smart & sustainable campuses

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 Subcom m ittees & W orkgroups

E co H u skyS tud ent G ro up

B io d ie s e l T e am

G re en h ou s e G as R e d uc tionG H G W o rk g ro up

W a te r C on s e rva tionW o rkg ro up

W a ste P ap e r R e d uc tionW o rkg ro up

C om pliance & B est P racticesC & B P Subcom m ittee

L a n d fill E co -D e m o n stra tionW o rkg ro up

In teg ra te d P es t M an a ge m e n tIP M W ork g ro up

C a m p us B ic yc le P lan T e amIT E /E c o H u s ky

G re en B u ild in g /L o w Im pa c t D e s ignW o rkg ro up

Land U se & Sustainable D evelopm entLU SD Subcom m ittee

R e c yc lin g W ork g ro up

E n v iron m e nta l L ite ra cyW o rkg ro up

O utreach Subcom m ittee

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 FACILITYUNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT, STORRS CT.

Yes ? No

Sustainable Sites 14 Points

Y Prereq 1 Erosion & Sedimentation Control RequiredCredit 1 Site Selection 1Credit 2 Urban RedevelopmentCredit 3 Brownfield RedevelopmentCredit 4.1 Alternative Transportation, Public Transportation Access 1Credit 4.2 Alternative Transportation, Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms 1Credit 4.3 Alternative Transportation, Alternative Fuel Refueling Stations 1 $3,400 ESTCredit 4.4 Alternative Transportation, Parking Capacity 1Credit 5.1 Reduced Site Disturbance, Protect or Restore Open SpaceCredit 5.2 Reduced Site Disturbance, Development Footprint 1Credit 6.1 Stormwater Management, Rate or Quantity 1Credit 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 9Water Efficiency 5 Points

Credit 1.1 Water Efficient Landscaping, Reduce by 50% Credit 1.2 Water Efficient Landscaping, No Potable Use or No Irrigation 1Credit 2 Innovative Wastewater Technologies Credit 3.1 Water Use Reduction, 20% Reduction 1Credit 3.2 Water Use Reduction, 30% Reduction

Yes ? No CATEGORY TOTAL 2Energy & 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 RequiredCredit 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 SitesGoal 1: Avoid unnecessary environmental impacts

StrategyProtect direct recharge areas


Safeguarding Water Stormwater “Rain Gardens”

Safeguarding WaterGoal 1: Reduce development stormwater runoff

StrategyIntroduce rain gardens


Road Project - Vernal Pool Study

Planning Sustainable SitesGoal 1: Avoid unnecessary environmental impacts

StrategyPreserve 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

Planning Sustainable SitesGoal 2: Minimize physical impact of development

StrategyRestore 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

Planning Sustainable SitesGoal 2: Minimize physical impact of development

StrategyConserve quality natural areas


Campus Bike Plan:April 2005 Support Ride

Planning Sustainable SitesGoal 2: Encourage alternative transportation

StrategyEncourage bicycle use


Student Involvement is Essential

Internships EPAC Subcommittees Class Projects Research Projects Events & Activities Outreach


www.ecohusky.uconn.edu

smart & sustainable campuses

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