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Project Updates for collection: 2015 iCAP Objectives

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  1. Restoring the Ecology of Stone Prairie Farm

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainable Landscapes Plan

    Mr. Apfelbaum will tell us about his life-long project to restore his land on the border of Wisconsin, taking it back to its original state, before the changes brought about by farming, described in detail in his book Nature’s Second Chance. Having carried out ecological restorations world-wide, he is presently working in Urbana, restoring the Stone Creek golf course to its natural state. 

    March 12, 6:30 PM • Stone Creek Golf Club (Formerly known as Attie's), 2560 Stonecreek Blvd Urbana, IL

    Amanda Christenson • Cooperative Extension Service

    Restoring the Ecology of Stone Prairie Farm

  2. Status update from WEF Design Team Co-Captain

    Associated Project(s): 
    Independent Student Projects
    Green Infrastructure
    Water Environment Federation (WEF)

    Justin Chen, from the University of Illinois joint student chapter of the Water Enviroment Federation-American Water Works, and the rest of his design team have been hard at work this school year!

    Some project updates via the co-captian:

    • Chose project topic: Green Infrastructure Solutions for Veterinary Medicine Facility Flooding
    • Made team site visit to Vet Med, surveyed areas for potential green infrastructure applications
    • Came up with preliminary ideas on solutions and locations for implementation
    • Conducted research on past green infrastructure projects to establish a base understanding of the options available

    Click here to find out more and how you can become involved with WEF!

     

     

  3. Transportation SWATeam Meeting: 9 March 2020

    Associated Project(s): 
    Transportation iCAP Team
    Support Zipcar in Champaign-Urbana
    Support a Ride-Matching Program
    Incorporate Sustainability Principles into Campus Master Plan

    Attached are the meeting minutes from the Transportation SWATeam meeting on 9 March 2020. 

    The Agenda is as follows:

    Recommendations Selection

    • Support CMP by increasing pedestrian safety by reevaluating current pedestrian routes and conducting traffic studies.
    • Zip-Car Continuity
    • UI Ride Survey 
    • Teleconferencing Assessment
    • Faculty/Staff Vanpool Survey
    • Identify Campus Intersections and Mid-block Crossings with high potential for crashes, and develop/implement design improvement strategies.

    Future Recommendations

    • Working with MTD to promote better bus service to Research Park and I Hotel
    • Establish a University of Illinois Foundation fund to support campus efforts to reduce and within ~10 years eliminate use of fossil fuel.
    • Sustainable Asphalt Binders
    Attached Files: 

  4. archived info - previous project description

    Associated Project(s): 
    Solar Farm 2.0

    In order to reach the iCAP objective of 25,000 MWh/year of solar energy by FY25, additional panels will need to be installed.  Large scale, ground mounted panels appear to be the least expensive route towards achieving the FY25 objective.

  5. iSEE Awards Levenick Teaching Sustainability Fellowships

    Associated Project(s): 
    Encourage Course Development or Modification

    iSEE is pleased to announce that eight instructors have been named 2020-21 Levenick iSEE Teaching Sustainability Fellows.

    Funded by a generous endowment from Illinois Alumnus Stuart L. Levenick and his wife Nancy J. Levenick, this second cohort of faculty and teachers from across the University of Illinois campus (and one from University Laboratory High School) will incorporate sustainability into existing classes or create entirely new courses built around sustainability elements.

    Associate Director for Education & Outreach Gillen D’Arcy Wood said applications nearly doubled for the Levenick iSEE Teaching Sustainability program this year, a positive sign of a growing program — and growing interest in adding sustainability thinking in all academic units.

    The 2020-21 cohort and the courses they will undertake:

    • Alison Anders, Associate Professor of Geography, “GIS for Geology and Environmental Science”;
    • Kim Curtis, Adjunct Lecturer in Theatre, “Theater Design and Production”;
    • Sean Kennedy, Assistant Professor of Urban + Regional Planning, “Food and the City”;
    • Eleftheria Kontou, Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, “Urban Transportation Models”;
    • Daniel Schneider, Professor of Urban + Regional Planning, “FAA 230: Sustainable Design of the Built Environment”;
    • Andrew Stillwell, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, “ECE 330: Green Electric Energy”;
    • Chiara Vincenzi, Adjunct Instructor in Art + Design, ” ARTS 321: Sustainable Fashion Development & Branding”; and
    • Andrew Wilson, Teaching Associate in Social Studies at Uni High, “World History”.

    Read more about the Fellows and their projects >>>

    The Levenick iSEE Teaching Sustainability Fellowship program consists of four elements to help the 2020-21 Fellows best incorporate sustainability into their courses:

    • a retreat for developing lesson plans, held in Spring 2020 and available via teleconference for interested instructors from other U of I campuses;
    • summer feedback from iSEE and sustainability subject matter experts;
    • a fall progress check-in; and
    • a Spring 2021 debriefing, at which time the cohort will meet the newly named 2021-22 Fellows.

  6. solar on parking estimated costs

    Associated Project(s): 
    Solar Power on Campus

    Good morning Morgan,

     

    I have gathered the numbers that correspond to an acre of solar cover. 

