Category: Uncategorized

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has opened registration for student teams from colleges and universities across the country to participate in its new design competition, the Campus RainWorks Challenge, through which teams will compete to develop innovative approaches to stormwater management. This first annual competition, will help raise awareness of green design and planning approaches at colleges and universities, and train the next generation of landscape architects, planners, and engineers in green infrastructure principles and design. Stormwater is a major cause of harmful water pollution in urban areas in the U.S., impacting tens of thousands of miles of rivers, streams, and coastal shorelines, as well as hundreds of thousands of acres of lakes, reservoirs, and ponds.

Student teams, working with a faculty advisor, will submit design plans for a proposed green infrastructure project for their campus. Registration for the Campus RainWorks Challenge is open from September 4 through October 5, and entries must be submitted by December 14, 2012 for consideration. Winning entries will be selected by EPA and announced in April 2013. Winning teams will earn a cash prize of $1,500 – $2,500, as well as $8,000 – $11,000 in funds for their faculty advisor to conduct research on green infrastructure. In 2013, EPA plans to expand Campus RainWorks by inviting students to design and complete a demonstration project assessing innovative green infrastructure approaches on their campus.

EPA is encouraging the use of green infrastructure as a solution to help manage stormwater runoff. Green Infrastructure uses vegetation, soils, and natural processes to manage stormwater runoff at its source and provide other community benefits. Green infrastructure is increasingly being used to supplement or substitute for single-purpose “gray” infrastructure investments such as pipes, and ponds. The Campus RainWorks Challenge will help encourage the use of green infrastructure projects on college and university campuses to manage stormwater discharges.

More information on the Campus RainWorks Challenge:
http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure/crw_challenge.cfm

[Post author: Rick Yoder, P2RIC]

The benefits of energy efficiency policies have been questioned by various media organizations and think tanks due to a phenomenon called the “Rebound Effect”, also known as Jevon’s Paradox.  The Rebound Effect is the idea that consumers and businesses have incentives to spend the money saved from energy efficient strategies on the same or other energy consuming products or services, paradoxically increasing energy use because of energy savings.  According to The Breakthrough Institute (BTI), macroeconomic Rebound Effect accounts for 30%-50% or more energy consumption and sometimes even greater than 100% (known as “backfire”) of the original amount of energy consumption saved.  Rebound raises questions about the impact that energy efficiency policies have on the total energy use in all industries.  If true, it has serious ramifications to the work being conducted to mitigate global GHG emissions and to the efforts of the Pollution Prevention (P2) community.

Last year several articles volleyed the value of Rebound – most notably The Rocky Mountain Institute, Joe Romm and others at Climate Progress in a response to the report by the The Breakthrough Institute.  This year, a report conducted by Shakeb Afsah, Kendyl Salcito and Chris Wielga at co2scorecard.org stirred the discussion once again, followed by an article on Grist.  The discussion provides the P2 community with a more nuanced understanding of the potential savings of source reduction recommendations and provides evidence to support efficiency strategies.

P2 professionals ought to consider a trip down the Rebound rabbit hole for several reasons.  First, the P2 community stays credible by staying engaged.  If one drills through the contentious nature of the Rebound blog posts, it’s clear that the arguments are not about whether Rebound occurs, but at what level.  At its core, that makes the Rebound discussion one about measurement – how large are the gains claimed by those working in resources efficiency?  It’s fair to consider Rebound as a loss much like friction modifies the ideal laws of motion.  And it’s fair to expect the P2 community to be interested in whether the Rebound loss is trivial or sizable.  Even a brief look at the academic literature listed below makes it clear that efficiency measurements based on expected savings will likely fail to accurately report actual resource consumption rates.  Measurements that forecast savings without considering Rebound are a little like projecting savings with a Simple Payback calculation – it’s ok as a first approximation, but it’s not considered a complete calculation – Simple Payback often ignores cash flows received after the payback period and typically does not recognize the time value of money.

