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  1. DFA - request for advisor

    Associated Project(s): 

    Hi Morgan, 

     

    I hope your week is going well! I am with a team from Design for America, a student-run organization on campus, and we are working on a project with P&G to help citizens recycle plastic film more responsibly in our local communities. 

     

    For the project, we are required to work with a faculty advisor to help guide us through the research phase. While more involvement is more than welcome, we only ask to meet 3-4 times throughout the semester. 

     

    Your background in campus sustainability efforts and experience as Director of Sustainability at F&S is really exciting and would be an amazing perspective to add to our project. 

     

    We would love to hear about your work and any insights you might have, even if you are unavailable to work with us as a faculty advisor! Please let me know when would be a good time to chat this week! 

     

    Thanks,

    Rajee

  2. PWR016 Motion Sensor Lighting - Successful

    Dr. Mohamed Attalla, Executive Director at F&S, responded to Dr. Ximing Cai, iWG Chair, on August 27, 2019 stating, "We will prepare the report as requested."

    See the transmittal of PWR016 Motion Sensor Lighting Recommendation. 

    See the SWATeam Recommendation PWR016 Motion Sensor Lighting here. 

     

    for future updates on this effort, please see Occupancy and Daylight Sensors.

  3. eGen009 Campus Geothermal Policy - Successful

    Dr. Mohamed Attalla, Executive Director at F&S, responded to Dr. Ximing Cai, iWG Chair, on August 27, 2019 stating, "We will review options for incorporating geothermal into existing campus documents, and share our thoughts with the iWG before proceeding."

    For further information about this project, please see Geothermal on Campus

    See the transmittal of eGen009 Campus Geothermal Policy Recommendation. 

    See the SWATeam Recommendation eGen009 Campus Geothermal Policy

  4. Weekly Update - Build-a-Bike, Quad Day, First Visit Free suspended

    Associated Project(s): 

    All, Busy week, per this time of year. We’re down to two bikes for sale. We’ll be suspending the First Visit Free policy this week as we’re getting too busy to accommodate free repairs. We’ve got a few of the “You don’t have a bike, I guess I’ll build one!” B-a-Bs going. Fortunately the current crop of available bikes are in good shape and don’t need anything too intense and intensive done to get them road worthy. There may be a few crusty-bearing wheels walking out but this is not the time of year for perfection.
    Friday we were closed for Campus Recreation Student Staff Training, which went well. Saturday was our Illini Frenzy and Sunday was Quad Day, so it’s been busy to say the least. This week I’ve got a job recruiting opportunity this evening at the ARC from 8 – 9p. I’ll be attending that. Thursday after hours there’ll be a staff training for the Bike Center staff. So a fair bit of extracurricular activity this week!

     

    The numbers:
    Visitors: 123*
    Sales: $2,278.60
    Bikes (refurb): 10 for $1,475
    Memberships: 13 for $390
    Tires/tubes: 10 for $38

     

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Manager, Campus Bike Center

  5. Collection Containers to Increase Recycling Efforts

    As part of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s effort to improve sustainability, new recycling and landfill collection containers have been distributed to buildings on the Urbana campus. Eventually, more than 20 buildings will have the containers, which feature three top openings with easily-identifiable and color-coded labels for either “landfill,” “paper,” or “bottles & cans.”

     

    Collection Containers to Increase Recycling Efforts

     

    Pete Varney . Facilities & Services

  6. Weekly Updates for Zero Waste

    Associated Project(s): 

    Hi Pete and Shawn—

    This week’s zero waste activities centered on investigating convenient options for campus units to drop off toner cartridges for recycling. Aaron Finder from Purchasing noted that Office Depot may have a solution for us. He is working on including me in his quarterly meeting with them to discuss it.

    Best regards,
    Marya

  7. Invoice contact information for the University of Illinois

    Associated Project(s): 

    On August 26th, Sarthak Prasad sent the information needed to set up the Purchasing Orders (POs) for MTD and TBP to purchase the lights for the event. he also sent the contact information to use for Quote and Invoice.

    See the meeting notes from the first group meeting for LTN 2019.

    See the bike lights purchasing agreement here.

