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  2. Green Research Committee Informal Summary

    Associated Project(s): 
    Green Research Committee

    The following is an email sent by Stephanie Hess on May 11, 2023.

    Green Research Committee,

    Jeremy and I met with Susan, Ehab, and Madhu last week to give them an update on our progress over the past few weeks. I have attached the topics discussed. Here is a brief summary of that meeting and how we propose to move forward.

    • The October deadline can be extended. However, if there are requests for campus funding, it is a good deadline since all the budget meetings with the Provost happen in the Spring. As long as we continue making progress, we will update them in October with what we have done by then.
    • When we write recommendations, we should consider the financial impact. Cost to implement and money saved following implementation.
    • Jeremy is going to put together a single document that includes the information Paul shared on Teams and more details for the topics discussed in the meeting. That will be shared with the committee.
    • Next meeting, we will discuss that document. Please read it before the meeting and write comments.

    I will try to get something on the calendar soon.

    Thanks,

    Stephanie

     

    Attached is the Informal Summary.

    Attached Files: 

  5. Earth Month Campus Trash Pickup

    Associated Project(s): 
    Earth Month

    During Earth Month, iSEE hosted its biannual trash pickup. More than 75 participants picked up 160 pounds of trash and recycling over the hour and a half long event. Participants also tallied the trash they picked up on a waste characterization sheet in order for UIUC to characterize its waste stream and determine what kind of outreach is needed in order to decrease waste and litter on campus. Highlights include more than 300 soft food wrappers, 180 beverage cans, 40 plastic bags, and more cigarette butts than participants could count collected during the pickup.

  6. Earth Month Energy Conservation Challenge

    Associated Project(s): 
    Earth Month

    During Earth Month, iSEE hosted their biannual campus wide sustainability challenge. The Energy Conservation Challenge had more than 70 participants who carefully tracked their energy conservation over the entire month. Overall, the group increased their average weekly point total by 65% over the course of the month. This means the group took on 65% more energy conservation techniques such as hang drying clothes, unplugging appliances, installing more efficient light bulbs, writing to the University to encourage them to follow the Illinois Sustainable Investment Act, attending Illini Lights Out, using public transportation, and more. See iSEE's Contests and Challenges page for more details.

  7. Earth Month - Kindness Rocks

    Associated Project(s): 
    Earth Month

    During Earth Month, iSEE hosted their annual Kindness Rocks event, where campus is invited is paint kind messages on rocks and place them around campus to spread positivity. More than 40 people came out to this event. See the attached file for a picture from the event.

    Attached Files: 

  8. iWG Meeting Notes from 05/09/2023

    Associated Project(s): 
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    Zero Waste Recommendations Summary
    Land and Water Recommendations Summary

    Please see attached the iWG meeting notes from the meeting held on May 9, 2023. During this meeting, the following recommendations were dicussed:

    Attached Files: 

  9. Energy011 Priority Technologies and Practices for a Clean Energy Plan - Successful

    Associated Project(s): 
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    Energy iCAP Team
    Energy iCAP Team Recommendations Summary

    Following is the response from Dr. Ehab Kamarah (on May 5, 2023) regarding the Energy011 Priority Technologies and Practices for a Clean Energy Plan recommendation.

    Dear Dr. Fraterrigo,

    We agree that this summary of current efforts towards carbon-neutral energy will be helpful, and we will coordinate the development of this document.

    Regards,

    Ehab

    Read the iWG Transmittal update for the Energy011 Priority Technologies and Practices for a Clean Energy Plan recommendation here.

  10. Trans015 Fleet Replacement recommendation - Submitted

    Associated Project(s): 
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    Transportation iCAP Team
    Transportation iCAP Team Recommendations Summary

    On May 5, 2023, the Tranportation iCAP Team submitted the Trans015 Fleet Replacement recommendation. See below a preview of the recommendation:

    The objective of this recommendation is to establish a framework for accomplishing iCAP 2020 Objective 3.1, which states, “Establish written replacement plans for at least 80% of campus fleets by FY24 to improve university-owned vehicle efficiency.” By

    1. Enumerating a definition for a “fleet” as it applies to vehicles on campus, and
    2. Requiring campus units with a fleet more than 5 vehicles to establish a “Fleet Administrator” tasked with communicating with the F&S Fleet Operations team and creating a written replacement plan for the fleet, and
    3. Requiring all Fleet Administrators to have a minimum of once-a-year meeting with the F&S Fleet Operations team.

