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In Spring 2024, Loyola students in ENVS 273 (Energy and the Environment), HONR 204D (Science and Society), and STAT 370 (Data Science Consulting) collaborated on a service-driven, engaged-learning project aimed at benefiting communities across Chicago.
This interdisciplinary effort 1) enhanced fine particle pollution monitoring, 2) conducted energy audits of public buildings, and 3) reduced solid waste in sports events. Through this project, students applied their academic knowledge to real-world challenges, making a positive impact on the environment and society.
They have reported their findings in brochures and short videos. (See the sections below.)
(An Airbeam3 sensor decorated by Ally B., Tori E., and Ava L.)
1) Monitoring Air Quality in Communities
1) Monitoring Air Quality in Communities
Twenty-one students used portable air sensors (*Airbeam3) and collected nearly 400 hours of data on indoor and outdoor air quality across their communities. Their analyses of the data have revealed the following key findings:
Peak Pollution Times: Our data highlights that PM2.5 levels reach their peak during the morning rush hours (9-10 am) on weekdays, particularly in Edgewater and other Chicago neighborhoods, reflecting the impact of urban traffic.
Indoor Air Quality Concerns: There are alarming spikes in indoor PM2.5 levels that occasionally rise to harmful concentrations. This underscores the need for increased awareness and preventive measures in indoor environments.
Urban vs. Suburban Air Quality: Outdoor PM2.5 concentrations in downtown Chicago consistently surpass those in suburban areas, illustrating a clear disparity in air pollution distribution.
A Call for Environmental Justice: The persistent issue of air pollution demands urgent action, especially as a matter of environmental justice, to protect our most vulnerable communities.
Acknowledgement: Special thanks to the EPA Region 5 Office's Air Sensor Loan Program for their support and provision of the Airbeam3 sensors, which were instrumental in facilitating this impactful student project.
Assessment of indoor air quality for cat owners (Brochure), by Clair Calhoun in HONR 204D.
Comparisons of indoor and outdoor PM2.5 (Brochure), by Cem Badur in ENVS 273.
A call for attention to Indoor air pollution in Edgewater (brochure and video), by Nora Lee, Jack Blumenshine & Will Lee in HONR 204D.
This map shows areas with hot and cold spots of PM2.5 levels. Areas that are considered hotspots (in red), are considered to have a pattern of higher PM2.5 levels across all sessions. Areas with cold spots (in blue), are considered to have a pattern of lower PM2.5 levels across all sessions. Areas in gray are insignificant. Some of the areas that are considered cold spots are buildings on Loyola’s campus, and many of the areas in red are on roads where there might be traffic/cars. (Victoria Olejarz, Olivia Roeger, Olivia Pardo in STAT 370).
2) Infrared Insights: A Closer Look at Edgewater's Building Efficiency
2) Infrared Insights: A Closer Look at Edgewater's Building Efficiency
Eleven students inspected 66 public buildings in Edgewater and other neighborhoods using infrared cameras. Their findings have shed light on key aspects of building heat management:
Modern Construction Efficiency: Our analysis revealed that newer buildings are more effective in minimizing heat leakage through their envelopes during the winter months. This highlights the advancements in modern construction techniques and materials.
Challenges in Older Structures: Significant heat loss was observed in older buildings, many of which serve as homes for low-income families and asylum-seekers. This discovery underscores the need for targeted interventions to enhance their thermal efficiency and ensure comfortable living conditions for vulnerable populations.
Common Leakage Points: The most frequent areas for heat escape were identified around doors and windows. This points to potential focal areas for immediate improvement, enhancing overall energy conservation.
These insights are crucial for developing strategies that not only improve building efficiency but also address the broader implications of energy loss on community well-being and sustainability.
Detecting heat leakage of buildings on Loyola campus (brochure and video), by Isabella Conley, Jessica Marroquin, and Matthew Swenson in HONR 204D.
Reduce and save energy in buildings (brochure); Introduction to building envelopes and energy leakage (video), by Sophie Lewis, Payton Middleton, Amber Shuman, and Raquel Mayfield in 204D.
An assessment of building energy efficiency in Chicago's shelters for asylum seekers (Brochure), by Jameson Walker in 204D.
3) Reducing Solid Waste in Sports Games
3) Reducing Solid Waste in Sports Games
Seventeen Students volunteered a total of nearly 240 hours in Zero Waste Games to reduce solid wastes on Loyola campus and raised awareness about composting and recycling.
Acknowledgement: We thank the Office of Sustainability at Loyola University Chicago for providing the opportunities that made the volunteering experience possible.
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