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  2. 8-8-23 project meets with SSC and F&S to discuss feasibility

    Associated Project(s): 
    Feasibility Research on Food Waste Biodigesters

    Attendance: Codie Sterner, Henry Markarian, Morgan White, Quinn Connolly, Daphne Hulse

    • The project passed Phase 1 of the SSC application, but did not pass Phase 2. F&S failed the project on its feasibility, because it was expected that a bioreactor would need to be purchased and installed at MicroNano.
      • The project has since received external funding for the bioreactor, and it is now in place at MicroNano. The project's equipment is spread across two rooms of the facility, and the group pays a daily rate for their equipment.
      • The scope of the project is now changing. The equipment is aquired, but the groupr requires student interns to complete the feasibility research. The group would like to compensate students for their work. A new SSC application will be submitted, with a change in how the funds would be used.
    • The project would like to next identify places to source food waste from.
      • Morgan noted that the dining halls are the only location on campus that currently have a solution for food waste, but all other producers on campus do not.
      • Daphne sent over a list of university food sources.
      • Bevier Cafe, the Grind2Energy systems, and the Student Sustainable Farm were sources identified by the group as possibly viable. Daphne will connect Henry with Bevier and the dining halls, and Codie will connect Henry with the SSF.
    Attached Files: 

  3. DRS process for battery disposal: trash, recycling, waste transfer lead acid batteries

    Associated Project(s): 
    Single-Use Battery Recycling
    Rechargeable Battery Recycling
    Battery Recycling

    From: Hill, Landon E <landon@illinois.edu>
    Sent: Tuesday, August 8, 2023 4:20 PM
    To: Hulse, Daphne Lauren <dlhulse2@illinois.edu>
    Cc: Fraterrigo, Jennifer M <jmf@illinois.edu>; Varney, Pete <pvarney@illinois.edu>
    Subject: RE: DRS battery disposal

     

    Hi.

     

    Is there something specific that you are looking for?

     

    DRS picks up most anything chemical that is requested for disposal through the campus waste management app: https://www.drs.illinois.edu/Page/RequestAWastePickup

     

    All alkaline batteries are trashed.

     

    Rechargeable batteries are recycled.

     

    Lead acid batteries are taken to the cage on the west side of the Waste Transfer Station.

     

    Landon

  5. EcoOlympics in res halls

    Associated Project(s): 
    Eco-Olympics

    Hi Paul,

     

    Could you send me more information on the activities in the res halls that you wanted iSEE to help fund?

     

    Thanks,

    Elizabeth

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

    Hi Elizabeth,

    Thanks for reaching out after our discussion!

    We are looking to revive EcoOlimpics (EO) after the pandemic shut it down. ISEE has been a terrific supporter in the past , providing awards, moneys to purchase the sustainable prizes for the winning hall, and even sponsoring the energy monitoring platform, a combination of these when possible.

     

    The attached is an original PPT that reflects how we got started, these efforts were collaborated with Housing and for the first few years supported by them as well. They ultimately withdrew there financial support in favor of making it 100% student led. Housing has continued to work with EcoOlympics for advertising, pushing the monitoring on digital displays and posting of posters etc.….

     

    Here is a link that shares some of our achievements and captures some of the events across campus to the  (slightly outdated) website: https://ecoolympics.wixsite.com/eco-olympics

    EO uses social media, advertising, tabling events and a host of other means to get the word out and encourage sustainable living within the dorm. Many of our officers participated as freshmen and joined the organizational team to grow and expand what they learned during the competition along with their personal/professional goals.

     

    The organization is a typical business model. Start as freshman saving energy, then join as an officer, president, treasurer, media specialist, technical specialist, outreach chair etc. These roles help students gain insight and practical use of their chosen fields and interests. As juniors or Seniors they can choose to be a director and mentor the officers if they have pursued this path during their time here.

    AeLQwfTDITQgAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC

    The competition

    Each participating Hall creates a building captain team that motivates their residents to save energy and spread the word. We monitor consumption and create a confidential baseline that is used to compare results during the competition. The competition is anywhere from 3-6 weeks long and resolves in time for the awards to wrap up during the final week of spring semester.

    The team that scores the highest points wins the trophy and bragging rights until the next competition, and gets to choose their award. Some awards have been a catered meal for the winning hall, water bottle dispensers in FAR, trees around Allen Hall, and solar battery backup devices for

    Allen Hall was our last winning team in 2019 and they have presented the trophy until this year.

     

    MAAAAASUVORK5CYII=

     

    Thanks again and let me know if you have additional questions?  

    Best

    Paul Foote

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

    Thanks, Paul. What level of support are you requesting from iSEE?

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

    Hi Elizabeth,

    The $1000.00 level would be greatly appreciated and go a long way to help us get back up and running.

     

    Best

    Paul

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

     

    Hi Paul,

    Has housing agreed to be an active participant in this? It sounds like their active support will be critical.

     

    Thanks,

    Elizabeth

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

    Hi Elizabeth,

    Yes, Housing has given the go-ahead for this year’s event.

     

     

    Thank  you

    Paul Foote

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

    Hi Paul,

     

    Thanks for confirming housing’s willingness to participate in facilitating this EcoOlympics. Can you let us know who you have been coordinating with in Housing? Jen has been focused on working with them to get Sustainability training to the RAs and information in their newsletters so it would be good for her to be aware of you are working with.

     

    I also wanted to connect you Codie Sterner, the newish coordinator for the SSC. We want to make sure that we engage the multiple stakeholders on campus when programs are being planned so that we can have as much impact and participation as possible.

     

    Thanks,

    Elizabeth

  6. Monthly Meeting with Jake

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    On 08/07/2023, Sarthak and Hrushikesh had a monthly meeting with Jake.

    Meeting Notes:

    - Actively promoting Bike Registration to students or commuters visiting and using the Campus Bike Center.

    - Campus Bike Center should have printer QR code sticker/ flyer for Bike Registration.

    - Bike Friendly Application will be submitted on 08/08/2023.

    - Light the Night Event near Ikenberry Hopkins Hall and ARC.

    - Bike Lights including the screw fitting types will be used for the events.

    -  Bike Safety Quiz is recommended to be promoted by the Campus Bike Center.

    - Merchandise purchase order is placed.

    - How to use Outdoor Pumps video can be made by the Campus Recreation marketing team.

    To do for Sarthak:

    - Find out Campus Bike Center Built-up area for UIC recommendation.

    - Try to get the merchandise before August 20th for the Campus Bike Center events.    

  7. Weekly Update: Calm before the storm, getting ready

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, These days feel like the calm before the storm. Starting to get phone calls and emails from families and folks looking for bikes as they plan to come to town. We’ll sell out of our supply of bikes before the semester begins, if past demand is any indication.  We’ll work on getting a few more B-a-Bs prepped and ready to go, as demand looks to increase in the absence of refurbished bikes.

    I’ll be out of the office Wednesday – Friday this week. My staff will cover open hours on those days.

    The numbers:

    Sales: $572
    Bikes (refurb): 2 for $345
    Memberships: 2 for $60
    Tires/tubes: 6 for $43

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Campus Bike Center Coordinator

  8. 8-7-23 overview of F&S-specific logistics for tailgate recycling program

    Associated Project(s): 
    Tailgate Recycling
    Fighting Illini, Fighting Waste
    "Don't Waste" with Coca-Cola

