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Project Updates

  1. Climate Emergency Letter

    Associated Project(s): 
    President's Strategic Framework

    I approve signing this on behalf of the system - thanks, Evan, for your leadership

        Tim

     

    Sent from my iPhone


    On Sep 11, 2019, at 2:32 PM, Delucia, Evan H <delucia@illinois.edu> wrote:

    Dear Tim,

     

    All three U of I campuses have signed the Second Nature climate commitment for American higher education institutions.  The Climate Emergency Letter is associated with international efforts, and it is already signed by Second Nature, automatically bringing in our three campuses.  It is an opportunity to reinforce the commitments of the Urbana, Springfield, and Chicago campuses, while also sending a clear signal to the System Office departments and employees. 

     

    The letter is simply this:

    “As institutions and networks of higher and further education from across the world, we collectively declare a Climate Emergency in recognition of the need for a drastic societal shift to combat the growing threat of climate change. 

    The young minds that are shaped by our institutions must be equipped with the knowledge, skills and capability to respond to the ever-growing challenges of climate change. We all need to work together to nurture a habitable planet for future generations and to play our part in building a greener and cleaner future for all.

    We are today committing to collectively step up to the challenge by supporting a three-point plan which includes:

    1.       Mobilizing more resources for action-oriented climate change research and skills creation;

    2.       Committing to going carbon neutral by 2030 or 2050 at the very latest;

    3.       Increasing the delivery of environmental and sustainability education across curriculum, campus and community outreach programmes.

    We call on governments and other education institutions to join us in declaring a Climate Emergency and back this up with actions that will help create a better future for both people and our planet.”  

     

    The Urbana commitment is to be carbon neutral as soon as possible, and no later than 2050, I am writing to ask that you sign the Climate Emergency Letter to formally have our System join the commitment and the international movement. 

     

    This has a deadline of November 1, 2019, so that the signatories can be shared at the COP 25 in Chile this December. Click here to sign.

     

    Thanks,

    Evan

     

     

     

    -- 

    Evan H. De Lucia, Ph.D.
    G. William Arends Professor of Integrative Biology
    Baum Family Director, Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment
    Director, Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation
    University of Illinois

    phone: 217 333 6177
    fax: 217 244 7246

    http://sustainability.illinois.edu
    https://cabbi.bio/

     

  2. Transportation reference info

    Associated Project(s): 
    Transportation iCAP Team
    2015 Illinois Climate Action Plan (2015 iCAP) [ARCHIVED]
    iCAP 2020: Illinois Climate Action Plan
    Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS)

    The attached file and following links are reference materials for the Transportation SWATeam, for developing draft objectives for the 2020 iCAP.

     

    Every few years iSEE submits data to the Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), in the Sustainability Tracking and Assessment Reporting System (STARS).  Our campus is STARS gold, and we would like to aim for platinum.  This is a resource as you consider 2020 iCAP objectives.

     

     

    If you click on a link above and then choose “Credit Info,” you can see the data requirements for that item. 

    Attached Files: 

  3. Reference info for Zero Waste SWATeam

    Associated Project(s): 
    Zero Waste iCAP Team
    Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS)
    2015 Illinois Climate Action Plan (2015 iCAP) [ARCHIVED]
    iCAP 2020: Illinois Climate Action Plan

    The attached file and following links are reference materials for the Zero Waste SWATeam, for developing draft objectives for the 2020 iCAP.

    Every few years iSEE submits data to the Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), in the Sustainability Tracking and Assessment Reporting System (STARS).  Our campus is STARS gold, and we would like to aim for platinum.  This is a resource as you consider 2020 iCAP objectives.

     

     

    You can see from the scores above that some items were not pursued.  If you click on a link above and then choose “Credit Info,” you can see the data requirements for that item. 

    Attached Files: 

  4. Next steps phone call

    Associated Project(s): 
    ECE Net-Zero Energy Building
    Solar Farm 2.0

    Morgan White and Joyce Mast discussed next steps for acheiving Net-Zero status for the ECE Building.  Mike Marquissee is working on a draft MOU about using Solar Farm 2.0 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

    Joyce is seeking student input about what should go on the ECE Building interactive display.  If you are interested in working with her on this, contact her at jmast@illinois.edu. 

