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  1. Weekly capstone meetings: Meeting from 3/29 and 4/5

    Associated Project(s): 
    2024 Campus Bike Plan
    Independent Student Projects

    Meeting from 4/5/2023

    Summary: Ethan and Sarthak met via zoom where they discussed the work on the plan that Ethan has done so far. They also discussed the thorough plan for the next year to describe to the stakeholders, in regard to their involvement with the 2024 plan. Ethan is expected to respond to stakeholders by next week, add onto the plan (mainly the executive summary, goals & objectives, introduction, and planning process sections). Ethan will send Sarthak separate emails about his Urban Planning presentation on their work for school, and request for GIS information.

    Meeting from 3/29/2023

    Summary: Ethan and Sarthak met briefly via zoom (Ethan was out of town dealing with a family emergency so there was not much to discuss). Ethan is expected to make a Google Sheet with stakeholders' information and responses, a sheet of timeline for the planning process, and a document for the 2024 plan.

    Attached Files: 

  2. Professor Yu-Feng Lin Featured on 'Wired' Article

    Associated Project(s): 
    Geothermal Battery at Energy Farm

    UIUC's Yu-Feng Lin was featured on a "wired" article. Andrew Stumpf explains, "The authors did a simulation for a residential district in Chicago. They don’t provide much detail about the geology and hydrogeology that is the basis for the geotechnical model. In Chicago, aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) has yet to be used because groundwater is pretty scarce in the shallow subsurface and one would need to tap aquifers deeper in the bedrock. In the northern and western suburbs, the subsurface conditions in the glacial deposits is much better and I believe Kane County is looking into using the aquifers for a geothermal resource."

    The article can be found at: https://www.wired.com/story/the-massive-batteries-hidden-beneath-your-fe...

    UIUC newsletter: https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/32/64507332.html 

    The referenced article is attached.

    Attached Files: 

  4. Zero Waste Coordinator presented to FAA330 class

    Associated Project(s): 
    Zero Waste Outreach & Presentations

    Presented an opportunity to beautify the south wall of the Waste Transfer Station. Karin Hodgin Jones, Sustainable Design Program Coordinator, will assist with coordinating students over the fall and summer to design a request for proposals (RFP) for student teams to submit designs.

    Attached Files: 

  6. LED Lighting

    Associated Project(s): 
    LED Interior Lights

    Hi James,

    I am working with facilities in your area to help them upgrade to LED lighting which reduces their overall costs and improves sustainability. Right now, there are very attractive incentives from the energy companies to retrofit lighting which improves the ROI on the project. In many cases, CES can do upgrades without any capital investment and still deliver significant monthly cost savings.

     

    If you have not fully converted to LED lighting, could you let me know when works for you for me to come in and give you a free proposal? If you're not the correct contact within your organization, can you please point me in the right direction? If your facility is already all LED, please let me know as well.

     

    Thank you,

     

    MATT GAROFALO

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

    fyi

    Jim Sims

  10. Illini Gadget Garage Update

    Associated Project(s): 
    Illini Gadget Garage

    From Joy Scrogum on April 11, 2023: ISTC transferred this project to the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning in January 2019. To my knowledge, CITL held maybe 1-2 repair events in 2019, but ended the project because they didn’t have adequate support to hire a student coordinator, and one of the staff members who took it on was promoted and had less time to attend to the project.

  12. Sustainability in RA training

    Associated Project(s): 
    Educate Future Leaders
    Broaden Sustainability Education

    Hi Tony,

     

    I met with folks from Housing yesterday about incorporating sustainability into RA training. Eric and Daphne were also on the call. We identified a few approaches for sharing content. I now need your help developing the materials.

     

    One approach is to provide a short (3 min max) video for RAs to view, followed by questions to assess learning. As a framework, I suggest we use the sustainability guide that the interns developed with Meredith (attached). Do you have any video content that would be appropriate? The student training video is too long, but hits all the highlights. Is this something you could shorten? We need to send the video by mid/late June.

     

    A second approach is to provide content for a microlearning session that would pair with the facilities session. They prefer a mixed mode approach, i.e., not just lecture/slides. We need to provide the content within the next two weeks. Is this doable? I shared the sustainability guide with them and am awaiting feedback.

     

    A third approach is to distribute materials during the RA resource fair, which is held August 10th.

     

    Finally, Housing is open to sharing information via their “Housing Insider” newsletter and digital platforms. It would be great to have your help developing content for those.  

