARS innovation credit. Learn more at Plastics Reduction Partner. National Wildlife Federation is a proud member of the #BreakFreeFromPlastic Movement. Register for April 5 Webinar to learn more about this new program.
• Graduate Student Fellowship Opportunities ($6,000 Stipend): PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR CAMPUS NETWORK - National Wildlife Federation Graduate Student Fellows help to inform and strengthen NWF Education and Engagement programs through dedicated research projects. Monetary fellowship grants are awarded to graduate students working with NWF staff on research that helps to expand the content and development of a variety of efforts across NWF's Education and Engagement programs. Fellows join a national network of current and alumni fellows, many of whom have gone on to lead new businesses, agencies, and programs for sustainability all across the U.S. NWF is currently accepting applications for the six graduate student Fellowship Positions. Learn more and share this opportunity with your network. Applications are due April 22, 2022.
• 30% Discount for CR2ZW campuses for 2022 EcoCareers Conference. National Wildlife Federation is excited to offer Campus Race to Zero Waste 2021 and 2022 competition participants a discounted opportunity to become an EcoCareers Campus Sponsor for the upcoming 2022 EcoCareers Conference (April 6-7). Use the promo code “32100” to access 30% off campus sponsorship membership! NWF is currently planning the agenda for the 2022 EcoCareers Conference which will feature keynotes and panels about academic pathways and careers in health and wellness, environmental justice, urban planning, environmental education, and more. On top of that, NWF will have interactive project and career planning workshops for students of all levels on both days of the conference. Learn more.  Please reach out to me if you are interested in this opportunity.

More 2022 CR2ZW Competition Resources:

• Check out CR2ZW Guide: Ideas and resources for hosting an online education and engagement campaign. If you are participating in the competition online only, please choose “special category > case study competition” during registration; if you need to make changes to your registration, please reach out to me.
• Student/Staff FTE: During registration, campuses are asked to enter in their student and staff numbers. We provide a link to a data sheet with this info; however, this information is from late 2020/early 2021, so if you have more current numbers please enter those numbers in. We can update these numbers anytime during registration. We understand that campuses may not be at full capacity.
• Quick Links – Check out key resources and information for Campus Race to Zero Waste 2022 campus participants including the 2022 Scoreboard, downloadable templates, info on volume to weight estimates, and more. The 2022 Scoreboard will be updated with real-time report links in time for the beginning of the competition.  

Please contact me with any questions.

Thanks, take care,

Kristy

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

Kristy Jones

Director, Higher Education Programs

Campus Race to Zero Waste Manager, www.CampusRacetoZeroWaste.org

National Wildlife Federation

703-438-6262

On Mar 9, 2022, at 5:35 PM, Ellis, James Lee <jellis at illinois.edu> wrote:



Kevin,

Is the Florida and Orchard prairie planting now under your purview at the arboretum?

No, however we help out as needed - brush pick up, shrub cutting. John Marlin is the best source for info about management etc….

Nathan Hudson and I have mowed the prairie in early spring the past few years. I’m willing to do that again in lieu of prescribed fire if desired.

Great, probably due for a prescribed fire. 

Let us know if we can assist?

Best,

Jamie

JAMES L. ELLIS
Natural Areas Coordinator
 
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute | University of Illinois
1816 S. Oak St. | M/C 652
Champaign, IL 61820
217.244.5695 | 217.649.7230 | jellis at illinois.edu
research.illinois.edu/cna

inhs.illinois.edu/research/natural-areas-uiuc/
 

From: Rosenbery, Amy Nichole
Sent: Wednesday, March 9, 2022 7:48 AM
To: Rosenbery, Amy Nichole
Subject: Reminder: Invitation to Environmental Leadership Program Banquet

Good morning all,

Just sending a reminder that we need an RSVP by end of the day today.

Dear Colleagues,

I hope this finds you well. I am reaching out to invite you to the first closing banquet of the Environmental Leadership Program organized by the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE).

The ELP wraps up in a couple of weeks with a trip to Springfield, where students will present their crafted policy to state legislators and staff. The program will conclude with a celebratory banquet at the Illini Union on Thursday, March 17, 2022, from 5-7:30 pm.

As a valuable member at iSEE, we would be delighted if you could join us in celebrating the successful launch of the program. I have attached the event agenda for additional information. To confirm your attendance, kindly reply to this email by Wednesday, March 9.

On behalf of everyone at iSEE, I would like to thank you again for your contribution to building the program!

Best Regards,
Amy

Amy Rosenbery
Business Administrative Associate
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment
National Soybean Research Center
1101 W. Peabody, suite 350, MC-635
Urbana, IL 61801
217/333-4178
www.sustainability.illinois.edu

A document containing the notes from this interview is attached below.