  5. Torch Blinking bike lights received, Light assembly, and Volunteer Training

    Associated Project(s): 
    Light the Night

    Jake Benjamin received the Torch Blinking Bike Lights on September 18, 2019.

    Barry confirmed the times for Volunteer training and Light Assembly.

    See Quote from TBP to purchase Torch Blinking bike lights

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

    Optional training sessions: 
    There will be two chances to go to a short training session for those who haven't participated before, those who want a refresher, or those who want to practice with this year's models of lights:

    - Mon., Sept. 23, 2019, 6:00 pm--6:45 pm, at the Downtown Urbana Bike Project, 202 S. Broadway, Urbana, IL. (enter via south side basement door).
    - Thu., Oct. 3, 2019, 3:00 pm--3:45 pm, at Alma Mater (SE corner of Green St. and Wright, Urbana, IL)
          

    We will run a light-assembly / battery-install event (plus a second if needed) to get lights ready in advance:
    - Mon., Sept. 23, 2019, 7:00 pm--9:00 pm. Downtown Urbana Bike Project, 202 S. Broadway, Urbana, IL. (enter via south side basement door)
    - Possible second session: TBA

  8. Weekly Updates for Zero Waste

    Associated Project(s): 
    Achieve Zero Waste

    Hello Pete and Shawn,

    I was able to reach Tech Services by phone this past week and learned that they do not have any toner cartridge recyling options beyond the mail-ins that the manufacturers offer. I will touch base with the person who inquired this week to let her know and to let her know that Purchasing is still awaiting further information from Office Depot.

    Best regards,

    Marya Ryan

  9. Weekly Update - First Visit Free still suspended, Fix-it Stations need repair,

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, Still busy! I went over to the warehouse last week and picked up some of the nicer, minimally-broken bikes over there. One only needed air in the tires and a few minor tweaks to be roadworthy. It’s already on the sales floor. Will hopefully have a few more of those to churn out this week. I also returned 3 Chambana Bikes to Neutral Cycle.
    We’re still suspending the First Visit Free policy here. We’ve been less than at-capacity for the first hour or two every day which is a harder sell but haven’t had too much trouble. I frankly wouldn’t mind seeing the suspension extended well into the fall as it helps to weed out people who aren’t at all interested in doing the work in the first place. I often wonder how many people are in the shop to genuinely learn and how many are here because we’re cheaper than every bike shop in town… Just something to think about.

    Got more complaints about the broken fix-it pumps. One guy on the phone seemed especially frustrated since he’d been to 3 – 4 pumps across campus. I sent him over to Neutral Cycle since he was in that neighborhood already.
    I have a couple interviews for some new hires this week. I already got a couple questions about Light The Night, which was surprising and welcome. I guess after 10+ years people are beginning to expect it. I also spoke with a U of I alum who’s interested in starting some similar DIY/education programming over at a small school in Indiana where he teaches. I gave him my card and flyer for TBP in case he wants to pick our brains a little more on the subject.

     

    The numbers:
    Visitors: 102
    Sales: $933.60
    Memberships: 18 for $540
    Tires/tubes: 20 for $116

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Manager, Campus Bike Center

  10. 2019 SWATeam Kickoff with Attached Power Point

    Associated Project(s): 
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    Education iCAP Team
    Topical iCAP Teams
    Energy iCAP Team
    Land and Water iCAP Team
    Zero Waste iCAP Team
    Transportation iCAP Team
    Resilience iCAP Team

    Good afternoon!

     

    It was wonderful meeting many of you at the iWG and SWATeam Kick Off event yesterday afternoon. Thank you so much for attending and for your participation. It will be a great year and your efforts are very much appreciated. Please find the slides and handout attached, and be sure to reach out if you have any questions.

     

    As a reminder, Sarthak Prasad from the Transportation team mentioned that it would be helpful if you could take this short bike survey.

     

    Thank you again for your hard work and dedication to making our campus a more sustainable place! I look forward to meeting with you in the near future.

