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Project Updates for collection: Living Lab Facilities / Programs

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  1. F&S email about approval for a trailer

    Associated Project(s): 
    Illinois Biodiesel Initiative (IBI)

    Hello folks,

    As some of you know, the Illinois Biodiesel Initiative (IBI) is very interested in getting a self-contained trailer to do their reactions in.  There is a company called Verde Biofuel that makes these trailers, and the IBI is in discussions with them. 

    • Examples of the trailers can be seen here: http://verdebiofuel.com/products/mobile-biodiesel-processors/.
    • They would like to purchase a 250 gallon system, but have it installed in a 7X14 foot trailer.  
    • It would be best with 240 volt electrical service, but they told me that they could make do with 120 volt service if necessary.
    • They would like to park this indefinitely in a single location on campus.  If permissible, the area near parking lot B21 (behind Loomis) or B1 (behind Ceramics) would be convenient to them. 
    • They also need access to water, essentially a faucet to wash tanks, etc.  They would use the water to clean the equipment only, and propose taking it in a tote to dispose the waste water correctly.

    We are looking for feedback about what needs to be done in order for this trailer system to be approved by campus.  Are there certain location restrictions they will need to abide? Do they need to incorporate anything in addition to what is listed above? For example, they will need to store glycerin, soap, and waste oil somewhere.  Should they be looking at a permanent tank or two?

    Please let me know your thoughts and if you would like to discuss this in person.

    Thanks,

    Morgan

  3. request for public charging station

    Associated Project(s): 
    Install Public Use Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations

    -----Original Message-----

    From: Skaggs, Thomas R

    Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 10:39 AM

    To: amhobbs22@gmail.com

    Cc: Ivey, David J; Wahl, Michelle

    Subject: FW: electric vehicle charging stations

    Dear Mr. Hobbs,

       Thank you for contacting the Parking Department and providing your comments.  While electric charging stations are not readily available on our campus, there are discussions currently underway that include the Parking Department about the installation of electric charging stations.  We are in touch with other campuses around the nation and many are likewise exploring the use of EV stations.  Because the scale of the UIUC campus is vast, the program requires extra consideration, funding and logistics to execute.  Please know however, that UI is committed to sustainability and will continue our effort.

      Again, thank you for your input.  We hope your visit to our campus was enjoyable.

    Regards,

    Thomas Skaggs

    Coordinator

     

    -----Original Message-----

    From: Martin Hobbs [mailto:amhobbs22@gmail.com]

    Sent: Sunday, September 08, 2013 10:16 AM

    To: parkingcomments@illinois.edu; esbeaty@urbanaillinois.us

    Subject: electric vehicle charging stations

    To Whom It May Concern:

    I visited the U of I campus yesterday to attend a football game and was disappointed in the absence of EV charging stations.  I would expect a university and city of this caliber to have numerous Level II charging stations available for the public to use.  Normal/Bloomington have dozens of public EV charging stations, all of which are free to the public to use.  Many are located on or near the ISU campus.  Is the Bloomington/Normal and ISU community that much more progressive and environmentally friendly than the U of I and Champaign/Urbana community.  I don't think necessarily that is the case, but the absence of electric vehicle charging stations sure leaves a black mark on the reputation of the university and the community.  I sincerely hope that your community has plans to install Level 2 charging stations in the near future.

    Sincerely,

    Martin Hobbs

    Eureka, IL

  4. Phoenix will comply with US Steel requirements

    Associated Project(s): 
    Solar Farm 1.0

    -----Original Message-----
    From: Borkowski, Joe [mailto:J.Borkowski@Phoenixsolar.us]
    Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2013 2:11 PM
    To: Johnston, Morgan B; Dempsey, John Garrett
    Subject: U.S. Steel use for University solar

    Morgan,

    This email is to attest Phoenix Solar will comply with Illinois and Federal Buy American procurement provisions.  For the purpose of clarity, Phoenix Solar will ensure the steel that is used on this system will be procured and manufactured in the United States.

    I look forward to speaking soon.

    Best regards,

    Joe Borkowski

  6. Initial Meeting with Campus Parking, Car pool and Sustainability

    Associated Project(s): 
    Install Public Use Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations

    The first meeting was held on August 6th to discuss campus public use EV charging station plans.

    It was determined at this time more research into parking enforcement options, types of charging stations to use, and sites available for installation is needed. Follow-up meeting to take place after research findings are completed.