    DEFINITIONS

    Campus Fleet

    • The total number of vehicles owned and operated by the various units of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.

    Unit Fleet

    • A total of 5 or more vehicles operated by an individual unit on campus.

    This recommendation calls on each campus unit with 5 or more vehicles to appoint an employee as a “Fleet Administrator”. The Fleet Administrator will be tasked with the following responsibilities:

    1. Establishing a sustainable fleet plan capable of achieving certification with the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA).
    2. Establishing a written, comprehensive strategy for replacing the fleet’s existing vehicles with more environmentally sustainable models.
    3. Communicating with the Fleet Operations team at the Transportation & Building Services department at Facilities & Services regarding development of the sustainable fleet plan or fleet replacement plan.
    4. Communicating with other Fleet Administrators regarding development of the sustainable fleet plan or fleet replacement plan.
    5. Attending annual meeting(s) with all Fleet Administrators, the Fleet Operations team at Facilities & Services, members of iSEE, and the Parking Department to discuss progress in development and implementation of fleet replacement plans and identify best practices moving forward.

    Strategies for creating a sustainable fleet plan or fleet replacement plan may include the following:

    • Consulting with Fleet Operations team at the Transportation & Building Services department at Facilities & Services regarding the replacement of their fleet vehicles
    • Plans for transitioning to newer vehicle models with higher fuel efficiency or alternative fuel sources such as electricity or hydrogen.
    • Plans for “right-sizing” the fleet that assesses the extent university vehicles are being used:
      • To complete necessary tasks.
      • By designated personnel.
      • In a fuel and cost-efficient manner.
    • Limiting the idling of vehicles
    • Educational training for their drivers
    • Reporting of vehicle and fuel usage as well as setting a target reduction for following years

    Suggested unit/department to address implementation: All campus units with more than 5 vehicles.

    Attached Files: 

  11. ZW011 State Farm Center Recycling - Submitted

    Associated Project(s): 
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    Zero Waste iCAP Team
    Zero Waste Recommendations Summary

    On May 5, 2023, Zero Waste iCAP Team submitted the ZW011 State Farm Center Recycling recommendation. Please see attached.

    Without appropriate recycling infrastructure on the upper concourse of State Farm Center, campus is losing valuable recyclable materials sent to the landfill (particularly with recyclable items left in the arena). Additionally, the installation of permanent recycling bins on the upper concourse would facilitate the ability for fans to recycle at any athletic or entertainment event held at State Farm Center.

    The purpose of this recommendation is to be a conversation-starter in regard to permanent recycling on the upper concourse. The proposed use of MAX-R bins is a suggestion, based on campus’ success with the roll-out of these bins throughout our facilities.

    Suggested unit/department to address implementation: Division of Intercollegiate Athletics

    Attached Files: 

  12. Weekly Update: Schedule update, bikes for sale

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, The past work week was full of last shifts for a lot of the student staff, as well as a lot of talk of finals schedules. Ended on a bright note as a couple rented a tandem from us as practice as they didn’t want their “Just Married” post-nuptial ride on a tandem to be their absolute first one. Fun!

    This is our last week of being open M – F. Next Monday we start M/W/F hours.

    This week I’ve got a meeting to hash out some Tue/Thurs appointment hours to still help folks in need of bike repair.  I’ll also move some bikes out of the warehouse with the help of TBP folk.

    The lobby is currently packed full with sale bikes, so we’ll have to rearrange in the back to accommodate moving some sale stock back there. A good problem to have.

    The numbers:

    Visitors: 33
    Sales: $233*
    Memberships: 3 for $90*
    Tires/tubes: 8 for $73*

    Thanks!

    *Due to technical difficulties, these numbers may not be 100% accurate.

