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Webinars on Sediment Remediation

Environmental researchers interested in the assessment and treatment of contaminated sediments may wish to tune into the new webinar series being offered by SERDP and ESTCP, Department of Defense’s environmental research programs. On Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 11 am – 12:30 pm (CT) there will be two presentations on sediment remediation. The first is “The Roles of Biology, Chemistry and Exposure in the Development of Resilient Remedies” by Dr. Todd Bridges (U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center). Following that will be a talk on “In Situ Treatment of Polychlorinated Biphenyl Impacted Sediments by Microbial Bioaugmentation” by Dr. Kevin Sowers (University of Maryland).

Advanced registration for this webinar is required. To register, visit https://cc.readytalk.com/r/rc3ppgqknvkq&eom. A recording of the online seminar and the presentation will be posted afterwards.

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Researcher Spotlight: Laura Barnes

Laura-Barnes smallLaura Barnes serves as ISTC’s Sustainability Information Curator and as Executive Director of the Great Lakes Regional Pollution Prevention Roundtable (GLRPPR). In her role as Sustainability Information Curator, Barnes develops new information resources (RefWorks, LibGuides, databases, etc.); responds to scientific or technical inquiries from ISTC researchers and the public; conducts orientations to University Library resources; assists ISTC researchers with developing data management plans and managing their research data; and identifies funding opportunities and publications of interest to ISTC researchers. She also authors the Environmental News Bits blog; writes for the Prairie Research Institute Library’s News from the Library blog; and maintains the Sustainable Technology page on the Institute’s Library website.

 

In her role as GLRPPR’s Executive Director, Barnes develops and directs regional programs to benefit the organization’s members. She collaborates with the staff of the other centers in the Pollution Prevention Resource Exchange’s national network to develop national pollution prevention information and networking tools, which include the Pollution Prevention 101 LibGuide and the Social Media Best Practices LibGuide.

 

Barnes joined ISTC as a graduate student in 1991. She earned a B.A. in American History (1989) and an M.S. in Library and Information Science (1993) from the University of Illinois.

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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.

 

racing helmet that is white with black and red details with Bell logoAt 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 27th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers:

 

Kyle KietzmannISTC: 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 27th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers!

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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 27th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers! Don’t forget to register!

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

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New Speakers Added to the Governors Sustainability Awards!

We are thrilled to have added three wonderful speakers to the 29th 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 27th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers!

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

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Interview with Kate Zerrenner – Environmental Defense Fund

kate zerrennerTo 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?

 

zerrenner diagram

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.

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Free Champaign County Electronics Collection Event, Oct. 10

A free countywide residential electronics collection event will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2015 from 8 AM to noon at Parkland College, 2400 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign, IL. The collection will be in Parking Lot M; enter from Duncan Rd.

 
Residents may bring the following electronics items (working or non-working) to the collection event. The limit is 10 items per household.

Computer components:

  • Computers, printers, copiers, monitors*, keyboards, speakers, mice, cables, PDAs
  • Software, CDROM/floppy disks, UPS, tablet computers
  • Computer parts including but not limited to: circuit boards, hard drives, optical drives, power supplies, ribbon cables, RAM
  • Networking equipment, hubs, switches, routers, cables, modems, scanners
  • Ink cartridges

Entertainment:

  • Televisions*, VCRs, radios, stereo equipment, tape recorders, record players, remote controls, MP3 players, compact disc players, e-readers
  • Electronic toys, amplifiers, electronic keyboards
  • Hand-held gaming devices, game consoles, Walkmans, sewing machines
  • Digital cameras, camcorders

Communication Devices and Other Electronics:

  • Cash registers, typewriters, adding machines, calculators
  • Copiers, duplicators, voice recorders
  • Label makers
  • Portable power banks and coin counters
  • Telephones, PBX systems, answering machines, fax machines
  • CB radios, ham radios, cell phones, pagers, Black Berry/Palm Units, GPS units, Bluetooth serial port adapters
  • Rechargeable batteries, battery chargers and adapters, surge strips
  • Video recorders, video monitors, security systems, walkie-talkies

Miscellaneous: cables/cords/wire

 
*not accepted: broken glass cathode-ray-tube televisions or broke glass cathode-ray-tube monitors. For a complete listing of items not accepted, please visit the Champaign County RRR webpage at www.co.champaign.il.us/rrr.

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Event: Water Problems, Water Solutions: The Future of Clean Water in Illinois

Nutrient runoff, pollution, and sewage contamination are just a few of issues threatening the water we all depend upon. The Clean Water Rule went into effect on August 28th, closing loopholes in the Clean Water Act and restoring protections to over 48,000 miles of waterways in Illinois.

 

Impact, Environment Illinois, the Green Observer, and Students for Environmental Concerns are co-hosting a panel discussion with open Q&A on the importance of clean water for Illinois, and in general, as well as the threats it faces. The event, entitled “Water Problems, Water Solutions: The Future of Clean Water in Illinois,” will be held from 5:00 – 6:15 PM on Wednesday, September 30, in Room 319 Gregory Hall (810 South Wright Street Urbana, IL 61801) on the UI campus.

 

On September 18th the US Senate introduced a measure to overturn the Clean Water Rule. This event is part of Environment Illinois’ campaign to defend the Clean Water Rule. There will be the opportunity at the end of the event to participate in the campaign, as well as learn more about working on social change as a full-time career after graduation.

 

Speakers will include:

 

Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/events/1646945918923166/.

 

Waterproblems

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Past Governor’s Award Winner: City of Arcola

arcolaIn 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.

 

arcola upgrades

  • 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.

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Researcher Spotlight: Junhua Jiang

Photo of Junhua JiangDr. Junhua Jiang is a Senior Research Engineer in ISTC’s Applied Research on Industrial Environmental Systems Program. Jiang conducts cutting-edge research and develops interdisciplinary research programs in a range of areas, including electrochemical energy storage, nanostructured materials, electrochemical sensors, waste utilization, water treatment and purification, and green chemical processes. He joined ISTC in 2011.

 

Jiang graduated from China’s Wuhan University in 1997 with a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry. He conducted research as a postdoctoral fellow in London at Imperial College and in China at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics in the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

 

Prior to joining ISTC, Jiang worked as a staff scientist for fuel cell company NuVant Systems, and a research scientist and manager at the University of North Dakota’s Energy and Environmental Research Center. In these roles, he conducted innovative research on fuel cell and hydrogen technology, electrolytic processes of renewable ammonia, nanomaterials, and more.

 

Jiang’s research interests include energy-conversion technology, fuel cells and hydrogen technology, batteries and supercapacitors, green-chemistry processes for renewable fuels and chemicals, advanced materials, electrochemical treatment, water purification and desalination, and other areas of sustainable energy. He is currently developing biochar supercapacitors for energy storage and water purification; advanced carbon materials from renewable and waste feedstocks; and nanostructured materials and components from ionic liquids.

 

He is also working on electrochemical detection techniques for water contaminants. Jiang holds five issued and pending patents, has authored or presented more than 100 highly-cited peer-reviewed articles and conference papers, and has obtained more than $2.5 million in research grant funds.

 

Check the ISTC home page periodically for more Researcher Spotlights. Thanks to Lauren Quinn for writing the original profile of Junhua for the home page!