Past Projects

Composting Facility 2006–2007

This project evaluates the best location for a University of Illinois compost site, conducts a feedstock composting inventory analysis, determines composting recipes, and selects appropriate composting technologies. The University generates large quantities of organic wastes for which this study’s authors believe could be successfully utilized as compost.

Sustainable South Farms 2006–2007

The Sustainable South Farm Master Plan lays out an alternative future for the University’s south farm research and education center. It balances conventional industrial agriculture and cutting-edge research with beauty and ecological responsibility to create a self-sustaining farm. The vision includes a farm that grows all the food its animals need, generates all the energy it uses, and processes all of its own wastes.
Download Full Project Report (.pdf)

Living Machine for Allerton Park 2006–2007

Under the direction of Professor Vidar Lerum and guest Professor John Todd, students participated in a design charette to envision a Living Machine for Allerton Park’s wastewater. Living Machines mimic the cleansing functions of wetlands. They are intensive bioremediation systems that can also produce beneficial byproducts such as edible and ornamental plants, and fish.

Red Oak Rain Garden 2005–2006

Professor Tony Endress' Restoration Ecology students designed and installed the Red Oak Rain Garden with assistance from Facilities & Services, the City of Urbana and Housing Services. Art student Jennifer Astwood created the “Prairie Fire” sculptures under the guidance of Professor Alex Fekete. The garden is a beautiful, innovative, and smart way to reduce floods and improve water quality. It captures and filters storm water, while enhancing the aesthetics of the landscape.

Biofuels Furnace 2005–2006

Professor Stephen Long is leading a research group conducting a biomass energy project. The project includes installing high-efficiency windows, lighting, and a switch grass-fueled furnace to heat a large farmhouse on campus. The project investigates the advantages and disadvantages of growing and harvesting Miscanthus x giganteus as energy crops and demonstrates the feasibility of using this biomass fuel source for a residential-sized facility.

Levis Faculty Center Lighting Study 2004–2005

The Waste Management and Research Center, in cooperation with the School of Architecture Building Research Council studied the Levis Faculty Center’s lighting system. The lights consume 120,000 KW hours per year. Incandescent bulbs account for nearly 60% of this total. The study recommends eliminating all incandescent and halogen lighting and implementing linear T8 bulbs and compact fluorescent bulbs. It also recommends replacing all existing “exit” lights with LEDs.

Fluorescent Lighting Study 2004–2005

This study evaluates four fluorescent bulbs for new construction and existing building retrofits. It finds that the overall best bulb for new construction projects is the T5 HO, a high output fluorescent which has an impressive light output. Additional benefits are its efficiency, size, and dimming ability. For existing building retrofits, the study recommends the older model T8 32W. It shows a financial advantage for buildings with large numbers of existing light fixtures.