IL Sustainability Awards – Page 5

December 17, 2015May 22, 2018

Three: 10 Days of ISTC; Anniversary Presentation Videos

Videos of presentations at ISTC’s anniversary event provide a fascinating look at problems of pollution contamination in Illinois and how the Center contributed to the clean up. Links to the videos will be made available over the next two weeks as they become available.

ISTC Looks Back, and to the Future During Anniversary

VIDEO 3: Gary Miller, the center’s first assistant director, spoke about the center’s research program. Up to this day, the mandate of ISTC is to provide 1) research, 2) technical assistance, and 3) public information about hazardous materials and other contamination threats. Miller said over 30 years the center has funded well over 200 studies, all available online.

Large contaminated sites in Illinois, such as Waukegan Harbor, Lake Calumet and industrial sites near Rockford got a lot of attention in those first years. At that time a lot of work was necessary to establish the toxicity of contaminants present at those sites, including some of the earliest studies of PCBs in the environment.

Other important research focused on waste issues such as improved landfill design and modeling of groundwater contamination from landfills. The early years also produced a comprehensive inventory of Illinois landfills that is still in use today. He added that the center also helped pioneer remediation, stabilization, and clean-up techniques through demonstrations and analysis.

NEXT UP: Craig Colton, “Historical Hazards: Innovation and Application at the Center.”

December 15, 2015May 22, 2018

Two: 10 Days of ISTC; Anniversary Presentation Videos

ISTC Looks Back, and to the Future During Anniversary

VIDEO 2: David Thomas, the founding ISTC director, joined in May, 1985. During his presentation he looked back to the early days of Illinois’ hazardous waste center. When President Jimmy Carter declaired a federal health emergency at Love Canal, the problem of hazardous waste management had become a front burner concern nationwide. Previously working at an engineering firm, Thomas could see the concern grow as he saw more and more of the firm’s work had to do with hazardous waste.

As an U of I alumnus, Thomas was delighted Illinois had proposed the new hazardous waste center for Champaign. He also relished the job as a way to delve full-time into the interesting and important challenges of the hazardous waste. During his talk, Thomas discusses the legislative mandate of the center and its early efforts to organize a scientific response to the problems.

Thomas and original Assistant Director Gary Miller studied design of modern research labs around the nation to guide the development of the center’s research laboratory capabilities. Thomas noted with satisfaction that ISTC’s focus has effectively evolved to remain relevant in the rapidly changing field.

NEXT UP: Gary Miller, founding ISTC assistant director, “30 Years: Projects, Politics, and People.”

December 14, 2015May 22, 2018

One: 10 Days of ISTC; Anniversary Presentation Videos

Anniversary videos available — Videos of presentations at ISTC’s anniversary event provide a fascinating look at problems of pollution contamination in Illinois and how the Center contributed to the clean up. Links to the videos will be made available over the next two weeks as they become available.

ISTC Looks Back, and to the Future During Anniversary

Duration: 12’33”

VIDEO 1: Mike Barcelona was a primary architect of the Hazardous Research and Information Center (HWRIC) that would evolve into the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC). He and the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) Chief Stan Changnon negotiated the political and bureaucratic waters to establish the center. Barcelona, head of the water chemistry group at ISWS was the primary author of the position paper on the organization and goals of the center.

Barcelona went on to serve on the faculties of the University of Michigan and the University of Western Michigan where he served a chair of the department of chemistry.

For his presentation at the 30th anniversary celebration, Barcelona focused on state of things as the Center was being formed. Government and industry had only just begun to define the outlines of hazardous and toxic industrial by-products. At the beginning, the Center was most interested in determining the amounts of hazardous waste in Illinois, and particularly their impacts on groundwater, he recalled. He noted that the state produced an estimated 70 million tons of hazardous wastes between 1920-80.

What has changed today? Barcelona cited a recent Illinois Environmental Protection Agency analysis that showed hazardous waste generation in the state has dropped 75 percent between 1987 and 2013. He also cited an October, 2015 study which estimated that pollution prevention efforts nationwide have avoided the environmental release of five billion to 14 billion pounds of toxins.

While that is a good record for meeting that threat, Barcelona added there are plenty of challenges in the future. In particular, he noted the growing avalanche of electronics in the waste stream, and the increased concern over landfilled food waste and its massive emissions of methane (a potent greenhouse gas).

NEXT UP: David Thomas, founding ISTC director, “ISTC: The Early Years.”

November 19, 2015September 21, 2018

Take a Good Look at the Bad Old Days, and How Science Saved the Future

The 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) gathered together many of the original leaders of the effort to get a handle on hazardous pollution in the environment.

