You are here

Content filtered by visibility: Public

Project Updates

  1. Meeting with F&S about Fleet Replacement Plan Development

    Associated Project(s): 
    Fleet Replacement Plans

    In February, Tyler Swanson, Allison Hefner, and Sarthak Prasad of the Transportation iCAP team met with Pete Varney at F&S to discuss the implementation of the F&S Fleet Replacement Plan and what lessons have been learned via the process. The team hopes to use information from the conversation to help other campus units develop their own fleet replacement plans.

    Notes from this conversations are attached.

    Attached Files: 

  4. Interview with Rob Roman (F&S Director of Utilities & Energy Services)

    Associated Project(s): 
    Clean Energy Plan

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

     

    Summary of the Clean Energy Transition Plan Interview:

    Rob Roman - F&S Director of Utilities & Energy Services

    On 3/22/22 the team interviewed Rob Roman. Rob’s biggest concern with a clean energy transition was the monetary aspect. The university only gets a certain amount of funding each year and a large amount of money is going to be needed for improvements to the system. Rob thought that geothermal is a good option for the University and thinks that it could be feasible on a large scale but would need to consult an expert to determine the land use. Rob also thought that a micro nuclear reactor was a very good option for the University with the caveat that it will be very expensive. He thought that the university does need to transition from its steam use for heating on campus unless a better emerging technology comes along. Rob told the team that biofuels have already been tried for the steam production, but it wasn’t feasible due to the transportation costs compared to natural gas and coal. Rob felt that for future energy plans they account for ambiguity and emerging technologies and have a place for energy storage which the campus currently does not utilize.

    Attached Files: 

  7. Weekly Update: Updated work hour M-F from next week; Extra-Curricular events; National Bike Summit

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, We were closed last week for Spring Break. This week will be our last M/W/F of the semester as we’re reopening to 5 days a week. Today will be busy if the weather is any indication. Extra-curricular events for the week are our Gender Aware Shop Hours and our Urbana Parks District event on Saturday. Next week I’ll be virtually attending the National Bike Summit.

    The numbers:
    Visitors: 24

    Sales: $358.55
    Bikes (refurb): 3 for $530
    Tire/tubes: 6 for $36

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Campus Bike Center Coordinator

  8. Student Affairs Research Approval (SARA) process for the sample of students for Mode Choice Survey

    Associated Project(s): 
    Reduce Driving on Campus

    Since iNews Newsletter does not allow surveys, F&S TDM had to get permission from DMI and Student Affairs to reach out to a large populations of Undergraduate students.

    Sarthak Prasad requested Division of Management Information (DMI) a sample of randomly selected Undergraduate students for the Mode Choice Survey in last week of February. DMI asked to complete the Student Affairs Research Approval (SARA) application to sample 5,000 UG students. Sarthak Prasad filled out the SARA request on March 1, 2022. Dr. Beth Hoag approved the SARA request to sample 5,000 UG students and forwarded it to the DMI contacts. 

    Ting Lu from DMI created 2 identical groups of randomly selected 5,000 UG student emails and shared them with Sarthak Prasad on 3/18/22 via Webtools. Each group could only be used once.

    There was a $16/hour cost to create a sample - overall cost was $64.

  9. The Current Status and Pillars of Direct Air Capture Technologies

    Associated Project(s): 
    Carbon Capture

    The Current Status and Pillars of Direct Air Capture Technologies

    Industry decarbonization & carbon capture were identified as high priority efforts to reduce climate change at the 2021 UN COP26. Renewable energy may help, but there are still sectors that remain hard to decarbonize such as distributed emissions from travel & flu gas emissions from steel and cement, & more. This talk will discuss direct air capture of CO2 from the atmosphere to curb emissions.

    March 24, 12–1 pm

    Elizabeth Meschewski • Illinois Sustainable Technology Center

  10. Walkability audit: Spring 2022, Meeting 7

    Associated Project(s): 
    Walkability Study

    On March 17 2022,

    Sarthak and Sutapa met to discuss updates on the FY 22 Walkability Audit Project.

    Below are the completed tasks:

    • 196 records of the General walkability audit survey with corresponding finalized scores ( see excel spreadsheet). See map for visual representation of average weighted scores.
    • Color coded 820 deficiency reporting survey points overlayed on Division of Responsibility map and 29 map block divisions of campus.
    • Making a list of incomplete map blocks for general and deficiency reporting survey.

    Next steps;

    • Writing the Walkability audit draft report for info collected till date.
    • Assigning incomplete map-blocks to volunteers.
    • Sending out invites for virtual and in-person training sessions for next week: 21st March - 25th March.
    • Finalizing H, M and L priority questions 

  11. Week 7 Report and Upcoming Webinars

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Race to Zero Waste

    Hello Campus Race to Zero Waste 2022 Participants,

     

    I hope everyone is doing well. We are headed into the last week (Week 8) of the competition this Sunday!