     

    Meredith

     

    --

    Meredith Moore

    Sustainability Programs Coordinator

    Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE)

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    1101 W. Peabody, Urbana, Suite 338 (NSRC)

    217-333-0119

     

    [Power Point from Kickoff is attached, RC]

    Attached Files: 

  17. Bicycle Programs and Infrastructure Fee

    Associated Project(s): 
    Bicycle Programs and Infrastructure Fee

           The students affirmed renewing the fee by ballot measure in March of 2019 (see results below) and SFAC has already finalized their recommendation that the fee continue at the same level.  That recommendation will officially go to the VCSA this fall (October) with all other FY21 fee recommendations. 

     

     

    Do you recommend the renewal of the Bicycle Programs and Infrastructure Fee, collected each fall, spring, and summer semester, for up to four years beginning July 1, 2020 and ending no later than June 30, 2024?

    Yes         4217                       69.2%

    No         1874                       30.8%

                  (This is of a total of 6,091 votes)

     

    Explanatory Statement

          The Bicycle Programs and Infrastructure Fee is used to fund bike-related projects at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Use of the funds includes but is not limited to improving bike infrastructure, expanding bike parking, creating safety courses and materials for bike encouragement and education, and creating a bike storage program. The funds are managed by Facilities & Services, whose annual budget for the fee is approved by the Student Fee Advisory Committee (SFAC). The amount of the fee, currently $1.00 each fall, spring, and summer semester, is subject to review by SFAC and approval by the University administration and Board of Trustees. As a student-initiated fee, this fee is subject to a review by student referendum at least once every four years. The next referendum on this fee will be in spring 2023.

     

  18. Weekly Update - Long waitlist

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, Last week was crazy busy. A couple of my staffers were sick or injured, leaving me well understaffed. We had a waiting list 2 – 3 deep every day. On Friday there were six or so people on the waiting list and I think most just abandoned the idea of being able to get any fixing time. Our model of first come, first served is a little problematic in that way—especially when stands are occupied with B-a-Bs that last the entirety of open hours. Down the line, separating open hours from B-a-Bs might be a good idea for the super crazy months.
    This week I am heading over to the warehouse to look at this year’s crop of bikes. Parking said there are hardly any good ones but I’m fine with that. Fewer total bikes is a win in my book!
    Thanks to Todd for grabbing scrap this weekend.

     

    The numbers:
    Visitors: 89
    Sales: $1,282.20
    Memberships: 25 for $750
    Build-a-Bike: 2 for $65
    Tire/tubes: 18 for $139

     

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Manager, Campus Bike Center

  19. Last Month for Bulk Solar Pricing

    Associated Project(s): 
    Solar Urbana-Champaign
    September is Final Month to Use Bulk Pricing for Solar

    Solar Urbana-Champaign 4.0 is scheduled to end new contract signings for solar installations on September 30 at 5pm.  That means you have just 3 weeks to schedule a site assessment with New Prairie Construction, receive a proposal, and sign a contract for your shiny new solar array. 

    Email 12 months of electric bills to solar@newprairieconstruction.com with the subject line "last minute solar proposal."

    If you've already received a proposal, then all you need to do is say YES to your very own renewable energy power plant.  And keep in mind that 2019 is the last year for the 30% federal tax credit.  It's 26% next year.

    Join the 200 other friends and neighbors in the Urbana-Champaign area that are enjoying a home or business running on sunshine courtesy of Solar Urbana-Champaign.
         

    Second Bulk Discount Achieved

    All Solar UC participants receive compounding 1% discounts off the purchase price of their solar installation as the program reaches 50 kilowatts, 150 kilowatts, and 250 kilowatts of contracted capacity.  The 2019 round of Solar UC currently stands at 151 kilowatts of contracted capacity!  So a 2% discount on all installations!
     

     


     edf3b33e-d7bc-419d-ad27-7bc5069578b6.png     

     

  20. VeoRide August 2019 ridership overview

    Associated Project(s): 
    Bike Share with Veo

    Below are the key numbers for the month of August:

    August Total Rides:21910

    Rides per bike per day:1.7

    Average Ride Time: 8 Minutes

    E-bike Rides:16,511

    Peddle Bike Rides:5,398

    Private property removal reports:10

    Total Market Rides: 301,278…Over 300k!!!!!!

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