implementing the university’s sustainability vision · greening of the campus vi university of...

Greening of the Campus VI

Greening UConn

Implementing the University’s Sustainability

Vision

Richard A. Miller Esq. Gregory Mella

Smart & Sustainable Campuses


University of Connecticut

Established in 1881

Over 4,000 Acres at Main Campus in Storrs

No. 1 Public University in New England (U.S. News & World Report)

Law School in Hartford

Health Center in Farmington

Five Regional Campuses

Enrollment of 28,000

74% of students at Storrs live on-campus

UConn provides water, electricity, sewage treatment


UConn 2000/21st Century UConn: Highlights1995–2005 / 2005-2015

$2.3 billion capital

improvement

program to renew,

rebuild and

enhance

130+ projects over

$2 Million

2.9 million GSF

new construction

600,000+ GSF

renovation

Applications,

enrollment,

diversity, academic

metrics all up

since ’95


UConn’s Path to Sustainable Development

$2.3 billion capital improvement program reflects institutional goals for excellence

Need for improvement in environmental performance

Rural setting of main campus

Well-informed, environmentally-aware community & public officials

Environmental sustainability a focus area of New Academic Plan (2003-04)

Consistent with institutional values

Triple bottom line


Environmental Policy Organization

EPAC Subcommittees & Workgroups

EcoHusky

Student Group

Biodiesel Team

Greenhouse Gas Reduction

GHG Workgroup

Water Conservation

Workgroup

Waste Paper Reduction

Workgroup

Compliance & Best Practices

C&BP Subcommittee

Landfill Eco-Demonstration

Workgroup

Integrated Pest Management

IPM Workgroup

Campus Bicycle Plan Team

ITE/EcoHusky

Green Building/Low Impact Design

Workgroup

Land Use & Sustainable Development

LUSD Subcommittee

Recycling Workgroup

Environmental Literacy

Workgroup

Outreach Subcommittee

Environmental Policy Advisory Council(EPAC)


Performance: The University will institutionalize best practices and continually monitor, report on and

improve its environmental performance.

Responsible management and growth: The University will design, construct

and maintain its buildings, infrastructure and grounds in a manner that ensures environmental sustainability and protects

public health and safety.

Outreach: The University will promote environmental stewardship in Connecticut and embrace environmental

initiatives in partnership with its surrounding communities.

Academics: The University will advance understanding of the environment through its curriculum, research

and other academic programs, and will employ an ethic of environmental stewardship in all intellectual pursuits.

Conservation: The University will conserve natural resources, increase its use of environmentally

sustainable products, materials and services, including renewable resources, and prevent pollution and minimize wastes

through reduction, reuse and recycling.

Teamwork: The University will encourage teamwork and provide groups and individuals with support,

guidance and recognition for achieving shared environmental goals.

Environmental Policy Statement


2004 - 2005 EPAC Initiatives

Sustainable Design Guidelines

Climate Change - GHG Reductions• Alternative Fuels

• Energy Conservation

Water Conservation

Waste Paper Reduction

Environmental Literacy

Environmental Outreach• Recycling• Res Life Awareness


To LEED or not to LEED?

Pros

Solid framework

Best for new construction and larger projects

Widely recognized standards + third party verification credibility with stakeholders

Payback through reduced operating costs, increased productivity, improved health

Cons

First-cost premium forces trade-offs

Not well-suited to renovation

Not applicable to infrastructure projects

Discounts local environmental priorities

Contractors & PMs inexperienced

Inconsistent with conventional, e.g., value engineering

Some credits not feasible or desirable


September 23, 2003

LEEDtm Audit

Summary of Findings

Why Assess

Learn about campus culture

Evaluate past performance

Identify relevant strategies

Prioritize local and regional environmental

issues

Understand project delivery process

The Retroactive LEED Audit (2003)

Surveyed four recent projects

• Tour each building

• Review construction drawings and

specification

• Review of building cost breakout

• Discuss with facilities staff

Standard for Audit: LEED Version 2.1

Sustainable Design Assessment


Benchmarking Guidelines


Technical Guideline Components

• Planning Sustainable Sites

• Safeguarding Water

• Conserving Materials and Resources

• Improving Energy Efficiency

• Enhancing Indoor Environmental Quality

SDGs Align with LEEDTechnical Guidelines


Why Discuss Process?