It was a valuable window into the spirit of the times before 1985 that convinced Illinois lawmakers to create a center for research, industry assistance and public information. Thousands had been killed in Bhopal, Love Canal had blighted whole neighborhoods, the Cuyahoga River had burned, and in Illinois, contamination at Waukegan Harbor and Lake Calumet had brought home to citizens the need for scientific evidence about the threats.

ISTC took the opportunity to tell this story at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on Nov. 9. It was a proud moment for the original players who participated in the event, and for ISTC’s parent Prairie Research Institute, and all of their current researchers who continue to drive sustainable economic development in Illinois. Videos on the presentations will be made available soon at http://www.istc.illinois.edu/news/30anniversaryhome.cfm.

October 22, 2015

My Green, Galena — Past Governor’s Sustainability Award Winner

The City of Galena is known for its grand, historic downtown district, rolling hills, and beautiful fall colors. What most people don’t know is that they are sustainability leaders, both in their region and within the state. From their leadership in best sustainability practices, Galena continues o grow sustainability initiatives in this quaint, Midwest destination city.

The City of Galena is located in the western tip of Illinois, adjacent to the Mississippi river. Home to Ulysses S. Grant, its scenic roads and historic charm bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area each year. In 2012, the City decided to make sustainability the core guiding principle of their government. They began with a logo competition for their “My Green Galena” slogan. They were looking for a graphic that would embody and brand the City’s efforts throughout the town. The final design (pictured, right) was not only adopted by the campaign but by the city as well.

The City government knew that they had to lead of the sustainability effort. “Local governments are the movers of change. Change has to begin at our level or it won’t happen,” said City Administrator, Mark Moran. Thus, the city started investigating opportunities to decrease their environmental footprint.

The city had already established a curbside recycling program for residents. They chose to expand that initiative to institute a “pay as you throw” garbage system, where have a cap on how much trash they send to the landfill. Putting a cap on garbage encourages residents to compost and divert recyclable materials away from the landfill. Additionally, the city collects items that are recyclable but not commonly collected, such as electronics (which are required to be recycled by Illinois law), batteries, CFLs and prescription medicines.

One of the most impressive projects the city implemented was a 368 kW, 1,444 high efficiency photovoltaic solar panel array at their wastewater treatment plant. The $1.3 million dollar project was funded through a 60% grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, producing nearly 50% of the power needed to operate the wastewater treatment facility. This saved the city about $46,000 a year just from avoided power purchasing costs and net metering revenue.

The City of Galena has also invested in different energy efficiency initiatives, such as LED street lights to replace the high pressure sodium lighting. They also retrofitted city hall and their police station. Galena’s city hall was repurposed from an old grocery store, reutilizing a historic building close to downtown. They added skylights, thermopane windows, retrofitted all lighting to LED, and landscaped with low- to no- water perennials. By retrofitting this old building, the city avoided construction waste impact and used an existing, historic structure.

Since winning the Award, the city has added an EV charging station for visitors who want to charge their cars when they come to visit. Mr. Moran commented that since they received the Award, the city staff have “more energy and enthusiasm in each subsequent project we’ve implemented. There is a sense of pride that we haven’t had before.” The Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Award will continue recognizing Illinois public and private sector organizations to empower and encourage them to continue on their sustainable journey.

Don’t miss out on recognizing this year’s Governor’s Sustainability Award winners with us. Please visit our Awards Ceremony webpage to see the entire agenda for the day. We hope that you can join us on October 27th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers!

October 15, 2015

Interview with Kyle Kietzmann – Bell Racing USA

Have you ever worn a bicycle helmet, or a football helmet in your younger years? Used an Easton baseball bat ever? Well then you’ve probably heard of BRG Sports.

BRG Sports is a leading designer, developer and marketer of sports equipment and accessories that enhance athletic performance and protection. With Bell, Riddell, Giro and Blackburn, the company’s brand portfolio sets the standard for innovation and excellence in football as well as snow, action and power sports. The company has grown over the years through a selective acquisition of other technology-based sporting goods companies, bringing on Riddell in 2003; Bell and Giro in 2004.

At this year’s Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Awards in the Morning Keynote panel, we will hear from the co-owner and COO of Bell Racing USA, Kyle Kietzmann – a subsidiary of BRG Sports. Bell Racing USA LLC, the world’s premier auto racing helmet company. Bell Racing specializes in designing, developing, manufacturing and distributing auto racing helmets to professional and amateur drivers competing in the sport of auto racing. Bell Helmets have been worn and trusted by more champions than any other helmet brand.

Here, he shares some insight with ISTC before the Governor’s Sustainability Awards on October 27^th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers:

ISTC: You’re the founder of Bell Racing USA – how did this niche helmet industry break out from Bell Helmets?