     

    FEATURED INFO in this Email: (more details bellow)

    • Share VIDEOS AND PHOTOS from your competitions, #CR2ZW2022
    • Week 7 ends tomorrow, Saturday, March 19, 2022
    • Week 8 begins Sunday, March 20, 2022, Review Period begins
    • March 23 Webinar: Learn about the Food Recovery Network and how to start a chapter on your campus
    • 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 7 reporting is due Wednesday, March 23. Check out the 2021-2022 calendar for upcoming deadlines. To report for Week 7, go to ReTRAC log-in at https://connect.re-trac.com/login and click on Week 7 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 8 begins Sunday, March 20 through Saturday, March 26. Reporting for Week 8 is due, Wednesday, March 30, 2022.
    • The Review Period for all competition participants begins Monday, March 28 through Monday, April 11. More details to come in next week’s email communication.
    • March 23 Webinar – Learn about the Food Recovery Network and how to start a chapter on your campus. During this special info session, you will learn more about how FRN can support your passion for tackling waste on your campus and making your community more sustainable. FRN staff and chapter leaders themselves will share all the details on what FRN is up to, how to start a chapter on your campus, and the different ways you can be involved - from recovering surplus food and beyond. There will be plenty of time to answer any and all questions and FRN will share their top tips for getting started. Register: https://bit.ly/CR2ZW_FRN_infosession
    • 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.
    • EcoCareers 2022, April 6-7 -  The 2022 EcoCareers Conference 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. Please join us for this two-day online event on April 6th and 7th, 2022 to hear from leading sustainability sector experts! These professionals will be sharing their insights, advice, and inspirational stories and represent industry and business leaders, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and successful entrepreneurs. Register for the 2022 EcoCareers Conference as an individual student, faculty or staff. Registration is FREE for members of the NWF EcoLeaders Online Community (joining EcoLeaders is also FREE).

     

    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

     

  13. Invitation to "It's Your MTD Too"

    Associated Project(s): 
    It's Your MTD Too!

    Learn more about MTD services at the Siebel Center for Design on March 25.

    Join F&S and the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) at the Siebel Center for Design (room 0060 – lower level) on Friday, March 25, from noon to 1:30 p.m., to find out more about the community's world-class transit system and then take a ride on the bus.

    A presentation entitled "It's Your MTD Too!" will showcase MTD services and will be followed by a short trip across the campus on the "24 Link." Space on the bus is limited, so reserve your spot by registering at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/MTD.

    Attendees will learn how to do the following:

    • Plan trips and review campus route combinations
    • Install third-party apps and join Text-My-Stop
    • Load bikes at designated stops
    • Register for an MTD account
    • Contact SafeRides
    • Access services with an i-card or at iStops

    Event organizers will also be available to answer questions and provide additional public transportation resources. F&S is committed to further developing and encouraging the use of active transportation modes that promote walking, bicycling, and public transit options, which aligns with the university's strategic initiatives.

    For more details, contact Sustainable Transportation Assistant Sarthak Prasad sprasad9@illinois.edu, 217-300-9575.

    Attached Files: 

  14. Weekly Update: Spring Break; M-F from 3/28

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, Visitor numbers ticking upward in line with the thermometer—Friday’s snowfall notwithstanding.  

    We’re closed this week for Spring Break and hitting the ground running when we return. We’ve got Gender Aware Shop Hours on Thursday and our Urbana Parks District event on Saturday. From there it’s back open M-F. 

    I’ll only be working today and tomorrow before taking a few days for myself. I’ll finish up a few more shop builds during my abbreviated week in advance of warmer weather post-spring break.

    The numbers:

    Visitors: 23
    Sales: $358.55

    Bike (refurb): 2 for $280
    Tire/tubes: 5 for $16

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Campus Bike Center Coordinator

  15. iSEE as Living Lab Proposals

    Associated Project(s): 
    iSEE Campus as a Living Lab (CALL) Projects

    Chris Tessum, assistant professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering reached to Morgan White to discuss the submission of two proposals to the iSEE campus as a living laboratory program. The first project concerns developing a new method to estimate traffic related air pollution exposure using deep learning based on traffic camera footage. The second project involves using passive samplers to collect ammonia air pollution measurements.

    Morgan White redirected Chris to Bill Sullivan, director of the Smart, Health, Connected Communities in the Provost's Office, Stacey DeLorenzo, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator in F&S, and Brad Klein, chair of the Architectural Review Committee.

    Mei Tessum, research assistant professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, provided a picture of the ammonia air pollution measurement instruments which can be found attached.

    Attached Files: 

  16. Query Regarding iSEE Campus as a Living Lab Proposals

    Associated Project(s): 
    iSEE Campus as a Living Lab (CALL) Projects

    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:

    Attached Files: 

  18. Interview with Maria Maring (SSLC iWG Representative) and Gabriel Kosmacher (SSLC Member)

    Associated Project(s): 
    Clean Energy Plan

    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.

    Attached Files: 

  19. Week 6 Report and Plastic Reductions Partner Certification Webinar

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Race to Zero Waste

    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

    Attached Files: 

  20. Mowing Florida and Orchard Prairie

    Associated Project(s): 
    Prairie Restoration at Florida & Orchard

    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/
     
    8H1XpNpEaYgroAAAAASUVORK5CYII=

Pages