     

    The estimate is that an acre of solar canopy could generate 760,536 kWh annually (this estimate takes into account the weather patterns of our location and possible shading/system inefficiencies).  

     

    I remember you saying that right now the University pays $0.05 per kWh.  Our solar farms are charged $0.045 per kWh that they generate.  This means that $0.005 is saved for every kWh generated.  That can be used to estimate that an acre of solar canopy would save roughly $3,800 per year.  

     

    I thought that I would also include the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s estimate for what a solar retailer would charge per kWh of electricity in our area: $0.036.  This would mean that $0.014 could be saved per kWh on a solar canopy system, or roughly $10,650 per acre.  

     

    Let me know what else I can find,

     

    Ryan Day

  7. CNG notes from Pete Varney

    Associated Project(s): 
    Develop Scenarios for Converting the UI Fleet to Renewable Fuels

    1.    Would the University be willing to convert some of their vehicle fleet to CNG? If so, how many?
    a.    The fleet is managed at the department/college level. Each unit purchases their own vehicles. F&S would be a prime entity willing to acquire CNG vehicles as part of a normal replacement cycle. Perhaps 8-12 vehicles annually.
    2.    What are the pros and cons of using CNG in campus trucks vs cars?
    a.    The use of CNG is more focused on how the vehicle is used rather than type. Most “cars” are used for travel out of the local area where CNG fueling would pose challenges. Most F&S “trucks” are exclusively used on campus where CNG fueling would be centralized
     

  8. Map the System 2020 Social Innovation Challenge

    Associated Project(s): 
    Co-curricular Sustainability Programs
    Build a Culture of Sustainability

    Map the System 2020 Social Innovation Challenge

    Encourage students to register for Map the System 2020, a global competition that will challenge them to think differently about social and environmental change. Teams develop systems-level thinking, research, presentation, and changemaking skills and pitch at the campus semi-final for a chance to win a funded trip to compete for cash prizes at the University of Oxford Global Final in the UK.

    February 5, 5 pm • Registration Deadline

    Valeri Werpetinski • Origin Ventures Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership

  9. Pollinator Friendly at Illinois

    Associated Project(s): 
    Bee Campus USA
    Solar Farm 2.0
    Champaign County Sustainability Network (CCNet)
    Green Infrastructure

    University Landscape Architect, Brent Lewis, provided an overview of recent efforts to make the U of I campus more pollinator friendly at the CCNet brown bag lunch this month.  Topics included:

     

    1. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program
    2. Living Learning Labs
    3. Facilities Standards / Green Infrastructure
    4. Bee Campus USA designation
    5. Solar Farm 2.0 plantings
    6. Landscape Master Plan

     

    You can watch his presentation on Facebook, at https://www.facebook.com/champaigncountynetwork/videos/512740266019591/.  Join the CCNet Mailing List to stay informed about Champaign County sustainability efforts and to meet local sustainability professionals, like Brent.

    Attached Files: 

  10. Water Survey mark 125th anniversary

    Associated Project(s): 
    Build a Culture of Sustainability
    Mahomet Aquifer Sole Source Aquifer designation

    The Illinois State Water Survey has been a leader in the study of water, weather, and climate since 1895. To mark its 125th anniversary, the Water Survey will present a free seminar on water and weather in Illinois, including how climate change will affect Illinois communities, flood risk, long-term sediment trends, and the Mahomet aquifer. There will be a poster session & refreshments. 

    February 4, 1–4:30 pm • Illini Union, Ballrooms A and B

    Tricia Barker • Illinois State Water Survey

     

  11. Lunch with an Expert: Native Plants for Storm Water Management

    Associated Project(s): 
    Rain Gardens on Campus
    Increase Pollinator-Friendly Areas
    Build a Culture of Sustainability

    An effective rain garden is planted with suitable trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants that allow runoff to soak into the ground and protect water quality. Please join us for a presentation by Kaizad Irani on rain gardens from the landscape design perspective followed by a discussion. Bring your lunch and your questions. No question too big or too small. Come, learn and have fun. 

    January 27, 12–1:30 pm • U of I Extension Champaign Co., 801 Country Fair Dr., Champaign

    Amanda Christenson • Cooperative Extension Service

  12. Deadline Jan. 31 for Sustainability Course Development Funding

    Associated Project(s): 
    Encourage Course Development or Modification

    Faculty and instructors have until month's end to apply for iSEE's 2020 Course Development Cohort program, targeted to intentionally grow sustainability course offerings across campus. The 2020 Levenick Teaching Sustainability Fellows will integrate sustainability components into an existing course ($1,000) or develop a new course with a sustainability focus ($2,000).

     

    Tony Mancuso • Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE)

  14. Mahomet Lots (Lot F-4) Permeable Pavement Proposal to SSC

    Associated Project(s): 
    Rainwater Management
    Rainwater Management Plans
    Use of Non-Potable Water (such as Greywater)
    Rainwater Capture Systems
    Land and Water iCAP Team

    Attached is the proposal, budget, and presentation for the upgrade of the Lot F-4 parking lot. 