    To this date no method exists to interface from the chargers software to the campus parking enforcement software. 

    See picture below: with this type of charger the enforcement officer could identify that billing is taking place by the Solid lightning bolt on the right as opposed to the one on the left.

  7. Report by Anna Hochlater

    Associated Project(s): 
    Burrill/ Morrill Walkway

    "The Burrill/ Morrill Hall corridor offers a unique opportunity to explore methods of sustainable design through conventional practices of rain garden design as well as hardscaping improvements, lighting installations and additional non-plant strategies.  A moderate strategy is advised. In this conversation moderate is understood to mean more than a creating only rain garden while leaving the existing vegetation, but less than a full redesign which would completely reshape the hardscaping.  A moderate strategy addresses the creation of the rain garden, all the landscape beds while leaving the mature canopy trees in place, and makes some alterations to the existing hardscape.  Perhaps the most difficult challenges of the corridor will be to unify the character of the corridor landscape beds and to design a solu-tion suitable for the harsh conditions of very little sun, significant wind, and heavy pedestrian use."

    Attached Files: 

  8. Update from Justin Johnston at UI Purchasing

    Associated Project(s): 
    Solar Farm 1.0

    Justin Johnston confirmed that the answers to all the State Purchasing Officer's questions have been sent to Steve Rotello, the State Purchasing Officer.  Justin is working to set a meeting with the SPO, Justin, and Morgan Johnston to review the current status of this approval.

  10. Update from Bill Krudienier

    Associated Project(s): 
    Hartley Garden Renovation

    Morgan encouraged Bill to ask the SSC for funding to do the design work for a rainwater harvesting system for the Hartley Gardens.  He said he will talk with Matt Edmonson to get an estimate of the cost for the project, so he is ready to reqeust funding when the SSC call for inquiries goes out this fall.

  11. Update from Bill Krudienier

    Associated Project(s): 
    Native Plants at Arboretum

    There are native plants throughout the Arboretum and in concentrated paces around the ponds - wetland and mezic.  There is also a prairie just south of the Polinatarium, maintained by John Marlin and volunteers.

     

  12. Anna hired to complete this work

    Associated Project(s): 
    Burrill/ Morrill Walkway

    Eliana Brown provided the following update.

    • Anna Hochhalter was hired by F&S for the summer to complete a revised design of the Burrill/Morrill walkway rain garden / native plants improvements.  She reviewed the entire walkway from Mathews to Goodwin.  Her report is expected August 15th.
    • The space should be multifunctional, use native plants, accommodate the stormwater run off with green infrastructure.  It could include new lighting and artworks.
    • This project will use the existing SSC funding, as well as other funding sources.  The other funding sources may include Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District, and/or F&S.
    • Eliana will take the project scope change request to SSC this fall, for approval.
    • Matt Edmonson has been involved with this project and will inform Eliana about any additional campus approvals that may be needed.

  13. Land Use Data for US Solar Farms

    Associated Project(s): 
    Solar Farm 1.0

    National Renewable Energy Laboratories conducted research into solar land use requirements, but were unable to find a comprehensive evaluation from the literature. NREL created this report to analyze data related to land use in large solar arrays. The paragraph below explains the efficiency of land by type of solar project, and the link takes you directly to the report.

    Generation-weighted averages for total area requirements range from about 3 acres/GWh/yr for CSP towers and CPV installations to 5.5 acres/GWh/yr for small 2-axis flat panel PV power plants. Across all solar technologies, the total area generation-weighted average is 3.5 acres/GWh/yr with 40% of power plants within 3 and 4 acres/GWh/yr. For direct-area requirements the generation-weighted average is 2.9 acres/GWh/yr, with 49% of power plants within 2.5 and 3.5 acres/GWh/yr. On a capacity basis, the total-area capacity-weighted average is 8.9 acres/MWac, with 22% of power plants within 8 and 10 acres/MWac. For direct land-use requirements, the capacity-weighted average is 7.3 acre/MWac, with 40% of power plants within 6 and 8 acres/MWac. Other published estimates of solar direct land use generally fall within these ranges.
     

    https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy13osti/56290.pdf 

  14. Sustainability Fellow, Madhu Viswanathan, begins advisory position

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy Dashboard Project
    FY14 Sustainability Fellows Program
    • Since we want to put the energy displays around campus, Madhu Viswanathan can help us identify the best method for implementing these to change behavior. 
    • We need to determine how many displays to install, where they should go, what information should be on them. 
    • How can we use this system that F&S now has through your office to actually improve energy use behavior. 
    • We would like building users to become more conscious of the energy use in their building(s).
    • What sort of display and style will really grab their attention?
    • Is social media something that we should utilize for this effort?