    Jacob Benjamin
    Campus Bike Center Coordinator

  13. ZW008 Adopt a Highway/Drain - Returned

    Associated Project(s): 
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    Zero Waste iCAP Team
    Zero Waste Recommendations Summary

    ZW008 Adopt a Highway/Drain was returned to the Zero Waste iCAP Team by the iWG. See the following message:

    Hello Zero Waste iCAP Team,

    Last spring, the Zero Waste iCAP Team submitted a recommendation regarding the adopt a highway/drain programs (https://icap.sustainability.illinois.edu/project-update/zw008-adopt-highwaydrain-submitted).  The iCAP Working Group discussed this a couple times and there were a few concerns raised by the iWG and by F&S, such as how we can ensure safety of a student group working on a street drain. You can see the related meeting notes attached here.  

    We are returning this recommendation to your team for review.  If you believe this recommendation is a priority, please discuss it with the Land and Water iCAP Team and the Resilience iCAP Team to refine it before resubmitting. 

    Thank you,

    Morgan and Jen

    =====================================

    MORGAN B. WHITE and

    Dr. JENNIFER FRATERRIGO
    Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP)

    iCAP Working Group co-chairs

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    sustainability@illinois.edu 
    https://icap.sustainability.illinois.edu/

    See the ZW008 Adopt a Highway/Drain recommendation here.

  14. Green Globes 2023

    Associated Project(s): 
    Certified Greener Campus Programs

    Thank you to everyone who attended the iSEE and SSLC 2023 Green Globes, where we recognized student organizations for their sustainable initiatives taken in the past year. Special congratulations to Students for Environmental Concerns, Illinois Urban Farmers, and Red Bison for receiving scholarships to further those initiatives! We are excited to see what the future looks like for these sustainable organizations, keep up the great work!

  15. WCIA: U of I hosting 21st Dump and Run event for students to donate unwanted items

    Associated Project(s): 
    Dump and Run
    Issue Press Releases and Sustainability Reports

    by: Noah Nelson

    Posted: May 6, 2023 / 02:00 PM CDT

    Updated: May 10, 2023 / 06:13 PM CDT

    CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — U of I Facilities and Services (F&S) announced that the 21st annual Dump and Run event is expanding to multiple campus locations this year beginning Monday, May 8.

    The U of I said the Dump and Run event, a collaboration between University Housing and U of I F&S, is designed to achieve campus sustainability goals, including reaching zero waste targets and preventing trash from reaching waterways and landscapes.

    Officials said in past years when the event was hosted at the University YMCA, more than 30 tons of material was recycled and kept from reaching the landfill because of these efforts.

    U of I officials said expanding the Dump and Run event this year makes it easier for students and others to donate unwanted items at the end of the semester. They said eight 20’ x 8’ mobile storage units will be placed near campus residence halls for the event, including:

    • Barton Hall/Flagg Hall/Weston Hall/Student Dining and Residential Programs Building
    • Busey Hall/Evans Hall
    • Florida Avenue Residence Halls (Oglesby Hall)/Pennsylvania Avenue Residence Halls
    • Hopkins Hall
    • Illinois Street Residence Halls (Wardall Hall)
    • Lincoln Avenue Residence Halls (Allen Hall)
    • Nugent Hall/Wassaja Hall
    • Taft Hall/Van Doren Hall/Snyder Hall

    University volunteers will be available at the sites to help prevent overflow and ensure additional pickups as necessary.

    “We’re excited to bring the Dump and Run event right to where the students live and closer to the majority of faculty and staff,” said Daphne Hulse, F&S zero waste coordinator. “This setup offers everyone a simple way to give back to local nonprofits while preventing littering and keeping items that can be reclaimed from reaching the landfill unnecessarily.

    Each day, the containers will be opened at specific times to accept donations. Officials said individuals can donate surplus or gently used items by putting them into bulk boxes inside the containers. Accepted items include:

    • Accessories (handbags, belts, scarves, hats, etc.)
    • Appliances – small to medium size (coffee makers, kettles, mini-fridges, microwaves, etc.)
    • Books
    • Collectibles/antiques
    • Computers and equipment (printers, cables, speakers, hard drives, monitors, etc.)
    • Clothing (rips and tears are okay – but must be washed)
    • Electronics
    • Furniture
    • Housewares (dishes, mirrors, decorative accessories, etc.)
    • Jewelry
    • Linens
    • Lamps
    • Multimedia (DVDs, CDs, records, etc.)
    • Shoes
    • TVs (flat screen only)

    Throughout the week, officials said the donations will be collected by local participating charities Salt & Light and Goodwill.