    Attendance: Shawn Patterson, Dan Hiser, Daphne Hulse

    1. Overview of the tailgate parking map
      1. Planning to execute two tailgate recycling events this semester:
        1. An early game in September, using one roll-off dumpster in Lot 31.
        2. A later game in October or November, potentially expanding to a second roll-off dumpster in Lot 32 (E-14).
      2. All dumpsters will always be staffed by volunteers. A F&S Safety & Compliance tent will be used for the September game.
      3. All dumpsters used will have banners to identify recycling only, as well as yard signs to discourage them from becoming general trash sites.
      4. Dan noted that Lot 31, Lot 32, Lot 33, and Lot 49 are some of the busiest to keep in mind for the future.
    2. Blue bags
      1. DIA parking lot supervisors will hand out blue bags.
      2. F&S will provide the blue bags, with information stapled to each.
      3. What will happen to all the bags left at lots where tailgaters did not drop them off at the roll-off dumpsters?
        1. Blue barrels line all the tailgating lots. They may end up heree.
        2. The F&S frontload truck on Sunday morning pick-up may grab them.
        3. The DIA flat-bed stake truck may pick them up.
        4. In any case, all blue bags will make their way to the south bay of the Waste Transfer Station.
    3. Waste operation from Dan's perspective - Sunday morning
      1. 2 frontload trucks (holding 3yd dumpsters) will have two people walking in front, dumping blue barrels
      2. 1 roll-off truck, that goes to dump the 2 roll-offs at the corner of the horseshoe. Places a new empty roll-off on the east side of Memorial Stadium. Tippers inside Memorial Stadium drop off inside trash into the empty roll-off. This process moves to the west side of Memorial Stadium.
      3. Green recycle truck goes with a crew of two people who tip the blue barrels, just as the frontload does (the teams split all the work).
      4. DIA has a flat-bed stake truck used to pick up the blue barrels.
      5. DSC does not work on weekends, so all trash is put into the south bay, and dealt with on Monday morning (in addition to campus' usual trash on Monday). Because of this, not all of the recycling is going to get sorted out. It's too much to deal with at once. They do their best!
    4. Grange Grove
      1. 20 Coca-Cola bins placed here, near entrances to Memorial Stadium. Can have volunteers here who are engaging with passers-by and encouraging them to recycle.
      2. Dan, Shawn, and Daphne will see the bins on Friday 8/11 when they are delivered and determine the best course to dumping them when they are full. Don't know how this will happen currently, as these bins are not tied to a truck type that F&S has. May consult the DIA for assistance.

  11. Weekly Sustainable Transportation meeting with Hrushikesh and Nathaniel

    Associated Project(s): 
    Appropriately Staff Sustainable Transportation Efforts

    On 07/24/2023,  Sarthak, Nathaniel and Hrushikesh had a weekly meeting to discuss on Weekly Progress of the current projects that we are working on. Please refer to the file attached to view the Weekly Progress.

    Nathaniel's Weekly Progress - 

    • Visited Round Barns for Bike Inventory
    • Campus-wide survey to check for remaining abandoned bikes.
    • In-Office Bike related accessories inventory.

    Hrushikesh's Weekly Progress -  

    • Shared used Path Length demarcation ArcGIS for the Bike Friendly University Application (BFU)
    • Work on Campus Bicycle Master Plan
    • Champaign County Bike Month Planning Team Meeting
    • Meeting with UIPD for Field Maps Training
    • ICAP documentation

  12. 8/3 Meeting to discuss location at Hope Village

    Associated Project(s): 
    Illinois Solar Decathlon

    Illinois Solar Decathlon President Rachel Chen met with Marty Smith to discuss the possibility of having the current next solar decathlon home built at the hope village project. Marty discussed possibilities for a separated subdivision of homes. But the more likely option would be to construct a library or community building than a single family home. Either of these options would be more likely during the next building cycle for solar decathlon.

  15. Public Functions Estimate for Light the Night and Bike to Work Day

    Associated Project(s): 
    C-U Bike to Work Day
    Light the Night

    Sarthak reached out to Paul Jensen to get an estimate for tables and chairs for our annual Bike to Work Day and Light the Night events. Last year in 2022, the cost for Light the Night event was around $360 (WO #10994257) and for Bike to Work Day, it was $640 (10994256). We are expecting the same amount of work and same number of locations.