  15. Solar Farm pending State Purchasing Officer (SPO) approval

    Associated Project(s): 
    Solar Farm 1.0

    The Solar Farm Purchase Agreement is waiting on approval from the State Purchasing Officer (SPO).  After the Board of Trustees approval in November 2012, the project went to the SPO's office.  It is now under review and Facilities & Services is working to answer any SPO questions.

  16. Now Hiring: student employees

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    The Campus Bicycle Shop seeks to hire 2 part-time student employees to assist the Shop Manager. The position would involve duties such as helping members/users of the space with their needs, repairing bicycles, assisting in organizing events, shop organization, teaching bicycle repair, assisting with bicycle-related classes, and other duties as assigned.

    The Campus Bicycle Shop – a collaboration between the University of Illinois and The Bicycle Project of Urbana-Champaign – is dedicated to empowering individuals with knowledge about how to repair and maintain bicycles. This is a hands on, educational space meant to provide knowledge and experience about fixing bicycles, not a "drop it off for repair" bike shop. The Campus Shop provides tools, parts, refurbished bikes for sale, educational classes, and dedicated volunteers to help members and the larger community with their bicycle needs. Membership in The Bike Project at Urbana-Champaign is valid at both the Campus Shop and the Downtown Urbana Shop.

    Requirements:  An interest in or passion for bicycling and sustainable transportation is required.  Illinois is an Affirmative Action /Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu).

    To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references via email to: jmroedl@illinois.edu. Please include "Student Assistant Position" in the subject line. Please include a copy of weekly class schedule and any other time commitments.

    Skills: Previous bicycle repair experience, membership in The Bike Project of Urbana Champaign, and familiarity with the Campus Shop would be preferred but are not required. Familiarity with social media, college campuses, and educational work would be helpful. Preference will also be given to applicants eligible for Federal Work Study.

  18. IBI considers trailer from Verdebiofuel.com

    Associated Project(s): 
    Illinois Biodiesel Initiative (IBI)

    The Illinois Biodiesel Initiative is considering a bioreactor in a trailer as a solution to their location quandry.  They are looking into the power connection needs and potential siting locations for a 6x10 or 7x14 foot trailer.  The vendor they have spoken with is Verde Biofuel, and they are looking for the ability to process 100 gallons per day with 240 volt 30 amp service.  If needed, they could build the system to work with 120 volt service, but it is not preferred.

    Facilities staff (Robert Halverson, Morgan Johnston, and Paul Foote) met to discuss the engineering requirements and potential site locations.  Morgan requested additional information from IBI about water supply and waste water needs.

  19. Purchasing met with SPO

    Associated Project(s): 
    Solar Farm 1.0

    From: Milbrandt, Janet
    Sent: Monday, July 01, 2013 1:33 PM
    To: Dempsey, John Garrett
    Cc: Johnston, Morgan B
    Subject: RE: solar farm

    Justin met with Steve Rotello on Friday, 6/30/2013.  We are meeting later today to discuss the results. 

    Janet.

    From: Dempsey, John Garrett
    Sent: Monday, July 01, 2013 1:26 PM
    To: Milbrandt, Janet
    Cc: Johnston, Morgan B
    Subject: solar farm

    Can you provide me with and updated status of this important procurement.

  20. Information about solar films

    Associated Project(s): 
    Solar Power on Campus

    F&S Engineers provide input on solar film technology: "We experienced delamination with these in the past; about 25 years ago.  I’d be curious if the adhesives have gotten any better." - John Prince

    "Films have come a long way.  Like John, I have seen several versions of solar films and have not been impressed with their durability.  The newer films and coatings are much better but the effectiveness is still dependent to the quality of installation.  The films may have some applications on campus but must be evaluated in terms of cost.  The solar transmittance is low enough for me to question whether IHPA would have a problem with our historic buildings.  We would also want to avoid a checker board appearance if the product were applied randomly to a building windows.  I don’t want to dismiss the product but it does need more investigation." - Fred Hahn

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