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

    Hi Barry and Evan,

    I will get a PO set up for TBP and MTD, and then I can send them to you.  The invoice we receive needs to not include a date before the date of the PO.

    The best process for us is:

    1. F&S sets up a Work Order (links the costs to a campus account #).
    2. TBP and MTD give us an official quote, good for 30 days.
      1. It should describe the item, quantity, and price
      2. It should include the remittance address.
    3. F&S sets up a PO based on the quote, which I will request.
    4. TBP and MTD receive the PO, or we tell you the PO #, and TBP and MTD order the lights.
    5. When the lights are received, TBP and MTD need to send the invoice to my attention (emailing a PDF will work; copy Morgan and Stacey).
    6. F&S marks them as “received” in our ordering system, and then UPAY will process the check.

    We will need the quote to be sent to us before you place the orders. Please send it to Morgan’s attention, and copy me and Stacey.  For the basic info you requested:

    Agency Name – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    Department Name (or Individual) – Facilities & Services Sustainability, Attn: Morgan White

    Postal Mail Address- 1501 S. Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820

     

    Thanks,

    Sarthak

     

    Sarthak Prasad

    Sustainability and TDM Specialist

    Facilities & Services

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  8. SWATeam Welcome Message

    Dear SWATeam members,  We are so happy to welcome you to the FY20 SWATeams, including Energy, Land and Water, Zero Waste, Transportation, Education, and the new Resilience Working Advisory Team (RWAT).  SWATeams are an important part of our overall Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) efforts, and we truly appreciate your assistance and support

     

    In 2014, iSEE worked with the Office of the Chancellor to develop the formal sustainability procedures to support the Carbon Commitment.  These procedures established the SWATeams, the iCAP Working Group (iWG), and the Sustainability Council.  In 2018 Chancellor Jones and the Mayors of Urbana and Champaign signed a Resilience Proclamation, so RWAT is the newest part of our SWATeam process.  We are currently working on an update to the iCAP procedures document. We’re also updating the 2015 iCAP plan to the new 2020 iCAP, and FY20 SWATeams will contribute to such an important milestone of iCAP!

     

    For both returning and new SWATeam members, here are a few things to expect in the coming weeks:

    • iSEE Director Evan DeLucia will be sending a formal charge letter for each team.
    • iSEE Sustainable Programs Coordinator Meredith Moore is training the new SWATeam clerks and graduate assistant, Regina Cassidy.  Then the SWATeam clerks will contact you to schedule three full team meetings this semester, one in September, October, and November.
    • The SWATeam pages on iSEE have been updated, and we will be updating the iCAP Portal pages.
    • We will send you a schedule for the 2020 iCAP development, with specific timelines for the SWATeams to draft specific, measurable objectives for the 2020 iCAP.
    • You will receive an invitation to the SWATeam kick-off event, hosted by iSEE in September.

    As mentioned above, this year will be highly focused on drafting the 2020 Illinois Climate Action Plan iCAP.  Each of the SWATeams will be asked to recommend specific, measurable objectives for the 2020 iCAP.  To help facilitate this effort, the two of us, as co-chairs of iWG, will both be attending each full SWATeam meeting in September, October, and November.  The actual iCAP chapters will be written by members of the iWG and iSEE staff, based on the input received from SWATeams and campus, for review by the iWG.  In Spring 2020, there will be campus and community review of the draft chapters, and the SWATeams will be included as key stakeholders in that review process. Ultimately, the 2020 iCAP with a chapter for each SWATeam, and additional related chapters will be formally submitted to the Sustainability Council for campus approval.

     

    The University is committed to being carbon neutral as soon as possible, and no later than 2050, and to bolstering our community’s resilience to the impacts of climate change. SWATeams play a key role to achieve those goals. We thank you for your willingness to assist in the efforts that will make us a model of sustainability for the nation. Thank you for your time, your enthusiasm and your continuous efforts!

     

    Sincerely,

     

    Ximing Cai and Morgan White

    iCAP Working Group, co-chairs

     

  9. F&S Newsrelease regarding IBRL LEED Certification

    Faciltiies & Services (F&S) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign posted a Newsrelease on August 22, 2019, that the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL) has earned the LEED Silver Certification achieving 36 points out of 69 total available.

    Please see attached the Newsrelease in a pdf form.