     

    Let me know what you think and we can also touch base at the management meeting today.

     

    Thanks,

    Jen

    Attached Files: 

  13. iSEE Green Chapter and Event Certifications

    Associated Project(s): 
    Certified Green Event Program
    Certified Green Chapter Program
    Certified Greener Campus Programs

    Happy Earth Month! Congratulations to our newest recipients of the Greener Campus Program.

     

    Green Chapter: Delta Gamma, Silver, Recertified April 2023

    Green Event:

    -Chancellor's Office for Special Events Gov Pritzker Press Conference, Certified April 2023

    -ECEC23, Certified April 2023

     

    Keep up the great work, and check out our exciting events for Earth Week this year!

  14. Engagement005 DIA and Green Sports Alliance - Transmitted

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

    On 4/10/2023, the Engagement005 DIA and Green Sports Alliance recommendation was transmitted to Josh Whitman and Timothy Knox, at the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA), with the following email. The iWG assessment is attached. 

    Dear Mr. Whitman and Tim,

    The Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) Working Group (iWG) recently approved recommendation Engagement005 from the Engagement iCAP Team for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics to formally join the Green Sports Alliance. The expectation is that doing so would increase the visibility of campus sustainability efforts and put UIUC on par with fellow Big10 institutions that are integrating sustainability into athletics. Additional details are provided in the attached recommendation.

    The Formal iCAP Procedures include a section on campus unit responsibilities upon receipt of a recommendation, and we respectfully request your response to this recommendation by May 5, if possible. If you have any questions regarding this recommendation, we are happy to jump on a call with you to discuss it.

    Sincerely,

    Jennifer Fraterrigo

    **************************************************

    Dr. JENNIFER FRATERRIGO AND

    MORGAN B. WHITE
    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 Engagement005 DIA and Green Sports Alliance recommendation here.

    Attached Files: 

  15. Weekly Update: Bike sales, Bike Fix-it day, Stripping junk bikes

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, Business as usual over here. We’ve almost fully occupied the front lobby space with for sale bikes—which will likely diminish a bit this week with the warm weather. Fingers crossed.

    This upcoming Saturday we have a partnering event with the Urbana Parks District to help with a bike fix-it day from 10  - 12p in Urbana at the Phillips Recreation Center. Will be nice to get off campus and help folks where they are—or maybe closer to where they are. The event was successful last year and will hopefully be so again this year. Although, offsite repairs always mean you can’t bring every tool for every possible repair, which is a strong impulse.

    We’ve hit a bit of a stride with some volunteers and staff stripping junk bikes. This, of course, has the added bonus of creating a surplus of used 26” tires. We’ll have no trouble working through those in due time. Accordingly, I’ll be grabbing a few more from the warehouse this week.

    The numbers:

    Visitors: 44
    Sales: $529
    Bikes (refurb): 2 for $240
    Memberships: 1 for $30
    Tires/tubes: 8 for $31

    Jacob Benjamin
    Campus Bike Center Coordinator

  16. Energy011 Priority Technologies and Practices for a Clean Energy Plan - Transmitted

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

    On 4/10/2023, the Energy011 Priority Technologies and Practices for a Clean Energy Plan recommendation was transmitted to Dr. Ehab Kamarah, Associate Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of Facilities & Services, with the following email. The iWG assessment is attached. 

    Dear Dr. Kamarah,

    The Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) Working Group (iWG) recently approved recommendation Energy011 from the Energy iCAP Team to develop a short document describing the feasibility and overall effectiveness of energy efficient technologies and practices being considered for UIUC. This information brief is expected to help identify next steps for propelling UIUC forward in its carbon-neutrality goals, and provide university leadership with key points concerning the various options for meeting campus’s climate commitments. Additional details are provided in the attached recommendation.

    The Formal iCAP Procedures include a section on campus unit responsibilities upon receipt of a recommendation, and we respectfully request your response to this recommendation by May 5, if possible. If you have any questions regarding this recommendation, please let us know. 

    Sincerely,

    Jennifer Fraterrigo

    **************************************************

    Dr. JENNIFER FRATERRIGO AND

    MORGAN B. WHITE
    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 Energy011 Priority Technologies and Practices for a Clean Energy Plan recommendation here.

    Attached Files: 

  17. Res005 Sustainability Economic Analysis - Transmitted

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

    On 4/9/2023, the Res005 Sustainability Economic Analysis recommendation was transmitted to Dr. Madhu Khanna, Director of iSEE, with the following email. The iWG assessment is attached. 

