Sustainability@UIC

Douglas Hall PV System

2011-10-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

On August 24, 2011, the new and improved Douglas Hall was introduced by the UIC family. Also known as the College of Business Administration's home base, the building has been drastically improved both in interior and exterior. Besides the many student exchange areas, classrooms, and other renovations, it is what has been done "underneath the hood" that stands out at Douglas Hall.

The building is on the path to being UIC's second LEED certified building, with an official announcement to be made by mid-2012. In addition to the light, water, and space conservation in the building, Douglas Hall has a unique Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system in place on the building rooftop. The PV array is unique because it uses microinverter technology to optimize the production of electricity from the panels. Think of it like a string of modern holiday lights - if one bulb goes out, all the other lights don't.

Partially funded by a generous grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, the PV system allows the solar panels on building to convert the solar radiation gathered into direct current electricity. Douglas Hall contains 261 solar panels mounted on ballasted racks. With a rated capacity of 54.81 kW, this PV system is expected to generate 67,000kWH of electricity annually, or approximately 8% of the building's needs.

As a student, I see as the PV system on Douglas Hall to be a trendsetter. I remember reading the Chicago Flame before renovations were complete about the upcoming renovations in Douglas Hall; however, I never actually understood the direct impact that this would have. As UIC begins to renovate other buildings around campus, the PV system will be looked on as innovative technology for the UIC community. In both the short and long run, the PV system allows energy to be made from natural sources - less and less harsh environmental impacts will be made by UIC. The PV system reaffirms to the world: UIC is a leading example of education and sustainability successfully joining forces.

To learn more about the additions in Douglas Hall, please go here.
For more information on PV systems, please go here.

Also, check out a video about Douglas Hall and the PV system:

Clean Energy Challenge - $100k prizes

2011-10-17T17:12:00.001-05:00

Are you a graduate student? Do you and your friends have a great idea in your heads that'll make the world a better place? There is a new opportunity to make that idea happen with funding provided from The Clean Energy Trust!

Who: The Clean Energy Trust, an organization in Chicago that is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs start businesses in clean energy.

What: The Clean Energy Challenge student competition - student entrants will present business plans before a panel of judges and the winning teams will split a $100k prize to assist them in realizing their business plans.

When: The informational session is this Wednesday, October 19th from 4 - 6 P.M. Please RSVP to info@cleanenergytrust.org

Where: IIT Idea Lab

3440 South Dearborn
Idea Shop, Suite 050
Chicago, Illinois 60616

Extra: UIC professors are also encouraged to attend this event to meet with other area businesses, entrepreneurs, and academics from other Chicago-based institutions.

Lindbergh Foundation (June 10, 2010)

2010-05-10T15:32:00.002-05:00

If you have an idea for a research or educational project that will contribute to a balance between technology and environmental preservation, you may want to apply for a Lindbergh Grant or refer us to a friend who does. Awards are $10,580.
Citizens of all countries are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted in the English language. The Foundation welcomes candidates who may or may not be affiliated with an academic, non-profit or for-profit organization. Candidates for grants are not required to hold any graduate or post-graduate academic degrees. Learn more.

Chancellor's Discovery Fund for Multidisciplinary Research

2010-02-10T13:15:00.000-06:00

The Chancellor and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research announced the second round of the Discovery Fund program, intended to support up to five new collaborations led by emerging researchers at UIC. The purpose is to foster academic inquiry drawing on different disciplines, nurture careers, and help leverage extramural funding. Awards will be up to $30,000 over 2 years. Letters of intent due Feb. 24, applications March 31. More.

Green Works Green Heroes (Due Feb. 19, 2010)

2010-01-21T14:33:00.000-06:00

GREEN HEROES GRANT PROGRAM GIVES GREEN TO THOSE WHO DO GREEN.

The makers of Green Works® natural cleaners to award a total of $60,000 in grant funding to individuals, organizations and schools that are making their communities a greener place. Nominations are accepted through Facebook. Read more.