Projects
Current Projects
Remote Hybrid System
CSE is working with Perpetual Power, an Illinois company, to introduce a lighting system that operates from wind and solar energy and is totally off the grid. This lighting system is similar to a street light but it can be installed almost anywhere it is needed. Chicago will become the first city in the nation to operate these lighting systems.
Wind Turbine
The CSE has contracted with TurbodynamX, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of the French company Cita-Wind, to purchase a 12 KW prototype wind turbine. CSE obtained grants from ComEd, the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, and the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation to make this purchase. In addition, the City of Chicago Department of Environment provided grant money for the installation of the unit.
This wind turbine operates with a new technology that should provide 45% more energy for a given swept area than current technologies. In addition, the fairing that provides part of the improved efficiency also reduces the noise and the bird kill population. This turbine operated temporarily on Chicago's Museum Campus and will soon be installed at another site for further testing.
Urban Timber -- an alternative paradigm to current forestry and landscape practices
The CSE has proposed a plan to the city of Chicago, Department of the Environment promoting the development of an urban timber selection, management and harvesting scheme that provides multiple benefits to the community, the environment, the economy, and the managing enterprise through the entire lifecycle of the trees.
Some communities in Illinois have taken inventory of trees showing them as a valuable asset. Our research indicates that the management of these assets with a Comprehensive Enterprise Model (TM) can enhance the environmental attributes of the community and benefit other important components of sustainability within the community. These natural assets can be developed and managed through their lifecycle and bring economic as well as the traditional aesthetic and ecological benefits of canopy cover and carbon sequestering. In addition, the form of management can bring lasting social benefits to community residence, such as employment, education and a safer environment.
Projects Under Consideration
Enterprise Maintenance OrganizationA service and product provider network for business sectors. We have discussed this opportunity with Manufacturing Extension Program (MEP) centers in Chicago and at the University of North Carolina. The organization would bring sector specific, environmental and business management services, packaged and delivered as “user friendly” products to small and medium sized business communities.
Business Sector Metrics
The collection and dissemination of metrics and analyses. Target industries could be dry cleaning or printing. CSE would collect environmental data from participating members, analyze it and distribute the results to the members showing how each compares to the average and what steps might be taken by members to reduce the environmental impact of their business sector on the community.
Sustainable Enterprise Seminars
Short executive education seminars provided as a complement after major conferences in Chicago. We plan to develop these with the Chicago Convention Bureau and the Environmental Committee of the Chicago Chamber of Commerce.
Student Internships and Research
Fieldwork and research activities that utilize environmental management graduate students.
Exporting Green
The development and deployment of concepts that aid in balancing international trade while promoting the economic, environmental and societal benefits of sustainable enterprise.
Projects Completed
Bill Analysis Program
The City of Chicago initiated a program for its residents whereby a homeowner can have his/her heating bill analyzed for energy efficiency. During the heating period, residents were notified to visit one of three Chicago locations with their most current gas bill, and students from IIT would assist them with this analysis. Any resident participating in this program was given a $40 certificate for Home Depot to purchase any products related to energy efficiency. The CSE assisted in this program by providing a portion of the students and their supervisors.
Innovation '06
Together with the Center for Sustainable Design in the UK, the Center for Sustainable Enterprise held a major conference event. In collaboration with the Center for Sustainable Design (CfSD), an affiliate of the University College for the Creative Arts (UCCA) in the UK, we brought an international conference to Chicago entitled Sustainable Innovation 06. More can be learned about the conference and CfSD at the website www.cfsd.org.uk.
Sustainable Innovation 06 provided a platform to discuss global challenges and opportunities for sustainable product/service development and design. It highlighted best practice and provided a range of case studies and examples.
LCA for S.C. Johnson
A life cycle analysis was conducted for a new product being proposed by S.C. Johnson. This was assigned to a student who used the SimaPro Software to complete the project successfully.
Life Cycle Overview for Portion Pac Products
A life cycle overview was conducted for Portion Pac, a manufacturer of floor maintenance products, to analyze the energy usage and carbon footprint of the various products. This analysis allowed the company to become more sustainable and competitive.