    Hello Dr. Khanna,

    The Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) Working Group (iWG) recently reviewed recommendation Res005 from the Resilience iCAP Team to support student-led Sustainability Economic Analyses for the local community. The iWG discussed this and recommends that iSEE support this recommendation as described.  Please see the details included in the attached Resilience iCAP Team recommendation.  

    The Formal iCAP Procedures includes a section on campus unit responsibilities upon receipt of a recommendation, and we respectfully request your response to this recommendation by May 3, if possible.  If you have any questions regarding this recommendation, we are happy to arrange a zoom call. 

    Sincerely,

    Morgan

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

    MORGAN B. WHITE and

    Dr. JENNIFER FRATERRIGO
    Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP)

    iCAP Working Group co-chairs

    See the RES005 Sustainability Economic Analysis recommendation here.

    Attached Files: 

  18. Education008 Accounting for Sustainability in Study Abroad - Transmitted

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

    On 4/10/2023, the Education008 Accounting for Sustainability in Study Abroad recommendation was transmitted to Kristi Kuntz and Luis Canales, at the Provost Office, with the following email. The iWG assessment is attached.

    Dear Ms. Kuntz and Dr. Canales,

    I am contacting you in your capacity as co-chairs of the Illinois Abroad Council Steering Committee. The Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) Working Group (iWG) recently approved recommendation Education008 from the Education iCAP Team to incorporate sustainability learning and activities into study abroad programs campus-wide. The team recommends the Illinois Abroad Council Steering Committee work with the Environmental Sustainability and Study Abroad Working Group, and representatives from study abroad programs in each college, to develop policies and procedures for meeting this goal. Additional details are provided in the attached recommendation.

    The Formal iCAP Procedures include a section on campus unit responsibilities upon receipt of a recommendation, and we respectfully request your response to this recommendation by May 5, if possible. If you have any questions regarding this recommendation, please let us know. 

    Sincerely,

    Jennifer Fraterrigo

    **************************************************

    Dr. JENNIFER FRATERRIGO AND

    MORGAN B. WHITE
    Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP)

    iCAP Working Group co-chairs

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

    See the Edu008 Sustainability in Study Abroad recommendation.

    Attached Files: 

  19. Student Athlete Advisory Committee / Varsity House reusable containers

    Associated Project(s): 
    Reusable Containers
    Zero Waste iCAP Team

    From: Holding, Justin Kenneth <jholdi2@illinois.edu>
    Sent: Monday, April 10, 2023 2:50 PM
    To: Hulse, Daphne Lauren <dlhulse2@illinois.edu>; Fraterrigo, Jennifer M <jmf@illinois.edu>; Palella, Nikki <palella3@illinois.edu>; Keating, Claire Elizabeth <cek6@illinois.edu>
    Subject: Re: Hendricks House and SAAC

     

    Hey all,

     

    The meeting with Jonathan went great and he is super open to new ideas.

     

    Based on my previous meeting and Student-Athlete's feedback, Jonathan decided to buy these reusable containers: https://gfsstore.com/products/310397/ & https://gfsstore.com/products/310378/ (not sure if the oz sizes are exactly the same).

     

    He said he had enough budget to buy 500 of each to give to every student-athlete. He has already seen a decline in the styrofoam containers. But deli containers (for things like cereal, yogurt, soup, and small snacks), plastic bags (sometimes), and plastic silverware are still being used. The reusable containers did feel flimsy - especially compared to the Good2Go ones - but they are much cheaper. So I would be worried about durability and scratching/damage if real silverware is used.

     

    Daphne was able to join and got some good insight into the entire process. Hendrick House acts as the caterer and does not maintain the space so they don’t have a lot of control over the trash. But for the kitchen, they still put everything in the dumpster (including cardboard). So we have some room for improvement there.

     

    Overall - I think we should help set up communication between Varsity and SAAC (or just students in general) to make sure this program can continue for years to come. I think a follow up with Colin and pushing for a sustainability position in SAAC is the best next step. I’ll give Colin a few days to respond to Daphne’s email but I’ll try to set something up again.

     

    If you have any questions or comments, please let me know.

     

    Best,

    Justin


     

    On Apr 7, 2023, at 5:23 PM, Hulse, Daphne Lauren <dlhulse2@illinois.edu> wrote:

     

    Wow, this is amazing!! Please count me in for the 4/10 meeting at Varsity Room - happy to join you and continue this great momentum.

