An update on the Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus project – Iowa State Daily

Ames City Council Meeting Report: Advancements in Sustainable Development

Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus Project: Aligning with SDGs 11, 12, and 7

The Ames City Council reviewed a Public Works project update concerning the Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus. The project incorporates several upgrades aimed at enhancing municipal waste management and promoting environmental sustainability, in line with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Infrastructure Modernization: The project includes the installation of a new primary shredder and a new pre-load compactor. These investments in modern infrastructure support SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by upgrading waste management facilities.
• Waste Management Efficiency (SDG 12): The new $1.5 million compactor will process non-recyclable waste into lighter, denser bales by removing liquids. This process is expected to increase truck payload capacity by 20%, reducing the number of trips to the landfill. This directly contributes to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), specifically Target 12.5, by substantially reducing waste generation through more efficient management.
• Energy and Climate Action (SDG 7 & SDG 13): The redesigned facility is projected to operate with significantly less processing equipment, cutting its electrical demand by 50%. This advancement aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by improving energy efficiency. The reduced energy consumption and fewer transportation emissions also support SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• Community Education (SDG 4): The proposed facility design includes increased space to facilitate community education on recycling and resource recovery. This initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting knowledge and skills needed for sustainable development. Justin Clausen, Director of Public Works, emphasized the importance of educating youth groups and schools.

City Governance and Broader Sustainable Development Initiatives

The council also received reports from various governing bodies, highlighting progress across several other SDGs.

1. Ames Regional Economic Alliance
   • The alliance’s work to promote regional economic growth directly supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The report noted that nearly 40% of the federal reserve region’s population is classified as low and moderate income, underscoring the importance of inclusive economic strategies that align with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
2. Ames Transit Agency (CyRide)
   • CyRide was awarded a $14.6 million federal grant from the Federal Transit Administration. This funding for bus and bus facility improvements is a critical step toward achieving SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), specifically Target 11.2, which aims to provide access to safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems for all. Enhanced public transit infrastructure is also a key component of local strategies for SDG 13 (Climate Action).
3. Discover Ames
   • The report on local tourism, including data on Airbnb room nights, reflects the economic activity in the region. This contributes to the broader goals of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by supporting the local hospitality industry.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article discusses several local government projects and reports in Ames, Iowa, that connect to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary focus is on infrastructure, environmental management, and economic development, which aligns with the following SDGs:

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: This is a central theme, as the article details efforts to improve municipal waste management and public transportation systems within the city of Ames.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The detailed discussion of the Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus project, including new equipment for shredding and compacting waste, directly relates to sustainable waste management and resource efficiency.
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: The plan for the new resource recovery facility to use significantly less electricity addresses energy efficiency.
• SDG 4: Quality Education: The article explicitly mentions the new facility’s design will increase opportunities for community education on resource recovery and recycling.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The report on the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, which promotes economic growth, and the significant investment in new infrastructure projects connect to this goal.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the initiatives described, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: “By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.” The entire Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus project, with its new shredder and compactor, is a direct effort to improve municipal waste management.
   • Target 11.2: “By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all…” The report on CyRide winning a $14.6 million federal grant and accepting a contract for two new buses is an investment in the city’s public transit system.

2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.5: “By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.” The project aims to improve the efficiency of recycling and waste processing. The new compactor, which processes non-recyclable waste into bales for transport, is a key part of this target.
   • Target 12.8: “By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.” The article quotes the Director of Public Works, Justin Clausen, stating the importance of community education and the new facility’s design to “facilitate” visits from youth groups and schools.

3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.3: “By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.” The article explicitly states that “The new facility will use substantially less processing equipment and require half of the electric demand of the current facility,” which is a direct contribution to this target.

4. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.7: “By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development…” The plan to increase space and opportunity for community education on resource recovery directly supports education for sustainable development.

5. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.2: “Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation…” The investment in new, more efficient technology (a $1 million shredder and a $1.5 million compactor) represents a technological upgrade for the city’s public works. The mention of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance’s work also points to efforts to promote local economic growth.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article contains several specific, quantifiable indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator for Energy Efficiency (Target 7.3): The projected “half of the electric demand” of the new facility compared to the current one is a clear indicator of improved energy efficiency.
• Indicator for Waste Management Efficiency (Targets 11.6 and 12.5): The new compactor is expected to “increase the payload capacity by 20% per truck.” This is a specific, measurable improvement in the efficiency of transporting waste.
• Indicator for Investment in Sustainable Infrastructure (Targets 11.2, 11.6, 8.2): The article provides specific financial figures that serve as indicators of investment:
  • A $1 million cost for a new shredder.
  • A $1.5 million cost for a new compactor.
  • A “$14.6 million federal grant” for the CyRide bus system.
• Indicator for Public Transportation Development (Target 11.2): The acceptance of a “contract for two new diesel buses” is a concrete indicator of the expansion or modernization of the public transport fleet.
• Indicator for Education for Sustainable Development (Targets 4.7 and 12.8): The “increase in space and opportunity for community education” in the new facility’s design is a qualitative indicator. Progress could be measured in the future by tracking the number of school or youth groups that visit.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: iowastatedaily.com