A celebration for the 1-year anniversary of the Electrical & Computer Engineering Building’s (ECE) ‘net zero energy’ mark was held there in the atrium, a huge study and hang out location for students. It made sense, given recognition of the building’s ability to impact academic research. Basically, students can plug in at a computer and be able to study how energy is collected, stored, and … Continue reading “All in” on Zero Energy at ECE: Now 1 Year
When plugging in those string lights, winter holiday decorative trees, and other displays, a wire connects to the outlet. Those plugs send out 120 volts of electricity, keeping lights shining bright throughout the night. One team at F&S regularly deals with and considers lines with a voltage of that times 100. F&S utility distribution electricians, also called high voltage electricians, monitor and repair power lines … Continue reading Shop Spotlight: High Voltage Electricians
Dateline: Urbana, Illinois, Richmond Studio at Campbell Hall, home of the College of Media channel UI7 and classes in broadcast journalism. An open house, October 23. Dozens gathered there to celebrate the new space, the Richard and Leslie Frank Newsroom, including Brian Williams of broadcast news fame, and Illinois men’s basketball coach Brad Underwood, who graduated with a degree from Kansas State University in radio … Continue reading NEWS NEWS: College of Media broadcast studio renovated
A man who wears many hats, both figuratively and literally, Barry Houser, the Associate Director of Bands, Director of the Marching Illini, Director of the Fighting Illini Athletic Bands, and Clinical Associate Professor of Music, is the driving force behind the university’s renowned musical ensembles. He shared insights into his multifaceted career and the teamwork that makes it all possible. He emphasizes that the success … Continue reading Notes of Unity with Barry Houser
One of the primary and overarching priorities of F&S is to actively support the university’s core missions, which encompass education, research, and outreach. Central to this commitment is the continuous enhancement and upkeep of the facilities and grounds that make up the campus environment. To ensure that this mission is diligently carried out, F&S leaders maintain a focus on the physical state of the university. … Continue reading Building Tours with F&S Leaders
This just in: Just outside the east entrance of the Sidney Lu Mechanical Engineering Building (MEB) stands a new piece of public art. Called Grasp, the three metal vertical arms move back and forth with the power of a simple handle-crank on the base. On the back of the gearbox, glass panels allow the user to see the gears at work. So, give it a … Continue reading Turn the Handle: Interactive Mechanical Engineering Artistry
In the world of college football, where fans gather to cheer on their teams, the University of Illinois took on a special mission to make these celebrations more eco-friendly. As cars rolled into the tailgating lots near Memorial Stadium for the afternoon’s game against Florida Atlantic University, an organized effort was underway to ensure that the fan experience also left a positive impact on the … Continue reading Illini Football Tailgate Recycling Event
Take a look at how huge this real life WALL-E is. This isn’t some far-off, future alien world though; this is right on campus at the Waste Transfer Station (WTS). F&S is working on integrating a new and improved baler machine that will more safely and efficiently do its work, something that advances the university’s sustainability and zero waste initiatives. The baler is a piece … Continue reading Incoming: New and Improved Baler
F&S established, and is growing, a window washing team that strategically cleans windows at approximately 270 campus buildings. “We are excited to grow the team and add a significant new service that will beautify campus buildings,” said Pete Varney, director of Transportation & Building Services. Varney said it had been over 10 years since this type of work has been done regularly on campus. “It … Continue reading Growing Building Services: Window Washers
F&S Building Service Workers (BSWs) began rolling out a new cleaning program this summer. So, when each employee received certificates honoring workshop completion, pomp and circumstance played for all. Much deserved! F&S partnered with the Cleaning Management Institute, the education division of the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA). Approximately 40 BSWs from all three working shifts are enacting the program, which is being piloted in … Continue reading Adapting Building Services: New Custodial Operations