     

    Thank you,

    Daphne

     

    From: Holding, Justin Kenneth <jholdi2@illinois.edu>
    Sent: Friday, April 7, 2023 4:47 PM
    To: Fraterrigo, Jennifer M <jmf@illinois.edu>; Palella, Nikki <palella3@illinois.edu>; Keating, Claire Elizabeth <cek6@illinois.edu>; Hulse, Daphne Lauren <dlhulse2@illinois.edu>
    Subject: Re: Hendricks House and SAAC

     

    Hi everyone,

     

    I received this message from Jonathon last week: 

     

    "Justin, thank you for your patience regarding this project. I am happy to announce that beginning on Monday, April 3rd Varsity Room Dining will be offering free, reusable, eco-friendly containers to any student-athlete that requests a set. A set of containers will consist of (1) 38-ounce rectangular container and (1) 48-ounce circular container.

    Additional individual containers and/or sets may be purchased by student-athletes if they would like.
    Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to meet again to continue our previous discussions.”


    This email came as a surprise as I had not received a response to my emails sent earlier this semester. I am planning to visit the Varsity Room this Monday, 4/10, at 12:45 PM to chat with Jonathon about the program. A friend sent me the information they have received (attached) and told me they weren't exactly sure how the program worked. I’m hoping we can bring together our knowledge and resources to create a stable, successful program. 

     

    You all are more than welcome to join, otherwise I’ll send my notes and recommendations after. Additionally, I think another meeting with Colin, Jonathon, and everyone else will be important before the semester is over.

     

    Best,

    Justin

    <IMG_0476.jpeg><Screenshot 2023-04-03 at 5.48.56 PM.jpg>


     

    On Feb 15, 2023, at 8:48 AM, Fraterrigo, Jennifer M <jmf@illinois.edu> wrote:

     

    Thanks, Justin. If you are talking with Jonathon, could you also mention food waste and Grind2Energy? It would be great to recruit the Varsity Room/Hendrick House into the program.

     

    Jen

     

    From: Holding, Justin Kenneth <jholdi2@illinois.edu> 
    Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2023 6:58 PM
    To: Fraterrigo, Jennifer M <jmf@illinois.edu>
    Cc: Palella, Nikki <palella3@illinois.edu>; Keating, Claire Elizabeth <cek6@illinois.edu>; Hulse, Daphne Lauren <dlhulse2@illinois.edu>
    Subject: Re: Hendricks House and SAAC

     

    Hi Jen,

     

    Thanks for the information!

     

    I haven’t heard from Colin since our last meeting - I’ll reach out to him. I’ll also contact Jonathon Curtis, the chef at the Varsity Room, to talk about the prospect of reusbales.

     

    I’ve actually spoke to multiple people at Hendrick House regarding sustainability. So, if we need a little push there, I know who to reach out to. Also, I know they have a good stock of reusable containers as well - I’ve borrowed them!

     

    Best,

    Justin

     

    On Feb 14, 2023, at 5:21 PM, Fraterrigo, Jennifer M <jmf@illinois.edu> wrote:

     

    Hi all,

     

    Hope you are doing well.

     

    I am writing to follow up about the prospect of establishing reusable container and Grind2Energy programs at Hendrick House. I met separately with Tim Knox and University Housing and Dining leadership over the past month. What I learned from Tim is that SAAC and student athletes have tremendous influence with Hendrick House and should request that Hendrick House implement these programs. University Housing and Dining does not have enough staff to wash additional containers or sort food waste for G2E, even if Hendrick House were to pay for these services. However, Housing seemed to think Hendrick House has the capacity (just not at the Varsity Room). Housing is willing to be a resource for Hendrick House by sharing information, answering questions, etc.

     

    The next step is to convey this info to Colin and SAAC. Has anyone heard from Colin lately? If I recall correctly, he was going to ask SAAC members about whether they support these initiatives. Justin, if you want to ping him, that would be great. Any other ideas about how to keep this moving forward? 

     

    Thanks,

    Jen

     

    Jennifer Fraterrigo (she/her)

    iSEE Associate Director for Campus Sustainability and
    Professor of Landscape and Ecosystem Ecology
    Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

    University of Illinois

    W-423 Turner Hall, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave.

    Urbana, IL 61801

    jmf@illinois.edu
    ph 217-333-9428

    https://fraterrigolab.nres.illinois.edu/

    Attached Files: 

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