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Project Updates

  2. Update on Campus' Tree Inventory

    Associated Project(s): 
    Tree Campus Higher Education
    Campus Tree Inventory
    Land and Water iCAP Team

    Brent Lewis provided the following update to the Land and Water iCAP Team:

    One of the iCAP objectives under Land and Water (4.2.1) involves a service learning project to better understand our historic and current tree canopy percentages.  I just wanted to reach out and say that I’ve worked it out with our NRES faculty member, Jennifer Fraterrigo that she will work with her students in the fall to prepare this analysis.  As our last 2 tree surveys were generally on 2008 and 2018, they will take a look at those years and put together an analysis.  Over this time, I believe we lost between 10-12% of our tree inventory on campus.  It is my thought that this loss in older trees would have meant a much larger loss in actual tree canopy.  This would generally equate to a loss of habitat, increase in ambient temperatures and increase in rainwater that would otherwise have been used by the trees.  I have been wanting to get a handle on the loss as I push for resources to replace what we had, as well as enhance what we will have for the future.

  3. Voluntary Carbon Market

    Associated Project(s): 
    Develop Local Carbon Offset Program [ARCHIVED]
    Utilize Carbon Credits

    First launched in 2005 by non-profit Forest Trends, Ecosystem Marketplace (EM) has continuously run the world’s first and only independent international carbon offsets market tracking, reporting, and knowledge-sharing mechanism. In April, EM launched its new Global Carbon Survey online platform, aimed at taking carbon market transparency to the next level.

  4. Halie Collins is the Next President of Illinois Solar Decathlon

    Associated Project(s): 
    Illinois Solar Decathlon

    Halie Collins is the officially the next President of the Illinois Solar Decathlon (ISD) team! In her new position, she will be leading the efforts to form the next Build Team and Design Team. 

    The outgoing president, Shashikiran Duraisamy, shared this note of thanks with Morgan White at F&S: "The Illinois Solar Decathlon team is extremely grateful for all the support that you have provided in the last two years. Your support was extremely valuable for our success and to support and contribute towards University’s sustainability initiatives. We are so much grateful for the Facilities and Services’ decision to allow ISD to store our construction materials in the Physical Plant Services Building and the constant support that the Receiving team (Dave Boehm & Jim McGuire) provided us to access the materials with ease. This was a lifesaver for our project. I look forward to the continued relationship between Illinois Solar Decathlon and Facilities & Services."

  5. Bike Registration Signs: 5/30 meeting between Sarthak and Shayna

    Associated Project(s): 
    Bicycle Registration

    Today we discussed the next steps of finalizing a design for the signs and narrowing down on locations. I was tasked with prioritizing the locations. The dorms would get first priority, the other big locations got second priority (like the Union), and third priority was any other location. After we complete these two, we can get confirmation from the Architectural Review Committee.

    Below, I have added the link for the map with all the locations, and a list of the location in priority order.

    https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=17eGVN3C3A9AcW4kga0atpH0pt9NsfkyT&usp=sharing

    First Priority:

    • Snyder Hall
    • Weston Hall
    • Scott Hall
    • Hopkins Hall
    • Wassaja Hall
    • Nugent Hall
    • Barton and Lundgren
    • Taft Van Doren
    • FAR
    • PAR
    • Busey/Evans
    • Allen Hall
    • LAR
    • ISR

    Second Priority:

    • Illini Union
    • Grainger Library
    • South Quad
    • Transit Plaza

    Third Priority:

    • Krannert Center
    • CRCE
    • ARC
    • Armory
    • Memorial Stadium
    • Bardeen Quad
    • ECEB
    • Neutral Cycle

  6. Weekly Update: Summer hours, bike donations

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, Our first week of summer hours was successful! We were steadily busy and able to sell some bikes, accept some donations, and only had one person bemoan our new hours. Yoshi, who volunteered a couple weeks back was able to come lend a hand, which was super helpful.