  10. Message from IDNR, Mike Brunk

    Associated Project(s): 

    University of Illinois Home Yard and Garden newsletter is a great way to stay up on Illinois weed, disease and insect problems and management guidance.  With the below link you can sign up for direct emails notifications as well.

     

    Issue no. 9 of the Home, Yard & Garden Newsletter is now available on the Web. Point your browser to:

    http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu


    IN THIS ISSUE:

    =================================
    White grubs
    http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=1098

    White grub is a common name for the larvae of June beetles, chafers and Japanese beetles that feed on the roots of turfgrass.  The grubs can be found in the first 8 inches of soil beneath turfgrass.  They are white, C-shaped larvae, about 1 inch long and have 6 jointed legs attached close to their small brown head capsule.  Excessive root feeding by white grubs can leave turfgrass poorly anchored to the soil and can result in brown patches in a lawn that can be pulled back like a rug.  This can impact the aesthetics of a lawn and, in some cases, can make sports fields less safe for children and athletes.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Nimblewill Noticeable During Hot Dry Conditions
    http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=1099

    There have been a few recent calls about nimblewill (Muhlenbergia schreberi).  With the hot, dry conditions we have had  lately, our cool-season turfgrass growth has slowed, making warm-season  nimblewill growth more noticeable.  While  cool-season turfgrasses are dormant, nimblewill is actively growing and  enjoying the lack of competition.  This  unbalance can allow nimblewill to be a serious weed problem.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Fire Blight
    http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=1100

    I have received a few reports and questions regarding fire  blight on ornamental pears. Fire blight is a bacterial disease that infects  approximately 75 different species of plants, all in the Rosaceae family. Apples,  pears, crabapples, and ornamental pears are the most seriously affected  species. Other rosaceous hosts include cotoneaster, hawthorn, quince,  firethorn, and mountain-ash.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Bacterial Leaf  Scorch – New Molecular Service Available
    http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=1101

    It’s the time of the year that we start seeing bacterial  leaf scorch symptoms develop in central Illinois, and several samples have been  submitted that appear to be infected in the last few weeks. We are now offering  a molecular test for this pathogen, which will reduce the turnaround time, and  because it’s more sensitive than the previous ELISA test, ca be used any time  during the growing season when symptoms appear.
    =================================

     

    Mike

     

    Business card w logo 3

     

  11. New Collection Containers to Help Increase Recycling Efforts

    Associated Project(s): 

    Click here to see this online

    As part of Illinois’ effort to improve sustainability, new recycling and landfill collection containers have been distributed to buildings on the Urbana campus.

    This first set of containers can be found in Gregory Hall, Lincoln Hall, English Building, Henry Administration Building, Wohlers Hall, and the Physical Plant Service Building. By fall 2019, 113 containers will be deployed across campus, primarily in first-floor hallways to divert recycled products away from the landfill.

    The containers feature three top openings with easily identifiable and color-coded labels for either “landfill,” “paper,” or “bottles & cans.” The acquisition and distribution of the new collection containers was coordinated from the office of the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, the F&S Waste Transfer Station, and by Pete Varney, associate director of Operations, Maintenance & Alterations, Transportation & Automotive Services.

    “We are striving to add consistency to receptacles across campus,” said Varney. “We’ll continue to increase the number of containers over time, but we want to get a big impact out there now. We want to start someplace where they will be seen, they will be noticed, and they will have an impact.”

    The containers will help continue to raise awareness about the importance of recycling on campus, according to Shawn Patterson, transportation manager.

    “What we see is, ‘Just throw it in the trash can and [F&S] will recycle it,’ and that is something that sets a bad example for us, for the students, and for everybody especially going forward. We need everyone’s help to make sure we are recycling the right things, and these containers will make it easier for students, faculty, and staff members to help us accomplish the university goal of an increased recycling rate.”

    The Waste Transfer Station diverted 26.2 percent to recycling in FY2019, with a goal set by the Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) of 30 percent by 2020 and 35 percent by 2025.

    For more information about the program, contact Associate Director of Operations, Maintenance & Alterations, Transportation & Automotive Services, Pete Varney pvarney@illinois.edu, 217-333-7583.