The second reason for P2 professionals to notice the Rebound discussion is that it highlights the critical importance of considering social and behavioral science and that a focus through technology blinders is limiting.  The Rebound premise recognizes that waste comes not only from technological change, but also from the actions, decisions, and behaviors of individuals and organizations. The P2 professional who wants to stay active in a world focused on the sustainability challenge will need to be proficient in both technical change and behavioral change.

Lastly, P2 policymakers should recognize the relationship of Rebound information with the mandates of the 1990 P2 Act (PPA).  Congress told the EPA Administrator in the PPA to use grants “…to promote the use of source reduction techniques by businesses.”  Among other things, it says, grant funded programs should “[t]arget assistance to businesses for whom lack of information is an impediment to source reduction.”  Certainly the information about whether and how much Rebound can impact resource consumption is information which can impede ultimate source reduction success.

More potential discussion topics surrounding Rebound exist for technical assistance providers, program managers, and policy makers than this author has time to cover in one post. Some of the bright young economists at UNO College of Business Administration (CBA) have posited interesting research to add to the mix.  I hope you’ll look a little bit further into Rebound, as it seems to be an annual topic of interest which generates significant give-and-take.

Bibliography of Papers on Rebound

Ahmad, Mobin-ud-Din, Hugh Turral, Llyas Masih, Mark Giordano and Zubair Masood. 2007. Water Saving Technologies: Myths and Realities Revealed in Pakistan’s Rice-Wheat Systems. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute.

Alcott, Blake. 2005. Jevons’ paradox. Ecological Economics. 54: 9-21.

Birol, Fatih and Jan Horst Keppler. 2000. Prices, technology development and the rebound effect. 2000. Energy Policy. 28: 457-469.

Gomez-Baggethun, Erik, Rudolf de Groot, Pedro L. Lomas and Carlos Montes. 2010. The history of ecosystem services    in economic theory and practice: From early notions to markets and payment schemes. Ecological Economics. 69: 1209-1218.

Hertwich, Edgar G. Consumption and the Rebound Effect. Journal of Industrial Ecology. 9: 85-98.

Huffaker, Ray and Norman Whittlesey. 2003. A Theoretical Analysis of Economic Incentive Policies Encouraging Agricultural Water Conservation. Water Resources Development. 19: 37-53.

Llop, Maria. 2007. Economic impact of alternative water policy scenarios in the Spanish production system: An input-output analysis. Ecological Economics. 68: 288-294.

Lorentz, Andre and Julia Sophie Woersdorfer. 2009. ‘Energy-efficient household appliances and the rebound effect – A model on the demand for washing machines’. Working paper.

Madlener, Reinhard and Blake Alcott. 2009. Energy rebound and economic growth: A review of the main issues and research needs. Energy. 34: 370-376.

Negri, Donald H. and Douglas H. Brooks. 1990. Determinants of Irrigation Technology Choice. Western Journal of Agricultural Economics. 15: 213-223.

Peterson, Jeffrey, M. and Ya Ding. 2005. Economic Adjustments to Groundwater Depletion in the High Plains: Do Water-Saving Irrigation Systems Save Water? American Journal of Agricultural Economics. 87: 147-159.

Pfeiffer, Lisa and C.-.Y Cynthia Lin. 2010. Does Efficient Irrigation Technology Lead to Reduced Groundwater Extraction?: Empirical Evidence. Working Paper.

Polimeni, John M. and Raluca Iorgulescu Polimeni. 2006. Jevons’ Paradox and the myth of technological liberation. Ecological Complexity. 3: 344-353.

Roy, Joyashree. 2000. The rebound effect: some empirical evidence from India. 28: 433-438.

Ruzzenenti, F. and R. Basosi. 2008. The role of the power/efficiency misconception in the rebound effect’s size debate: Does efficiency actually lead to a power enhancement? Energy Policy. 36: 3626-3632.

Saunders, Harry D. 1992. The Khazzoom-Brookes Postulate and Neoclassical Growth. The Energy Journal. 13: 130-148.

Sorrell, Steve and John Dimitropoulos. 2008. The rebound effect: Microeconomic definitions, limitations and extensions. Ecological Economics. 65: 636-649.