    “We are pleased to continue to support the Dump and Run initiative, which is a benefit to our residents, the campus, and the local community,” said Alma R. Sealine, executive director of University Housing.

    The donation schedule includes:


    OBA_TRANS.png

    • May 8: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    • May 9: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    • May 10: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    • May 11: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    • May 12: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    • May 13: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

    U of I students and staff can donate accepted items in one of the available mobile storage units during open hours until Saturday, May 13.

  17. ZW010 Tailgate Recycling - Successful

    Associated Project(s): 
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    Zero Waste iCAP Team
    Zero Waste Recommendations Summary

    Following is the response from DIA:

    Jennifer,

    The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) approves the recommendation to work with Facilities and Services and the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and the Environment to implement a recycling program at football tailgate events. Assistant Athletic Director Tim Knox will be responsible for coordinating the implementation for DIA.

    Josh

    See the iWG assessment for ZW010 Tailgate Recycling here.

  18. Engagement005 DIA and Green Sports Alliance - Successful

    Associated Project(s): 
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    Engagement iCAP Team
    Engagement iCAP Team Recommendations Summary
    Green Sports Alliance (GSA)

    Following is the response from DIA:

    Jennifer,

    The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) approves the recommendation to formally join the Green Sports Alliance at the $2,500 Premier Membership level. Assistant Athletic Director Tim Knox will be responsible for coordinating the implementation for DIA.

    Josh

    See the iWG assessment for Engagement005 DIA and Green Sports Alliance here.

    For future updates, please refer to the Green Sports Alliance project here.

  20. ATTN: Jennifer Fraterrigo - sustainability programs at UIUC for iPRES 2023

    Associated Project(s): 
    Utilize Carbon Credits

    Dear Jennifer,

     

    My name is Sara Berthier and I am the new events planner for the Main Library at UIUC.

    I’m currently assisting interim Dean Chris Prom and associate Brent West ccd here for the organization and logistics for the next iPRES conference that will take place at the iHotel, September 19th-22nd, 2023.

     

    A few of our sponsors have enquired about green sponsorships (see our sponsorship pamphlet attached, see green sponsors page 15) and were curious about any existing programs around sustainability at UIUC.

    Is there a University program with carbon offsets we could buy into or an equivalent?

     

    Let me know if you have any insight on this or if you have done this in the past.

     

    Looking forward to hearing from you, thank you for your help!

     

    Best regards,

     

    SARA BERTHIER

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

    Thanks for forwarding, Eric.

     

    Hi Sara,

     

    Thank you for reaching out about buying carbon offsets. There is no existing UI program for purchasing carbon offsets. The best I can offer is a carbon offsets purchasing guide that my colleague in F&S put together: https://icap.sustainability.illinois.edu/files/projectupdate/5747/Carbon-offsets-guide.pdf   It includes links to two websites where you can search for certified carbon offsets.

     

    In the past, the University sold carbon credits and reinvested the proceeds in sustainability initiatives, but we are currently reviewing this policy and no carbon credits are being sold at this time.

     

    I hope this helps. Feel free to reach out directly to me if you have any additional questions.

     

    Best wishes,

     

    Jennifer Fraterrigo

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

    Hi Jennifer,

     

    Thanks for sharing this pdf, it’s super helpful.

    I look into the two websites provided, we’ve also found Cool Effect to buy carbon offsets, have you heard of it?

    The process seems pretty easy and other Higher Ed institutions have used it in the past.

     

    Thanks for your insight,

     

    Best,

     

    SARA BERTHIER

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

    Looks like a good website! We are exploring creating a system for purchasing local offsets. Feel free to check back with me in the future if the need arises again.

     

    Thanks,

    Jennifer 

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