Kietzmann: Bell was founded in Bell, California in 1954. The first product was an auto racing helmet and then expanded to Motorcycle and Bicycle helmets. Bell Racing USA has been a stand-alone company since 2010 focusing exclusively on auto racing helmets.

ISTC: We know corporate social responsibility and sustainability are key for manufacturers and their competitive advantage. Why is this important to Bell Racing USA?

Kietzmann: In addition to being a responsible manufacturer, Bell is interested in sustainability to improve the bottom line by using resources more efficiently and to enhance the working environment for our employees especially in manufacturing. We consider sustainability in terms of how we manufacture the products.

ISTC: Could you highlight just one sustainable aspect about producing Bell Racing helmets?

Kietzmann: There are several but primarily we are looking at our supply chain and manufacturing techniques to use fewer natural resources.

ISTC: Wonderful! Do you feel that your customer cares about a sustainably-made product?

Kietzmann: There are certain segments of customers who do care about sustainability. We are involved in the racing industry and realize that it is important for manufacturers, racing organizations and racing facilities to increase their efforts to minimize the environmental impact of the sport of racing.

ISTC: Great to hear that racers care. Thank you for taking the time to chat with me! Before we break, what is the one thing you are excited to share with the Gov’s Awards audience?

Kietzmann: I am excited to discuss some of the manufacturing initiatives we are implementing in our new Bahrain manufacturing facility to reduce the use of natural resources and improve the work environment for our employees.

Don’t miss out on Mr. Kietzmann’s presentation at this year’s Governor’s Sustainability Awards. Please visit our Awards Ceremony webpage to see the entire agenda for the day. We hope that you can join us on October 27^th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers!

October 13, 2015

Navistar Inc. & NOW Foods Added to Morning Symposium

Have you ever wondered how companies continually improve upon their sustainability initiatives or how they convince management to invest in renewable energy, or high capital sustainability improvements? Join us for our “Where are they now? Past Award Winners Progressing on the Sustainability Journey” panel in our Governor’s Sustainability Awards Ceremony Morning Symposium to learn from those who have lead the way in their companies and have become champions of sustainability.

Joining Steve Rundell, founder and CEO of Solvent Systems International, we will have Chris Perzan, Director of Environmental and Energy Affairs and Sr. Counsel to Navistar, Inc. (14-time winner) and Dan Scoles, Manager of EHS & Sustainability at NOW Foods (4-time Award winner) speak on this panel.

Solvent Systems International was one of the very first Governor’s Sustainability Award winners, when it was first named the Pollution Prevention Award. Both Navistar, Inc. and NOW Foods have won the Award multiple times for their sustainability efforts, and we truly look forward to having them share their expertise!

Meet our newest panelists below. Please visit our Awards Ceremony webpage to see the entire agenda for the day. We hope that you can join us on October 27^th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers! Don’t forget to register!

Continue reading “Navistar Inc. & NOW Foods Added to Morning Symposium”

October 9, 2015

New Speakers Added to the Governors Sustainability Awards!

We are thrilled to have added three wonderful speakers to the 29^th Annual Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Award Ceremony line-up. ISTC has been working to add diversity in speakers from industry and business type. This year’s Morning Symposium will not just provide you with diverse, cutting edge information, but will provide tools and strategies to move your sustainability initiatives forward.

Speakers added to our line-up are:

Barb Daly, Quality Assurance and Facility Manager at Testa Produce, Inc.
Chris Perzan, Director of Environmental and Energy Affairs and Sr. Counsel to Navistar, Inc.
Dan Scoles, Manager of EHS & Sustainability at NOW Foods

In this post, we will be highlighting our addition to the Shaping the Future of Production – Morning Keynote Panel, Barb Daly, Quality Assurance and Facility Manager at Testa Produce, Inc.

In a future blog post, we will highlight Chris Perzan from Navistar, Inc. (14-time winner) and Dan Scoles from NOW Foods (4-time Award winner)– additions to the Where are they now? Past Award Winners panel.

Please visit our Awards Ceremony webpage to see the entire agenda for the day. We hope that you can join us on October 27^th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers!

Continue reading “New Speakers Added to the Governors Sustainability Awards!”

October 5, 2015

Interview with Kate Zerrenner – Environmental Defense Fund

To highlight our speakers at the Governor’s Sustainability Awards Ceremony, we asked them to answer a few short questions to give a sneak peak into their presentation before the event. Kate Zerrenner, Climate and Energy Project Manager for the Environmental Defense Fund, gave us a little more insight into the energy-water nexus. Join us on October 27th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers to learn more.

We know that there is more buzz about the energy-water nexus and how it relates to our utility systems and economy, but tell me briefly why you started working on this topic.