    This week I’m hiring a new employee who’ll start ASAP. They have loads of experience and will be able to hit the ground running, which will be great. Since the E-week/newsletter blast that Sarthak sent out, we’ve received 12 donations here, so we’re working our way through that stock of bikes; we’ll continue that for this week if it’s slow.

    The numbers:

    Visitors: 44 (?)
    Sales: $918
    Bikes (refurb): 3 for $455
    Memberships: 1 for $30
    U locks: 4 for $84
    Tire/tube: 16 for $73

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Manager, Campus Bike Center

  7. Urban Tree Monitoring Video Mini-Series

    Associated Project(s): 
    Tree Campus Higher Education

    USDA Forest Service's R&D posted a 5-part video mini-series about the importance and benefits of urban tree monitoring. As highlighted in the series, urban tree monitoring can serve several types of management and research goals. For example, a plant program's performance can be evaluated by analyzing the growth, health, and survival of trees! Each of the videos correlates to different topics: Getting Started with Urban Tree Monitoring, Mortality Status, Trunk Diameter, Location Methods, and Managing Field Work.

    To watch the series, please go to USDA Forest Service's R&D Homepage or proceed to their YouTube playlist.

  9. Brainstormed Ideas for the ECE Lobby Display and Kiosks

    Associated Project(s): 
    ECE Net-Zero Energy Building
    Engagement iCAP Team
    Build a Culture of Sustainability

    A document of ideas brainstormed for the displays and kiosks in the ECE lobby was sent to Joyce Mast by F&S contacts. These ideas were created with the goal of having students actively engage with the display through physical interaction, as well as passive engagement while students look at the stations in passing.

    Attached Files: 

  10. archived info - previous project background

    Associated Project(s): 
    Zero Waste iCAP Team

    This team focuses on the 2015 iCAP objectives for Chapter 6, as well as the food-related objective from Chapter 7, including:

    6.1 By FY17, environmental standards will be applied to purchases of office paper, cleaning products, computers, other electronics, and freight/package delivery services. At least 50% of purchases in these categories will meet campus standards by FY20, and 75% by FY25

    6.2 Reduce municipal solid waste (MSW) going to landfills. This involves reducing nondurable goods purchases, effectively reusing materials, and recycling. In the latter category, campus will increase the diversion rate of MSW to 45% by FY20, 60% by FY25, and 80% by FY35, while also increasing the total diversion rate to 90% by FY20 and 95% by FY25. MSW sent to landfills should decline to 2,000 tons annually by 2035

    6.3 Utilize landfills with methane capture

    6.4 Appropriately staff Zero Waste efforts through the hiring of a full-time Zero Waste Coordinator.

    7.4 Implement a project that examines the food service carbon footprint for Dining and other on campus food vendors, while increasing local food procurement to 40% by FY25

  11. archived info - previous project background

    Associated Project(s): 
    Transportation iCAP Team

    This team focuses on the 2015 iCAP objectives for Chapter 4, including:

    4.1 Reduce air travel emissions from a new FY14 baseline by 25% by FY20, 50% by FY25, and 100% by FY27.

    4.2 Reduce emissions from the Urbana-Champaign campus fleet by 20% for departmentally-owned and carpool vehicles by FY20

    4.3 Conduct a detailed study by the end of FY17 to develop scenarios for complete conversion of the campus fleet to renewable fuels

    4.4 Reduce the percentage of staff trips made using single-occupancy vehicles from 65% to 55% by FY20, 50% by FY25, and 45% by FY30

    4.5 Implement the Campus Bike Plan on the schedule noted in that plan. Notable deadlines include full implementation of new bikeway facilities by FY25, bike parking within 150 feet of every building in the core of campus by FY20, and bike rentals by FY20.

    4.6 Appropriately staff sustainable transportation efforts, especially through the hiring of an Active Transportation Coordinator.