Sorrell, Steve, John Dimitropoulos and Matt Sommerville. 2009. Empirical estimates of the direct rebound effect: A review. Energy Policy. 37: 1356-1371.

Thomas, Brinda A.  Estimating the U.S. Economy-wide Rebound Effect.  Carnegie Mellon University, 2011

Ward, Frank A. and Manuel Pulido-Velazquez. 2008. Water conservation in irrigation can increase water use. PNAS. 105: 18215-18220.

Dr. Manohar R. Kulkarni, P.E., has been appointed director of the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, a division of the Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign effective May 1. Kulkarni has been chair and professor of mechanical engineering at the University of North Dakota since 2004.

Kulkarni earned his doctorate at the University of Missouri, Columbia, his master’s at the University of Iowa and his bachelor’s degree at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India, all in mechanical engineering. He served as professor of mechanical engineering and energy processes at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, from 1993 to 2004. While there he established and directed the Energy Management Center at SIUC. Prior to that, he worked as a senior research engineer at Johnson Controls, Inc., Milwaukee, for seven years while serving as an adjunct associate professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

Kulkarni has presented and published widely. His research interests include thermal system analysis, energy management, energy optimal control of thermal systems, energy efficient technology transfer, thermal analysis of materials and transient thermography.

“We are very pleased that Dr. Kulkarni will be joining us to lead ISTC and help us identify new opportunities for the Center’s work to promote sustainability for Illinois,” said Institute Director Dr. William W. Shilts. “His energy, engineering and academic experience are an excellent fit for ISTC and for the Institute and they will be invaluable.”

“I see great opportunities for ISTC to help the State of Illinois move forward with sustainable economic development and I’m eager to take on the challenges,” Kulkarni said.  “I am also happy to be returning to Illinois and look forward to settling into the community.”

The ISTC promotes sustainability and increased economic viability by providing technical assistance, conducting and sponsoring research, and disseminating information on environmental issues. Begun in 1985, ISTC programs include sustainable business practice assistance, an electronic waste initiative, development of energy resources from wastes, research on emerging contaminants and innovative river sediment management. ISTC is a recognized regional and national leader in manufacturing technology diffusion, environmental research and innovative information resources.

The Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability at the University of Illinois is the home of the Illinois State Scientific Surveys: Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois State Archaeological Survey, Illinois State Geological Survey, Illinois State Water Survey and Illinois Sustainable Technology Center. It was established by statute July 1, 2008 and builds on the Surveys’ reputations for basic and applied research and service.  The Institute gives Illinois citizens, businesses and decision-makers objective, timely, cutting-edge science and solutions necessary to manage the State’s resources, environment and economy wisely.

Want to learn more about World Water Day? Visit these resources.

World Water Day
The international observance of World Water Day is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. Explore World Water Day events on the calendar or add your own.

This World Water Day, a Salute to the Unsung Heroes of Clean Water
Post on the National Geographic Green Guide blog about mussels and their importance as natural water filters.

World Water Day 2010 Highlights Solutions and Calls for Action to Improve Water Quality Worldwide
Investment in safe water will have high returns in ensuring a healthy ecosystem and human society, says a new report released today by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) during the global World Water Day celebrations in Nairobi.

Interested in improving your water footprint? Here are some resources to help.

5 cheap ways to save 1,000 gallons of water
Mother Nature Network offers five ideas that cost next to nothing and can each save 1,000 gallons a year.

The H₂O Conserve Water Calculator
An interactive tool designed to help you figure out how much water you use, how you use it and how you can use less.

Water — Use It Wisely
Site includes a list of 100+ ways to conserve water and links to other water conservation resources.

Business.gov > Water Conservation
Offers suggestions and resources for businesses interested in improving their water footprints.

Water Conservation
This 2008 article by GreenBiz offers solutions and resources for companies who want to minimize their water use.