When the drought hit Texas in 2010, I felt that we needed to have a voice in the environmental community about energy as a water conservation strategy. My background is in energy and I saw the connection, and I wanted to help make that connection for others: water saves energy and energy saves water.

There are many opportunities for infrastructure to improve their policy and development of these systems to save both energy and water, but why is this nexus so important for businesses to be aware of?

Many businesses have large energy bills – one way to improve that line item is through water efficiency, which also saves energy. Also, in water-stressed areas, investing in things like energy efficiency and other clean energy can help preserve scarce water resources.

Sometimes, as we are working in companies and manufacturers throughout Illinois, we see that energy efficiency can be tough sell, even with a significant payback. How can companies or organizations speak with upper management about the importance of both energy and water efficiency, and how they affect each other?

Evidence shows that in some cases water conservation could save as much energy as the utility energy efficiency programs, but at half the cost. By looking at both energy and water together we can find the synergies and opportunities for efficiency—investing in one saves both, so businesses can maximize their resources by investing in a more coherent strategy.

So there are savings opportunities and efficiency opportunities here that organizations can capitalize on – Why is it important to share this information on the energy-water nexus at events such as the Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Awards?

Many people think that water scarcity is just something that dry Western states have to worry about, but climate models predict hotter and drier conditions for much of the country, including parts of the Midwest. In addition to preparing for new normal of drier or hotter conditions, it’s important to help businesses and industry realize the connection between energy and water so they can make their usage more efficient and lower their utility bills and their carbon footprints.

Are there any new initiatives that you are working on at the Environmental Defense Fund that you would like to share?

We are starting work with cities to help understand how much embedded energy is in municipal water systems, which will hopefully lead to opportunities to invest in targeted efforts to reduce cities’ energy bills and protect water resources.

September 29, 2015

Past Governor’s Award Winner: City of Arcola

In this humble farming community, rich with Amish heritage and home to the founder of Raggedy Ann dolls, ISTC found a wind turbine, solar panels on city hall, and a community that was excited to be taking the lead in sustainability.

Founded in 1855, the City of Arcola is nestled off I-57 and marks the entrance to Illinois Amish County. With 2,900 residents, the city has many shops, learning opportunities and restaurants. Over the last seven years, the city has worked with Tick Tock Energy to continually integrate electrical improvements that increase efficiency and reduce overall electrical consumption.

Lighting upgrades: In 2008, the City began retrofitting old incandescent and T12 lighting to CFLs and T8s. Additionally, 295 watt HID fixtures were replaced with T8 fixtures to reduce energy by 85% in their fire station. With all of their lighting upgrades, they will be saving about $8,500/year. They are currently looking to transition all of these bulbs to LEDs in the future, and has already started with their street lights.
Wastewater Treatment Plant – Blower Upgrade: The City of Arcola’s wastewater treatment plant was one of the highest electricity consumers within the city – mainly because of a 30 year old blower system that provided aeration for sludge ponds. These blowers were upgraded to an HIS HT-30 turbo blower which reduced energy consumption by 97,000 kWh, saving the city over $9,800/ year.
Wind Turbine at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP): While the City was looking to reduce energy, they were also looking to produce their own clean, renewable energy. With the incentives for renewable systems at their peak, the City decided to invest in a turbine at their WWTP, producing enough electricity to cover 25-35% of the facility’s energy use.
Solar Panels on City Hall: In 2012, the City decided that City Hall was the optimal location for solar panels, after extensive surveying of all City buildings. A forty-two Sharp 240 watt solar PV system was installed on the rooftop, covering about 17% of City Hall’s electricity bill.

The City of Arcola has embraced energy efficiency for their facilities and county because they believe in using taxpayer dollars efficiently and effectively. Bill Wagoner, City Administrator, said that if solutions were available that could help save the city and its residents more dollars, then why not invest in these technologies and increase efficiency? Tick Tock Energy’s fact sheet on their work with Arcola is available here.

After winning the Governor’s Sustainability Award, the city also believed it was important to help their local industries become more cost-effective. They brought the Illinois Sustainability Technology Center into the community and introduced them to their major employers. In Arcola, which has a population of 2,900, a handful of companies employ over 700 people. It is extremely important for the city that these employers stay in Arcola.

The City of Arcola is just one of many examples of why this award’s program is so important. It helps educate organizations and companies about best practices; provides opportunities to connect applicants with various services throughout the state; and encourages locations throughout Illinois to reduce environmental impact.

Join us to celebrate the 29th Annual Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Awards on October 27th at the Sheraton Hotel Chicago. Find more information here.

View detailed case studies of past Award winners here. A comprehensive list of past Award winners is available here.