  12. Water007 SeeClickFix - Successful

    Dr. Mohamad Attalla, Executive Director at F&S, responded to Dr. Ximing Cai, iWG Chair, on August 27, 2019, stating, "We will schedule a meeting with the Land and Water SWATeam to discuss options for achieving the recommendation."

    For further information, please see Green Infrastructure.

    See the transmittal of Water007 SeeClickFix recommendation.

    See SWATeam Recommendation Water007 SeeClickFix here.

  13. PWR015 Lightbulb Replacement - Successful

    Dr. Mohamed Attalla, Executive Director at F&S, responded to Dr. Ximing Cai, iWG Chair, on August 22, 2019 stating, "We will prepare the report as requested."

    See the transmittal of PWR015 Lightbulb Replacement Recommendation.

    See SWATeam Recommendation PWR015 Lightbulb Replacement here. 

    For future updates on this project see Lighting Conservation Projects.

  14. Thank you to all FY19 SWATeams

    Dear FY19 SWATeam members, As another academic year is about to begin, we want to first thank you for all of your help moving campus toward the goals outlined in the Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP). Each of the six SWATeams worked on multiple recommendations last year, and after careful evaluation by the iCAP Working Group (iWG), several recommendations are under consideration now at the appropriate campus units. Additionally, several prior SWATeam recommendations are continuing to show progress, such as the Solar Farm 2.0 project, which is likely to be approved by the Board of Trustees this fall.

    Now, the iWG is gearing up for the drafting of the 2020 iCAP. Last year, we have received a lot of feedbacks from the SWATeams and the student body about the 2015 iCAP, our successes, and our areas for growth. After extensive consideration, we have reorganized the SWATeams as announced in the iSEE newsletter earlier this month. Soon we will be updating the email lists, so please do not be concerned if you are removed from a SWATeam email list and are planning to stay on the new team; all returning members will be added to the new SWATeam email lists, as they are created.

    If you have any questions, please let us know and we’ll be happy to discuss this further. We thank you for your time, your enthusiasm, and your continuous efforts!

    Sincerely,

    Ximing Cai and Morgan White

    iCAP Working Group, co-chairs

  15. Near Far Without a Car Flyer

    Facilities & Services (F&S) updated the Near Far Without a Car flyer (or CarFree Flyer) in August 2019. This flyer lists the alternative modes of transportation available at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It also consists of essential safety information, such as SafeRides, SafeWalks, DRES shuttles, Bicycle Safety Tips, Bike Registration, etc.

    F&S has partnered with several departments across the University to distribute the information in this flyer to thousands of old and new students. For example, this flyer will be distributed to more than 3,000 incoming international students during their mandatory check-in at the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS). F&S has also partnered with MTD to distribute this flyer to students at the Quad Day.

     

    Attached Files: 
  16. Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) application 2019

    Associated Project(s): 

    The Facilities & Services (F&S) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) submitted the application to renew the Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) status for UIUC on August 21, 2019. The University expects to retain its Bronze-level BFU certification with this application. Please see attached the complete application that was submitted to the League of American Bicyclists (LAB).

  17. Weekly Update - Welcome Week, Registrations, Bike Sales

    Associated Project(s): 

    All, Welcome Week technically might be this week but last week really felt like it here at the Bike Center. Our visitor numbers were higher, a lot of people in for registrations and lots of bike sales.
    If our refurb bike sales hold steady from last week, we’ll be out of bikes before the semester even starts. While not great, it’s also not our mission to just sell bikes. Where’s the education in that?

    This week it is business as usual with the exception of Friday when we will be closed for Staff Training for all Campus Recreation employees. Obviously we’ll try to crank out some builds. We’ve still got a large pile of wheel donations to get through. That’ll help with the constant storage issues.
     

    The numbers:
    Visitors: 75
    Sales: $2,349
    Memberships: 6 for $180
    Bikes (refurb): 12 for $1,835
    Tire/tubes: 6 for $45

     

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Manager, Campus Bike Center

  18. Weekly Updates for Zero Waste

    Associated Project(s): 

    Hi Pete and Shawn—

    This past week, Morgan forwarded me an inquiry about pickup service for used toner cartridges, which I will research and formulate a reply to.

    Best regards,

    Marya Ryan

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