    Attached Files: 

  15. Resilient Landscape Strategy approved by CCRC

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainable Landscapes Plan

    In 2019 F&S Executive Director Mohamed Attalla charged a Resilient Grounds Strategy Advisory Committee, to develop a Resilient Landscape Strategy for this campus.  In December of that year, the Chancellor's Capital Review Committee (CCRC) approved the attached file, as the strategy for this campus moving toward a fully sustainable campus landscape. This effort is also reflective of a Senate Resolution from November 2018 (RS.19.03 Resolution for Campus Ssutainable Landscapes) and the Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP).

    Attached Files: 

  18. David and Sarthak's meeting notes from November 20

    Associated Project(s): 
    Anaerobic Digester at Beef and Sheep Study
    Methane Capture on Campus

    David and I met on November 20, 2019 for our first meeting following his Biogas on Campus email on November 13th. David received an email from Doug Wolters from the College of ACES, and Doug said that he will discuss this project with his Dean. David had not heard from anyone else.

    We discussed how to proceed with this project. I will try to get in touch with Lance Schideman to get his opinion on this subject. I introduced David to the SWATeam Clerk of the Transportation and Zero Waste SWATeam, Julija Sakutyte. I will talk to the Transportation SWATeam about a possible collaboration opportunity with the Energy SWATeam and Zero Waste SWATeam. David will also talk to the Energy SWATeam about this possible collaboration.

    I have set up a biweekly meeting with David, and a monthly meeting with Meredith Moore for this project.

  20. Biochemistry Student working with F&S on an Anaerobic Digester study project

    Associated Project(s): 
    Anaerobic Digester at Beef and Sheep Study
    Methane Capture on Campus

    Following is an email sent by David Rivera-Kohr regarding Biogas on-campus to several faculty and staff at the U of I.

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

    Hello,

     

    My name is David Rivera-Kohr and I’m a student member of the Energy SWATeam. I want to propose using biogas for energy on campus. Since burning biogas for energy is effectively carbon neutral, this would bring us closer to our iCAP goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 

     

    Biogas is a huge untapped resource for energy production at the U of I. Rather than utilize the methane from animal manure and carcasses and food waste, we allow much of it to escape into the atmosphere. The Sanitary District currently uses municipal waste, restaurant grease, industrial food processing waste and campus dining hall food waste as feedstocks for its own anaerobic digester to produce biogas which is burned to generate 25-30% of the facility's energy. However, the Sanitary District does not want to dedicate digestion capacity to manure due to the need to accommodate growth of the local area (i.e. anticipated growth of student population). Furthermore, the Sanitary District is not a UIUC facility, therefore its use of biogas does not alleviate campus energy demand or contribute to our net-zero emissions objective. 

     

    I have a few ideas for biogas production on campus I would like feedback on:

    1. Add a biogas siphoning system to the manure storage tanks at the Beef & Sheep Farm.

    2. Conduct a study to determine which UIUC facility produces the most methane from animal waste and construct an anaerobic digester there. The 2014 Anaerobic Digester Feasibility Study indicated the Swine Farms collectively had the highest methane output; Miles Redden told me the Beef & Sheep farm is the highest manure-producing farcilty, though ionophore feeding of beef cattle decreases methane output. It may be worthwhile to determine which single facility has the highest methane output in 2019-2020.

     

    Additionally, there are a few options in consideration for how to best use the biogas: 

    1. Burn it on-site in existing natural gas furnaces to meet facility heat demands. This could be used in conjunction with the deep direct-use (DDU) geothermal system that is being studied for the ACES Legacy corridor—the brine solution from the DDU system will bring the facility's hot water to ~110 degrees F and the biogas furnace could increase that temperature to 130 degrees. There would likely be a considerable excess of biogas, which could either be burned on-site to generate electricity for distribution to the local grid (which is less efficient than combined heat & power), transported to nearby facilities to burn in their furnaces, or...

    2. Upgrade the biogas (all or only the excess from idea #1) to pipeline-quality methane and inject it into the pipeline for use at Abbott Power Plant. There is a supply pipeline that runs through the ACES corridor where this methane could be injected. 

    3. Use upgraded biogas for compressed natural gas (CNG) to power F&S vehicle fleets.

     

    The 2014 Feasibility Study also discussed constructing a pressurized pipeline to deliver  waste from multiple facilities to the site of the anaerobic digester. This may be worthwhile if the biogas is to be used on a larger scale i.e. at Abbott Power Plant or some combination of the previous ideas.

     

    Life-cycle cost analysis of the above options should be studied to determine the most cost-effective and, more importantly, the lowest emissions option. If you can, please let me know which of these options for biogas production and use sound most feasible, or if better ideas come to mind.

     

    Finally, we need the support and expertise of faculty and staff to advance this proposal. If you are interested in backing or contributing to this proposal, or you know someone else who may be, please let me know. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you!

     

    --

    Best,

    David A. Rivera-Kohr

    Undergraduate Student 

    University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign

    College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

    Biochemistry

    Dr. Rutilio Fratti's Lab

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