    Paul provided the following estimate:

    Light the Night = $600.00

    Bike to Work Day = $900.00

  16. 1 outdoor dual bin installed at Siebel Center for Computer Science

    Associated Project(s): 
    Outdoor Recycling Bin Update

    79 outdoor dual bins remain in storage.

     

    From: Hawkins, Todd B <hawkns@illinois.edu>
    Sent: Tuesday, August 1, 2023 8:03 AM
    To: Hulse, Daphne Lauren <dlhulse2@illinois.edu>
    Cc: Mininger, Timothy R <mininger@illinois.edu>
    Subject: FW: Siebel recycle bins

     

    Good morning. The recycle bins for site A8 SW. corner of Siebel were installed yesterday afternoon.

    Thank you.

     

     

     

     

    Todd Hawkins

    Foreperson

    University of Illinois

    F&S Ironworkers

    Office   217-244-5451

    Mobile 217-493-9814

    1501 S. Oak St

    Champaign Il, 61820

     

     

    Attached Files: 

  17. Housing reached out to support Bike to Work Day

    Associated Project(s): 
    C-U Bike to Work Day

    Sarthak Prasad reached out to Bryan Johnson at University Housing for their continued support towards the Bike to Work Day event on campus.

    ---

    Hi Bryan,

    We are planning to hold the Bike to Work Day event on Thursday, September 14, 2022 from 7-10 am (with a rain date of September 15), and I wanted to ask if the Housing department would be able to contribute snacks and refreshments at the University operated Bike to Work Day stations. Similar to last year, there will be 8-9 university operated stations.

    Last year, University Housing had graciously provided snacks and refreshments for all the 8 campus Bike to Work Day welcoming stations:

    1. Alma Mater Plaza
    2. DRES (Stadium and Oak)
    3. CRCE
    4. UI Research Park
    5. Uni High
    6. National Soybean Research Center (NSRC) on Pennsylvania Ave
    7. Campus Bike Center – 51 E Gregory St, Champaign, IL
    8. Orchard Downs

    We are also confirming with Vet Med, if they would like to participate this year, and I will let you know as soon I have confirmation.

    We will also organize our annual Light the Night (a free bike light giveaway) event on Tuesday, September 19, 2022 from 4-7 pm. I would appreciate if University Housing would help promote this event as well.

    Please let me know if University Housing would be able to contribute towards the Bike to Work Day event on September 14, 2023. I greatly appreciate your help! Thank you,
    Sarthak

  18. Vet Med participating and NSRC are not this year

    Associated Project(s): 
    C-U Bike to Work Day

    Since Meredith has left the university Jen confirmed that iSEE cannot manage the station at National Soybean Research Center (NSRC), so they are not participating in the Bike to Work Day event this year.

    Vet Med confirmed that they can participate in this year's event.

    Sarthak communicated the change to University Housing.

  20. Weekly Update: Less abandoned bikes, Kids' Bikes

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center
    Collection and Donation of Abandoned Bicycles

    All, Slow visitor-wise, but busy otherwise. Moved almost all the bikes out of the round barn, and the very last of them I’ll get this week. Sounds like we’ll have less bikes from the round up than in years’ past, something I am happy for. Hopefully, it means more people are caring about and actually riding their bikes—a guy can dream!  Irrespective of the reason, less bikes means less grunt work, and that’s a huge plus in my book.

    We are still up to our ears in kids’ bikes, as the ones we have are not coming together as I’d like. Lots of short-supply parts are needed. I’ll need to dedicate some off-hours time to this as these kinds of projects are not well-suited to student staff/volunteers, apparently.

    The numbers:

    Visitors: 25
    Sales: $890.34
    Bikes (refurb): 3 for $535
    Memberships: 2 for $60
    Tires/tubes: 5 for $50

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Campus Bike Center Coordinator

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