[Post author: Bob Iverson]

Learn how to make your organization more “green” at a special workshop Wednesday, June 3 in Indianapolis. In the morning, an information specialist from the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center will present a green business workshop. At this session, you will learn how to save money and improve your organization’s environmental performance through green business practices such as greening the office, green purchasing, activity based cost accounting, greening the supply chain, recycling, and green cleaning/janitorial practices. The training will also cover energy efficiency opportunities associated with common office functions, such as heating/air conditioning, electronic devices, appliances, and lighting.

A participant at an earlier ISTC workshop said she will use the information she learned to transform the athletic supply company where she works. “The facts and figures will help me convince the bosses to switch products and processes. I can show how it’s cost-effective.”

Another participant said the information will help his Developmental Services company to “convert buildings to newer bulbs and ballasts…as well as research and find a vendor to recycle office paper.”

The afternoon will feature a presentation about the Kansas Green Teams. Participants will hear a case study of teams that have brought efficiencies/greening systems into the office and industrial workplace. This program has been especially successful in Green Government projects.

The workshop is being held in connection with the EPA Region 5 and Region 7 Joint Conference at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Artin Indianapolis. Participants can attend just the workshop day, or stay for the full conference June 4 & 5. Registration for the workshop alone is only $25.

To register, and for information about the conference speakers, go to http://www.glrppr.org/meetings/Summer2009/.

[Post author: Wayne Duke]

Region 5/Great Lakes Region Pollution Prevention Roundtable (GLRPPR) has been very fortunate to represent 25% of the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR) Board the past few years. Four of the 15 Board members are from Region 5 and include:

• Rich Bossingham, Indiana DEM (at large), rbossing@idem.in.gov
• Robert Jackson, Michigan Dept of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth (Region 5 representative and Board chair), jacksonr1@michigan.gov
• Cindy McComas, MnTAP, University of Minnesota (at large), mccom003@umn.edu
• Gary Miller, ISTC, University of Illinois (emeritus/past chair), gmiller@istc.illinois,edu

However, three of these four individuals have terms ending in September 2009 and the NPPR Board needs new pollution prevention blood to serve three-year terms. The NPPR is the largest membership organization in the United States devoted solely to pollution prevention. The mission of the NPPR is to provide a national forum for promoting the development, implementation, and evaluation of efforts to avoid, eliminate, or reduce pollution at the source.

The Board is currently accepting nominations for Region 5 and at-large candidates. Regional Board candidates must be a representative of a local, state or tribal governmental organization. The at-large board positions are open to all voting members in good standing.

The NPPR Board presents fun and challenging opportunities to work nationally on ways to promote and sustain pollution prevention as a fundamental environmental protection strategy that includes involvement with policy, technical, and measurement issues.

Serving on the NPPR Board provides you with opportunities to network, improve leadership skills, be a liaison with your favorite workgroup, and strategize/implement ways to improve NPPR. Board member benefits include networking, leadership opportunities, travel scholarships to the annual Environmental Partnership Summit, ability to set policy and direction of NPPR, the opportunity to contribute on position papers, and being “in the know” on ECOS, EPA, and other national programs and projects.

In return, the Board representatives will participate in monthly conference calls, attend Board meetings in October and May, join a NPPR workgroup or committee, provide views and concerns of NPPR members, and promote NPPR within the Region. The Board term is October 1, 2009, through September 30, 2012.

Please contact any of your Board representatives if you are willing to serve a term on the NPPR Board beginning in October 2009.

“I have served on the Board for four years in a variety of capacities. A highlight has been learning from very bright colleagues about how they “do” pollution prevention in their states and organizations. I have also been able to push my specific interests and get help from others with similar interests. It is gratifying to see the progress we have made and the impact we have as an organization on federal policy, funding for our programs, and in developing new leaders in the pollution prevention movement. We have also been involved in international pollution prevention programs including trips to South Korea, the Middle East, Mexico and Canada. NPPR also has strong, very good staff to work with including Jeff Burke, the Executive Director. Serving as a Director on the NPPR Board has been very valuable to me in more ways than I can count and I recommend it highly. You will be better for it.”

Gary Miller

Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign