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Project Updates for collection: Student Sustainability Committee Funded Projects

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  1. Archived info - prior project background info

    Associated Project(s): 
    Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)

    The Revolving Loan Fund is managed by Facilities & Services (F&S) Utility and Energy Services that calculates cost avoidance from an RLF project using the fully loaded utility rates. The loan will be repaid at a fixed 1% interest rate with an annual payment equal to the calculated annual savings until the loan is fully repaid. When a project is funded by multiple funding sources, the annual savings to be returned to the RLF will be calculated by the payback associated with the work completed by the entire project.

    Project Submission and Selection

    Potential projects will be solicited from campus units by F&S Utility and Energy Services when there is at least $1M in funds available for allocation. Projects will be submitted through a web​-based PDF form by the requesting campus department. 

    Project selection will be handled through the RLF Committee that includes the Executive Director of Facilities and Services, Associate Provost for Capital Planning, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Student Sustainability Committee Chair, Illinois Student Senate President, and a representative of the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment. The Committee will meet on a semiannual basis to approve/reject projects. 

    Project selection will be based on the following weighted criteria: 

    1. Payback Period (30%)
      Project has a short payback period.
    2. Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (25%) 
      Does this project reduce greenhouse gas emissions for campus?
    3. Revolving Loan Fund Size Impact (20%)
      Projects that increase the Revolving Loan Fund size through grants or additional allocations.
    4. Visibility (5%)
      How visible/noticeable is the project to users of the facility, space and/or campus community?
    5. Project Coordination (20%)
      Projects that can be executed in conjunction with other planned or ongoing projects. The intent of the coordination is to make the RLF project more efficient to deliver for the University and/or departments.

    Project Tracking 
    Revolving Loan Fund projects are tracked using the Green Revolving Investment Tracking System (GRITS). This interactive system tracks annual energy, financial, and carbon savings from energy efficiency and other resource conservation measures.  ​

  4. Battery Recycling for F&S

    Associated Project(s): 
    Battery Recycling

     

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    Battery Recycling at F&S
    There are three programs for recycling batteries at F&S.

    Rechargeable batteries for tools: The Tool Room provides new rechargeable batteries for F&S tools. When a tool’s rechargeable battery gets too old to hold a charge, return it to the Tool Room for a replacement. The Tool Room will recycle them.

    Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries: The electricians purchase UPS batteries from Interstate Batteries and return them to the same vendor for recycling.  

    Hazardous waste pickup, including batteries: The Division of Research Safety provides a free waste pick-up service that accepts batteries. To request a pick-up, use the Illinois Sign On form at https://unillinois.chemicalsafety.com/unillinois/.

    Some departments at F&S may arrange for battery recycling of their own batteries, but there is no F&S-wide program other than the three mentioned above.

    As a reminder, personal-use batteries cannot be recycled through campus programs. Champaign and Urbana both provide this service. Please visit the appropriate website to learn more:

     

  6. Weekly digest

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    Still slow but have had a few people in looking for bikes or B-a-Bs but no sales on either. With the warmer weather this week, we’ll likely be busier. I’ve got a half dozen bikes to safety check while the weather is cooperating.

    Last week and today we made some more headway on the abandoned bike pile. Still coordinating with some other groups to take some of the junky bikes off our hands.

    Tonight is the Bike Project Monthly Meeting.

    The numbers:

    Visitors: 23
    Sales: $82
    Membership: 1 for $30
    Tire/tube: 1 for $6

  7. 02.20 Engagement Team Meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    Advance Student Sustainability Outreach Efforts
    Sustainability Engagement and Outreach
    Engagement iCAP Team
    Certified Green Office Program (CGOP)
    Certified Green Chapter Program

    The meeting covered several key updates and discussions on sustainability initiatives. The Chair provided updates on the Green Training Program survey, seeking feedback on student engagement strategies. The Vice Chair discussed efforts for a greener campus, including outreach to Greek Life. The Clerk emphasized the importance of in-person meetings and marketing materials. Guest speakers highlighted upcoming events like Sustainapalooza and Illinifest, stressing the logistical challenges and opportunities for student involvement. Discussions included promotional outreach, sustainability projects such as Greener Chapters yard signs and low-maintenance greenery at ISR, and the importance of connecting sustainability efforts across campus. Additionally, engagement team members offered support for these initiatives, and an approved course for next semester was announced. Adam encouraged members to consider speaking at the sustainability film festival.

    Attached Files: 

  9. Weekly digest

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    Uneventful over here. Slow and cold. Plodding away at bikes and wheels to have a good supply of both come the busy times. This week I’ll meet some TBP volunteers to clean out the barn more, as it’ll be March soon.