• Technical Guidelines alone are not

sufficient

• Process Guidelines are a critical overlay

• Promote an integrated and collaborative

process

• Ensure that the resulting project is

compatible with the expectations and

culture of the University

• Consultant design team will coordinate

the sustainable design process

Process Guideline Components• Pre-Design

• Design

• Construction

• Occupancy

SDGs Document A ProcessProcess Guidelines


SDGs: Benefits & Lessons Learned

Integrated sustainable design into UConn’s construction process

• Applied to all projects

• Established sustainability matrix as a tool

• Changed the paradigm

Introduced and promoted “Sustainability,” LEED and green building concepts

Engaged administrators, faculty, staff and students in dialogue

Acknowledged prior successes: Energy & Water Conservation

Made the case for feasibility

Single point of reference sustainable goals for campus development

Comprehensive overlay to existing campus design standards

Tailored the best, most relevant strategies

Provides benchmarks for comparison with peer institutions

Demonstrates commitment to environmental leadership

An evolving document = ongoing dialogue


Green Building at UConnFirst LEED-Registered Athletic Facility in NCAA

SDGs in

Action:

Conserving

Materials -

Recycled

Sneakers in

Synthetic

Turf


The Sustainable Design Matrix

Version 2.1 Registered Project Checklist

BURTON FOOTBALL FACILITY AND SHENKMAN TRAINING FACILITY

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT, STORRS CT. Yes ? No

Sustainable Sites 14 Points

Y Prereq 1 Erosion & Sedimentation Control Required

Credit 1 Site Selection 1

Credit 2 Urban RedevelopmentCredit 3 Brownfield RedevelopmentCredit 4.1 Alternative Transportation, Public Transportation Access 1

Credit 4.2 Alternative Transportation, Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms 1

Credit 4.3 Alternative Transportation, Alternative Fuel Refueling Stations 1 $3,400 ESTCredit 4.4 Alternative Transportation, Parking Capacity 1

Credit 5.1 Reduced Site Disturbance , Protect or Restore Open SpaceCredit 5.2 Reduced Site Disturbance , Development Footprint 1

Credit 6.1 Stormwater Management, Rate or Quantity 1

Credit 6.2 Stormwater Management, TreatmentCredit 7.1 Landscape & Exterior Design to Reduce Heat Islands, Non-Roof 1 $5,000 ESTCredit 7.2 Landscape & Exterior Design to Reduce Heat Islands, RoofCredit 8 Light Pollution Reduction 1

Yes ? No CATEGORY TOTAL 9

Water Efficiency 5 Points

Credit 1.1 Water Efficient Landscaping, Reduce by 50%

Credit 1.2 Water Efficient Landscaping, No Potable Use or No Irrigation 1

Credit 2 Innovative Wastewater Technologies

Credit 3.1 Water Use Reduction, 20% Reduction 1

Credit 3.2 Water Use Reduction, 30% Reduction

Yes ? No CATEGORY TOTAL 2

Energy & Atmosphere 17 Points

Y Prereq 1 Fundamental Building Systems Commissioning Required $65,000 ESTY Prereq 2 Minimum Energy Performance Required

Y Prereq 3 CFC Reduction in HVAC&R Equipment Required

Credit 1.1 Optimize Energy Performance , 20% New / 10% Existing 2 $30,000 EST


East Campus Master PlanConserve Open Space & Protect Resources

Legend

Preservation

Conservation

Education &

Research

Planning Sustainable Sites

Goal 1: Avoid unnecessary

environmental impacts

Strategy

Protect direct recharge

areas


Safeguarding WaterStormwater “Rain Gardens”

Safeguarding Water

Goal 1: Reduce development

stormwater runoff

Strategy

Introduce rain gardens


Road Project - Vernal Pool Study


Goal 1: Avoid unnecessary

environmental impacts

Strategy

Preserve habitats


Landfill Remediation Project

Exploring opportunities for research,

demonstration and student projects

focusing on invasive species and

wildlife habitat

An opportunity for a trail system and

new recreational resource for UConn

community

Focus on landscaping plans and

designs for:

• Invasive species control

• Trail creation & marking

• Wetland restoration & creation


Goal 2: Minimize physical impact of

development

Strategy

Restore damaged

landscapes


EPAC Compost Facility Task Force

Convened in Aug. 2005 by request of UConn President

Analyze costs/benefits of alternatives; review peer institutions; assess

potential collaboration with town

Recommendations due in January 2006

Estimated full construction cost: $800K – 1.6 Million

Potential site: Spring Manor Farm near Depot Campus

• Environmentally safe area; no crops cultivated

• Low visibility; Low site development cost

• Accessible; Convenient to Ag lands


Goal 2: Minimize physical impact of

development

Strategy

Conserve quality natural

areas


Campus Bike Plan:April 2005 Support Ride


Goal 2: Encourage alternative

transportation

Strategy

Encourage bicycle use


Student Involvement is Essential

Internships

EPAC Subcommittees

Class Projects

Research Projects

Events & Activities

Outreach


www.ecohusky.uconn.edu

implementing the university’s sustainability vision · greening of the campus vi university of...

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