  12. archived info - previous project background

    Associated Project(s): 
    Land and Water iCAP Team

    This team focuses on the 2015 iCAP objectives for Chapter 5 and Chapter 7, including:

    5.1 Obtain and publicize more granular water use data by FY16, including water quantity and quality data where available

    5.2 Improve the water efficiency of cooling towers by limiting the amount discharged to sewer to less than 20% of water intake for chiller plant towers, and less than 33% for stand-alone building towers, by FY20

    5.3 Perform a water audit to establish water conservation targets — and determine upper limits for water demand by end-use — for incorporation into facilities standards by FY16.

    5.4 Inventory and benchmark campus’ existing landscape performance by FY17

    5.5 Through an open solicitation process, implement at least four pilot projects to showcase the potential of water and/or stormwater reuse by FY20, with the objective of implementing a broader program by FY25

    5.6 Investigate the water quality impacts of stormwater runoff and potential ways to reduce stormwater pollutant discharges by FY187.1 Perform a comprehensive assessment of GHG emissions from agricultural operations, and develop a plan to reduce them, by the end of FY16

    7.2 Design and maintain campus landscapes in a more sustainable manner; expand the specification of sustainable plantings in campus landscaping standards, and develop and implement a tree care plan by FY16 and an integrated pest management program by FY17

    7.3 Incorporate sustainability principles more fully into the Campus Master Plan.

    7.5 Increase carbon sequestration in campus soils by determining the sequestration value of existing plantings and identifying locations for additional plantings, with a specific objective of converting at least 50 acres of U of I farmland to agroforestry by FY20

    7.6 Reduce nitrates in agricultural runoff and subsurface drainage by 50% from the FY15 baseline by FY22

  13. TED Talk: Eco Edition Series - Bikes

    Associated Project(s): 
    TED Talk: Eco Edition Series [ARCHIVED]
    Campus Bike Center

    Thank you for attending another excellent TED Talk: Eco-Edition series discussion all about bikes on 5/26! Sarthak Prasad led a great discussion on Wednesday evening after watching Adam Stone’s TED Talk, “How cycling transforms people and places.” Sarthak’s presentation is attached. Be sure to check out the Bike @ Illinois website for more information about the Bike Center, bike routes, safety, and other helpful resources! You are welcome to contact bike@illinois.edu at any time with questions or feedback.

    Thank you again for attending on Wednesday, and we look forward to seeing you at our next TED Talk discussion in June on the topic of water! Stay tuned for more details by checking out the iSEE Sustainability Calendar and signing up for the newsletter. Have a nice and safe Memorial Day weekend!

    Attached Files: 

  14. archived info - previous background info

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy iCAP Team

    This team focuses on the 2015 iCAP objectives for Chapter 2 and Chapter 3, including:

    2.1 Maintain or reduce the campus gross square footage relative to the FY10 baseline.

    2.2 Identify the highest achievable energy standards for new buildings and major renovations, and incorporate these into the campus facility standards by the end of FY16.

    2.3 Strengthen centralized conservation efforts focusing on building systems, to achieve a 30% reduction in total campus buildings energy use by FY20.  This includes meeting the LED Campus commitments.

    2.4 Engage and incentivize the campus community in energy conservation, including a comprehensive energy conservation campaign, with at least 50% of units participating by FY20.

    3.1 The Energy Generation, Purchasing, and Distribution SWATeam, in collaboration with Facilities & Services and topical Consultation Groups, will lead an exploration of options for 100% clean campus energy during FY16 and submit recommendations through the formal sustainability process.

    3.2 Expand on-campus solar energy production.  By FY20, produce at least 12,500 MWh/year, and by FY25 at least 25,000 MWh/year, from solar installations on campus property.

    3.3 Expand the purchase of clean energy. By FY20, obtain at least 120,000 MWh, and by FY25 at least 140,000 MWh from low-carbon energy sources. These targets represent 48% and 56% of our expected 2050 electricity demand, respectively.

    3.4 Offset all emissions from the National Petascale Computing Facility (and other successor facilities) by the conclusion of the current period of National Science Foundation support.

