As the University is committed to reducing automobile traffic in the campus core to reduce emissions and increase pedestrian safety, incentives and benefits for bicycling will assist with this goal. To encourage more people to ride a bike to campus, programs could be implemented.
A sustainability immersive experience is an educational program that concentrates on sustainability and its three dimensions: social, economic, and environment. The University of Illinois offers several opportunities for students to explore indepth solutions to major sustainability challenges. Some examples include Study Abroad, Learning in Community courses, or internships that focus on sustainability. Below is an example of an immersive program offered in the College of Business. We would be delighted to include additional opportunities. Let us know about your program!
The Turner Hall greenhouses can use a new and improved system for cooling that reduces the water usage. Such a system was installated previously in one of the greenhouse rooms and the Student Sustainability Committee is is considering funding additional installations.
The capture of rainwater to use as irrigation or other purposes would reduce stormwater volume and usage of potable water on campus.
One of the strategies discussed in the 2010 Illinois Climate Action Plan, under the theme of purchasing, waste, and recycling, was to consider a campus-wide bottle or can deposit program. Such a program would help the University complete its target of increasing waste diversion from landfills to 75 percent by 2020.
One of the water strategies outlined in the 2010 Illinois Climate Action Plan was to include “true cost of water” charges with the energy billing program. The idea behind this strategy was to add an economic benefit in reducing the amount of water used by the University.
The University’s decision about whether or not they will implement this strategy is still being discussed.
The Miles C Hartley Selections Garden (Hartley Garden) comprises four of the 57 acres within the Arboretum and is used for educational and research purposes. Construction of this garden was completed in 1994.
The 2015 iCAP, chapter 5, objective 5, is "Through an open solicitation process, implement at least four pilot projects to showcase the potential of water and/or stormwater reuse by FY20, with the objective of implementing a broader program by FY25." The first pilot project was initiated during the engineering design of the upcoming Seibel Center for Design. The AE for the project worked with campus code compliance staff to specify the water capture and reuse system and to draft a requ
The Campus Administative Manual (CAM) includes a Policy on Appropriate Use of Computer and Network Systems at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This policy should be revised to incorporate energy conservation and waste prevention measures.
The 2015 iCAP, chapter 6, objective 3, is "Utilize landfills with methane capture." Methane is one of the worst greenhouse gases, and this university has a number of methane producers on South Farms. There are beef cows, dairy cows, sheep, pigs, horses, and chickens. One of the strategies listed in the iCAP to reduce agricultural emissions is to install a methane capture process for additional energy generation by 2020, with a pilot project by 2015.