     

    The numbers:

    Visitors: 19
    Sales: $281.50
    Bikes (B-a-B): 2 for $100
    Memberships: 3 for $90
    Tires/tubes: 1 for $4

  10. Archived project information

    Associated Project(s): 
    Styrecycle: Expanded polystyrene (EPS) recycling program

    Dart Container at 1505 E. Main St., Urbana, accepts expanded polystyrene (EPS), more commonly known by its brand name Styrofoam, for recycling. Departments are encouraged to take EPS there to recycle this bulky material. By doing so, we can reduce the volume of waste sent from campus to landfills and avoid the harmful environmental impacts of that practice. There is no charge to drop off EPS at Dart for recycling.

    There is currently no central funding source to pay for transportion of EPS to Dart, so departments need to arrange transport independently.

    The drop-off location is in a fenced-in area of the Dart parking lot and may be accessed 24 hours a day. Dart accepts foam packaging (except for packaging peanuts), foam cups, foam egg cartons, foam meat trays, foam ice chests, and other foam products that fall within these guidelines:

    • Make sure foam has the #6 chasing arrows symbol on it.
    • Deposit foam in a clear or translucent bag (large bags are provided at the drop-off site).
    • Rinse or wipe foodservice containers free from food.
    • Remove straws, lids, tape or any other non-foam material.
    • Do not include foam-packaging peanuts.

    From fall 2015 until summer 2017, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) ran the Styrecycle program in partnership with Community Resource Inc. (CRI). Ownership of CRI changed in July 2017, and the new owner was not able to continue the program.

  12. Weekly Digest

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    We have been surprisingly busy here at CBC so far this year. We’ve sold a few bikes thus far and seen a couple Build-a-Bikes head out the door—all good things!

    Over the weekend, TBP volunteers and I tackled the abandoned bikes in the barn. Made some good progress and had almost a dozen folks on hand helping to sort/strip/move bikes out. Will have to take a few more cracks at it before we completely empty the space but got a good start. Great to see so many volunteers come out—many hands make light work!
     

    The numbers (1/22 – 1/31):

    Visitors: 73
    Sales: 1,371
    Bikes (refurb): 3 for $610
    Bikes (B-a-B): 3 for $180
    Memberships: 15 for $450
    Tires/tubes: 4 for $19.50

  13. Engagement Team Meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    Engagement iCAP Team
    Advance Student Sustainability Outreach Efforts
    Engagement iCAP Team Recommendations Summary

    The meeting covered updates on the Greener Campus (GC) initiative, including efforts to promote office certification and introduce decals for visibility. There was discussion on engaging Greek Life in sustainability efforts, with suggested contacts for outreach. The Sustainapalooza committee, represented by Kathrine Bruce and Liesl Schrag, provided an event overview and discussed promotional efforts such as digital signage, outreach to department heads, and MTD bus advertisements. Laurinda introduced a wildlife-centered gardening project under the Illinois Prairie Garden initiative, presenting engagement opportunities like prairie conservation and plant sales. Additional sustainability events were highlighted, including a short film event during Earth Week. Action items included Brigid coordinating scheduling and outreach, Quinn working on GC decals and office engagement, and all members providing feedback on marketing materials, brainstorming engagement strategies, and filling out a scheduling poll.

    Attached Files: 

  14. Monarchs Need Milkweed Project Update

    Associated Project(s): 
    Increase Pollinator-Friendly Areas

    An update on 12/11/2024 from Brent Lewis on the Monarchs need Milkweed project:

    "...all plugs were installed as of November 2024 in a variety of locations on campus.  Additionally 25’bs of milkweed seed was purchased and delivered to grounds to broadcast seed into low mow and prairie areas on campus.  As a set aside, 3 lbs of seeds were delivered to the Pollinatarium staff who will use it to make small planting gift sachets for their visitors.  Thus this project’s influence may continue far beyond the reaches of the campus boundaries."

  15. Weekly Digest

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    As expected, we were slow last week. We held an instructional course but did not get any attendees as it was cold and snowy—no surprise there! We will schedule more classes next semester.

    We’re still low on kids’ bike donations and hovering around 50 or so. Have a meeting with IMC folks this week to discuss logistics.

    As a late decision, the Bike Center will be the starting point for a community bike ride this coming Sunday, December 15th at 2p, which will hopefully get some folks aware of our space that may not have been otherwise.

    The numbers:

    Visitors: 25
    Sales: $209
    Memberships: 2 for $60
    Tires/tubes: 5 for $39

  16. iCAP Engagement Team November Meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainability Engagement and Outreach
    Engagement iCAP Team
    Certified Greener Campus Programs
    Certified Green Office Program (CGOP)

    On Friday, November 22nd, the iCAP Engagement Team held its monthly meeting. The team discussed ways to engage the campus community more, specifically students, and shared updates on OneIllinois, Greener Campus, and Earth Month. We discussed the possibility of using social media to increase engagement or physical fliers and posters. We also welcomed a guest speaker from the Zero Waste Team who discussed Sustain Illinois, a magazine that outlines what is currently happening around campus as well as how the average person can become involved in sustainability in the community. We also discussed having in-person meetings and events next semester for the team and small ways we can all be more sustainable. One call to action was for staff and faculty to consider making their office spaces green-certified and brainstorming ways to reach the Greek life population. Our next meeting will be December 20th. 

    Attached Files: 

  17. Weekly Digest

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    We were closed all last week for the break.

     

    We’re ramping up for our Kids Bike Giveaway event. We even got some coverage on WCIA: https://www.wcia.com/news/champaign-county/annual-bike-giveaway-planned-for-dec-14-in-urbana/

    As is, we’re a little low on donations compared to years’ past, so hopefully this’ll be a good bump.

     

    This evening is a lecture/instructional class on bike repair, but with colder and snowier weather, attendance will likely be low.

     

    The numbers:

    Visitors: 35
    Sales: $497.50
    Memberships: 8 for $240
    Bikes (B-a-B): 1 for $50
    Tires/tubes: 3 for $36

  18. Campus Lumber Project Update

    Associated Project(s): 
    Root to Roof Program

    A meeting was held with several involved individuals to discuss the progress and next steps for the Campus Lumber Project. Team members will submit an SSC Scope Change to cover the additional costs of electrical construction and to ensure efficient transportation of lumber

     

    Next steps from Quinn Connolly:

    As discussed today, here is the plan moving forward:

     

    Quinn will work with Lowell on submitting an SSC Scope Change to cover the increased cost of the electrical setup

    Justin, Ryan, and Issac will discuss the best course of action for storing, identifying, and transporting lumber from the south Lincoln facility to the mill site.

    Justin and Lowell will work on a preferred tree species and dimensions list to include in the protocol document

    Quinn will work with Morgan on setting up an open work order

    Quinn will work on writing a protocol document for the Campus Lumber Project

    This document will include:

    • Procedures
    • Contacts (not just individuals but departments and back up contacts)
    • Tree specification information
    • Other relevant information as we navigate making this happen!

     

    Brent Lewis replied with additional information about peer universities with similar programs:

    All,

     

    In my meeting with the Association of University Landscape Architects, we talked about the different programs people had to use removed trees from campus.  Here are a few links to what people are doing.  Plenty of bowls, boards, pens, etc that they are selling for alumni.  I also see live edge boards for sale and other items that aren’t finished products. 

     

    https://magazine.utah.edu/issues/summer-2021/scott-leech-woodworker/

    https://www.pennstateelmscollection.com/

    https://www.uvasawmilling.com/

    https://www.canr.msu.edu/for/programs/swri

    https://msusurplusstore.com/collections/msu-shadows-collection

     

    Anyhow, just wanted to share for people to see what others are doing.  There are probably some good contacts in here for future reference as well.

  19. Transportation Team Student Research

    Associated Project(s): 
    Student Mobility on and around the Illinois campus
    Transportation iCAP Team
    Install Public Use Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations
    Commuter Program: Bus, Bike, and Hike

    This past week, Sarthak and I met with the students on the Transportation Team to discuss their various research projects for the rest of this semester and the upcoming semester. We met with Pun Siripun on Nov. 11th, at 12pm; Charles Okoli on Nov. 14th, 12pn; Sebastian Vega on Nov. 15th, at 11am; and Mitchell Bryant on Nov. 15th at 1pm.

    The goal is to have each student conduct research on 30 or so universities in regards to various elements of transportation infrastructure, then present a final report on findings and recommendations for Illinois. The hope is that the schools are widespread, spanning from similar Midwest contexts as us to east and west coast.

    Pun will be examining EV Charging available at other schools and whether extending that in Urbana Champaign would be economically feasible and environmentally beneficial.

    Charles is reviewing Micro mobility. The goal is to promote micro mobility as alternative modes of transit, but to avoid enforcement costs and the safety of all (pedestrians and users). How have other schools done that well?

    Sebastian is studying the commuter program at Illinois and how other universities have implemented it successfully. How did they incentivize it? How did they fund it?

    Mitchell is researching the storage of micro mobility devices and how they can be expanded on campus. 

    Looking forward to hearing about their research and their suggestions for Illinois!

  20. Weekly Digest

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    Spent time tracking down a few new sources for kids’ bikes, as this year we aren’t receiving a large number of donations yet. At this point, we're looking at a little more than 20 kids bikes. 

     

    Visitors: 53
    Sales: $724.25
    Bikes (refurb): 1 for $225
    Memberships: 8 for $240
    Tires/tubes: 7 for $50

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