  15. UIUC Becomes an Official Member of Green Sports Alliance

    Associated Project(s): 
    Green Sports Alliance (GSA)

    The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Facilities & Services (F&S) department officially became a Green Sports Alliance (GSA) member! In doing so, F&S strives to further promote sustainable projects and environmental stewardship.  

    This announcement was officially released as a part of GSA’s “Member Spotlight” in its May 2021 Newsletter. 

  16. BIF (#1206) Solar Panel Info

    Associated Project(s): 
    BIF Rooftop Solar PVs

    In May 2021, Allison Biernacki analyzed documents regarding the BIF solar project located at Building #1206. These files were provided by the Project Manager, Kevin Price. According to Biernacki, there are 19 panels at 345W with 97% efficiency.

    See the attached file to view the original source of data, including Module & Inverter Cut Sheets, as well System Specifications for the project.

    Attached Files: 

  17. Introductory meeting with Dr. Yun Yi and F&S contacts

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy Models for Campus Facilities

    Dr. Yi, Joe Villanti, Tom Keller, and Morgan White met on 5-25-2021 to kickoff this collaboration for developing Energy Models for campus facilities.  The Agenda included:

    1. Introductions - Yun teaches a grad level Architecture class.
    2. Review of Energy005 recommendation and project goals: a) gain knowledge about campus building energy performance compared to projections, b) expose students to energy modeling using campus as a living lab, c) identify buildings that are wildly energy intensive and should be prioritized for energy conservation initiatives, d) consider potential improvements to Facilities Standards, e) create energy models for campus buildings and find areas to improve.
    3. Discussion of modeling options: a) most intensive would be to calibrate an energy model using an existing model and known energy use, b) creating a building energy projection for a new building based on design drawings, c) build a baseline energy model using ASHRAE 90.1
    4. Consideration of building options for this coming fall semester: well-known buildings like ECE, new buildings like BNAAC, older buildings. Tom could look at a few categories and make some suggested buildings to consider.
    5. Software options: a) Trane Trace is the F&S standard, but it is not specifically required, b) e-quest, c) others - based on consultants preferred format.
    6. Next steps: Tom and Joe send building list to recommend for first round. Yun will review them and request additional info for the buildings he is interested in working with this year. Morgan will introduce Damon McFall to this team, and Rizwan Uddin for the Masters in Energy Systems. Morgan will send the Siebel Center for Design video introduction.
    7. Potential additional support: Could F&S fund an RA for the fall semester?  Yun will send Morgan and email with a request including costs.  Also, Tom is happy to support the class as a guest lecturer, and support throughout the semester. Could SEDAC provide additional support? Could some MEP, Materials Engienering students, etc. get added to the process?

     

  19. Resources for Engagement and Displays

    Associated Project(s): 
    ECE Net-Zero Energy Building
    Energy Dashboard Project
    Engagement iCAP Team

    During a conversation between U of I staff across multiple departments, the following resources were compiled to brainstorm content for the display and kiosks in the ECE lobby:

    1. Illinois Scholar Schools & Wind Schools: Urbana Middle School
    2. Online Database of Solar Farm 2.0 Statistics
    3. GreenLite: Information Visualization System to Encourage Behaviors that Conserve Resources
    4. Smart Grid for Schools: Virtual Grid Construction
    5. CREDC: Tesla Town, Smart Circuits - Lights On!, etc.
    6. Creating Animations for GreenLite Dartmouth

     

  20. Case Study - Carbon Offsetting at UIUC

    Associated Project(s): 
    Utilize Carbon Credits

    AlliedOffset, a database of voluntary carbon offset programs in the world, helped curate a case study regarding carbon offsetting at UIUC. This document offers a variety of information including, but not limited to, Credits Retired per Year per Student, Ranking of Universities by Total Credits Retired, and details regarding major solar installation projects on campus. 

    See the attached file to read the case study.

    Attached Files: 

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