The University of Illinois campus hosted the "Workshop on Healthy Partnerships for a Thriving Champaign-Urbana: A University-Community Dialogue for Green Jobs and Entrepreneurship" in Spring 2012. Renowned eco-entrepreneur Majora Carter visited the campus for the workshop. An open constructive university-community dialogue was constructed through the workshop. This dialogue was meant to brainstorm creative approaches to improving the health and well-being of the community, including the environment and ecosystems that support us.

 In order to achieve the next potable water conservation goal of reducing use by 40 percent from 2008 to 2025 the University has begun to look at the 63 miles of water distribution lines which provide potable water to the campus. The Utilities division performed a survey of the water lines owned by the university in May 2012. This survey determined where there are undetected water main and water service leaks in the university system which will allow unaccounted for flow to be reduced and conserve water and money.

The trend away from outdoor play in children is having a significant impact on the health of today's youth, as well as their stewardship and interest in the environment. Take a Child Outside Week aims to combat this trend through a series of events to be held September 24-30, 2013.

This project is meant to transform the walkway between Burrill and Morrill Halls into a sustainable and multifunctional landscape. The walkway formerly had planters with a few, mostly non-native species. The walkway’s impervious concrete also had the problem of collecting rainwater and flooding. This area is high in student pedestrian traffic and is a part of the “Million Dollar Tour” that prospective donors to the University take while visiting campus.

The aim of this project is to reduce the water consumption of Campus Recreation patrons without interfering with the service they receive. In order to do this, standard flush valves were replaced with dual-flush valves, pint-flow urinals were installed, and motion-sensor water faucets replaced traditional faucets in ARC, CRCE, and the Ice Arena (which are the three largest Campus Recreation facilities.)  Campus Recreation used the upgrades as an opportunity to educate their patrons about water consumption and conservation.

College Sustainability Report Card - Suspended

March 30, 2012 - Sustainable Endowments Endowments Institute announces suspension

of College Sustainability Report Card program. Learn More

GreenReportCard.org is the first website to provide in-depth sustainability profiles for more than 300 colleges in all 50 U.S. states and eight Canadian provinces. See the Results

Each semester, Facilities & Services works with the Learning in Community (LINC) program as a project partner for the UI Bikes course section. Working closely with the Campus Bicycle Coordinator, students learn about cycling issues on campus including planning, infrastructure, safety, education, and enforcement. 

Drawing attention to stormwater – literally – is a current goal of F&S Environmental Compliance (EC). EC, which manages the university’s stormwater program, along with a number of community organizations, has recruited 12 artists to paint themed murals near storm drain inlets to call attention to the potential hazards of what washes down our drains.

The yard of the Campus Honors House was transformed into a beautiful landscape of native plants, with the efforts of a dedicated student. Native plants on campus have become an interest of several students and community members. With their dedication, the use of native plants continues to spread on campus.

This project will be a guaranteed energy savings contract to be completed in conformance with the provisions of the public university energy conservation act. An energy services company (esco) will be selected through a request for proposal process to serve as a qualified provider. The esco will provide an investment grade audit and recommend energy conservation measures based on merit. This is approximately a $4,300,000 performance contract guaranteed to produce an annual energy savings of $850,000.