Summary of the Clean Energy Transition Plan Interview:

Ximing Cai - CEE Professor, Former Associate Director of iSEE

On 3/8/22, the team met with Ximing Cai. He was able to provide us with useful information on biofuels, geothermal, and nuclear options for the campus. He suggests geothermal as a good option, with potential for biofuels or nuclear although there is still a lot to consider. A big issue with these technologies is cost. Also placed an emphasis on energy conservation and advised us to be bold with our plan because it is needed to reach the desired goals. From here, we plan to contact someone with detailed knowledge of nuclear and geothermal systems to learn more about their potential on campus.

Attached is information about the 2022 Mulch Madness competition.

This link features a map which includes both existing and proposed green roofs on campus.

https://icap.sustainability.illinois.edu/project/232/map

Champaign County provided this information about recycling programs in town

Pictures from a Waste Transfer Station tour can be found in the attached link:

https://uofi.box.com/s/h0gvfs5uu82nol68goe72jieyabbn23u

Hello Campus Race to Zero Waste 2022 Participants,

I hope everyone is doing well. Week 6 begins this Sunday!

Just a reminder, If your campus is unable to track waste, please consider hosting an online education and engagement campaign during the competition timeframe. Please see attached for the CR2ZW 2022 participant badge (two file formats). Please post this on your websites, and share via social media to highlight and celebrate your participation in the 2022 Campus Race to Zero Waste!

FEATURED INFO in this Email: (more details bellow)

• Graduate Student Fellowship Opportunities ($6,000 Fellowship Stipend)
• Week 5 ends tomorrow, Saturday, March 5, 2022
• Week 6 begins Sunday, March 6, 2022
• EcoCareers 2022 – 30% Discount on Campus Sponsorships for CR2ZW Partners
• April 5 Webinar: New Plastics Reduction Partner Certification Program

Upcoming deadlines, and other key information and resources:

• Graduate Student Fellowship Opportunities ($6,000 Stipend): PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR CAMPUS NETWORK - National Wildlife Federation Graduate Student Fellows help to inform and strengthen NWF Education and Engagement programs through dedicated research projects. Monetary fellowship grants are awarded to graduate students working with NWF staff on research that helps to expand the content and development of a variety of efforts across NWF's Education and Engagement programs. Fellows join a national network of current and alumni fellows, many of whom have gone on to lead new businesses, agencies, and programs for sustainability all across the U.S. NWF is currently accepting applications for the six graduate student Fellowship Positions. Learn more and share this opportunity with your network.
• Week 5 reporting is due Wednesday, March 9. Check out the 2021-2022 calendar for upcoming deadlines. To report for Week 5, go to ReTRAC log-in at https://connect.re-trac.com/login and click on Week 5 report. Be sure to click Complete and Save at the bottom of the report.
  
  • Zero Waste Main Category Participants – There are separate reports in ReTRAC to complete if you are participating in the main, 8-week Zero Waste category (tracking trash, recycling, food organics and materials for reuse); This category doesn’t not have a real-time weekly ranking report due to the “materials for reuse reporting.”
    
    • Step 1: Fill out “Zero Waste Building Description and Identification Survey” to share information about the three buildings that are participating.
    • Step 2: There are weekly Zero Waste reports (similar to the weekly reports for Diversion, Per Capita Recycling and Food Organics) to be filled out each week.
    • Step 3: The “Zero Waste Building Waste Audit/Waste Minimization Survey” should be completed by the end of the competition/review period. The waste audit has been waived for 2022, so please do not complete that section of the survey. Please complete the “Waste Minimization Activities” section only.

Note: The guidance above is for the main, 8-week Zero Waste category only. The Race to Zero Waste – One Building Challenge is a special category, requiring one-month tracking; reporting due by end of the competition/review period.

• Week 6 begins Sunday, March 6 through Saturday, March 12. Reporting for Week 6 is due, Wednesday, March 16, 2022.
• 30% Discount for CR2ZW campuses for 2022 EcoCareers Conference. National Wildlife Federation is excited to offer Campus Race to Zero Waste 2021 and 2022 competition participants a discounted opportunity to become an EcoCareers Campus Sponsor for the upcoming 2022 EcoCareers Conference (April 6-7). Use the promo code “32100” to access 30% off campus sponsorship membership! NWF is currently planning the agenda for the 2022 EcoCareers Conference which will feature keynotes and panels about academic pathways and careers in health and wellness, environmental justice, urban planning, environmental education, and more. On top of that, NWF will have interactive project and career planning workshops for students of all levels on both days of the conference. Learn more.  Please reach out to me if you are interested in this opportunity.
• April 5 Webinar - New Plastics Reduction Partner Certification Program – The National Wildlife Federation and the Campus Race to Zero Waste are excited to announce the launch of a new certification program for colleges and universities taking action to reduce the purchase and use of plastics on campus.  There are three levels of certification available: Bronze, Silver and Green. Campuses will be asked to report on actions in the following categories: Building Awareness, Support Behavior Change, Assess and Implement Operational Change and Demonstrate Institutional Leadership. This is a FREE program to participate in. Participation in this program is eligible for AASHE STARS innovation credit. Learn more at Plastics Reduction Partner. National Wildlife Federation is a proud member of the #BreakFreeFromPlastic Movement. Register for April 5 Webinar to learn more about this new program.

More 2022 CR2ZW Competition Resources:

• Check out CR2ZW Guide: Ideas and resources for hosting an online education and engagement campaign. If you are participating in the competition online only, please choose “special category > case study competition” during registration; if you need to make changes to your registration, please reach out to me.
• Student/Staff FTE: During registration, campuses are asked to enter in their student and staff numbers. We provide a link to a data sheet with this info; however, this information is from late 2020/early 2021, so if you have more current numbers please enter those numbers in. We can update these numbers anytime during registration. We understand that campuses may not be at full capacity.
• Quick Links – Check out key resources and information for Campus Race to Zero Waste 2022 campus participants including the 2022 Scoreboard, downloadable templates, info on volume to weight estimates, and more. The 2022 Scoreboard will be updated with real-time report links in time for the beginning of the competition.  
• Competition Tracking and Reporting Webinar Recording – You can watch all webinar recordings from the fall at this link. If you have any questions about tracking and reporting, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please contact me with any questions.

Thanks, take care,

Kristy

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

Kristy Jones

Director, Higher Education Programs

Campus Race to Zero Waste Manager, www.CampusRacetoZeroWaste.org

National Wildlife Federation

703-438-6262

1. Syd Trimble and Dominika Szal began efforts to create a comprehensive waste management survey to dissmeninate to all Big Ten and Friends affiliated insitutitons. With the results in hand, they would collate and summarize the data, and give back the analysis to each of the schools for their benefit. The purpose was to benchmark schools against one another and determine the highlights and opportunities for improvement at each school.
2. Draft of the initial survey:
   1. I saw that your school has a goal of achieving a [insert % waste diversion by whatever year]. Why did your school decide to work on reducing your waste production in the first place?
      
      1. What year was the goal initially decided? (what is your benchmark year?)
      2. What was the waste diversion rate of your benchmark year?
      3. Why did you decide on this rate as a goal?
      4. If you accomplish your goal by [desired year], would you then work on maintaining that waste diversion rate or would you work on diverting even more waste?
      5. What waste goal metrics do you track?
      6. What do you include in your waste diversion rate?
   2. What are the most common challenges you face when attempting to reach waste reduction goals?
      
      1. How did you identify your next course of action to deal with these challenges?
   3. Which initiatives would you say were the most effective in reaching your goals for waste reduction?
   4. Do you provide your own recycling or waste collection services or is it outsourced?
   5. How is recycling funded?
      
      1. Do you sell your collected recyclables?
         
         1. How is that revenue used?
   6. How is waste disposal funded?
   7. How important is investing in public education about recycling/waste reduction?
      
      1. How do you get the word out about recycling or any initiatives you have going on
      2. Have you noticed which types of marketing tend to be more receptive by certain demographics (such as students or faculty?)
      3. Does your institution have any training for students and/or faculty for them to be more aware of recycling?
      4. What are ongoing initiatives that your institution is developing? (ex. recycling app, recyclopedia)
   8. With football games, we typically see a lot of waste, whether it’s from tailgating or the game itself. What has your institution done to effectively increase recycling/reduce waste at these events? If you haven’t done so yet, are there any plans in the works?
      
      1. Do you work directly with the concessionaire?
      2. Who works as the liaison with Athletics? Do you have a sustainability specialist working within Athletics?
      3. How do you get enough volunteers to help with achieving your waste reduction goals at the games?
      4. What would you say helped the most with increasing recycling rates during football games?
   9. Do you have any specialty recycling initiatives? Some examples of specialty recycling include batteries, PPE, glasses recycling, or phone recycling.
   10. Question related to procurement goals (look up “sustainable leadership purchasing council”)
       
       1. Do you currently have a sustainable procurement policy in place?
          
          1. If no, is your institution pursuing a sustainable procurement policy?
       2. Were there any challenges that arose while developing this policy?
   11. Does your institution address e-waste, whether through re-use (ex. a surplus store) or donation?