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Sustainability @ UTSA “Think Green”

Sustainability @ UTSA “Think Green”. Strategic Resource Planning Council January 21, 2010. CMO Assignment to Task Force (Spring 09). To recommend a framework for sustainability efforts that is in alignment and support of UTSA 2016 plan

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Sustainability @ UTSA “Think Green”

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  1. Sustainability @ UTSA“Think Green” Strategic Resource Planning Council January 21, 2010

  2. CMO Assignment to Task Force (Spring 09) • To recommend a framework for sustainability efforts that is in alignment and support of UTSA 2016 plan • We focused our efforts on energy and environmental arenas • Task force organized into five areas: Leadership Community Engagement and Outreach Academics Campus Operations Research • Members Sonia Martinez- President’s Office, Chair Dave Riker - Business Affairs Mauli Agrawal - Research (ICARE) Julius Gribou - Academic Affairs Kevin Price - Student Affairs Lowa Mwilambwe -Student Affairs Dagoberto Rodriguez –Bus. Affairs

  3. Leadership Aspirant Universities UTSA • University policy or statement on sustainability • University-wide committee which oversees campus sustainability efforts • Leading universities have institutes w/hired staff • Universities pursuing external support – ASU is leader • Several schools are getting organized and developing a long-term plans • Several signed the ACU Presidents Climate Commitment (*UT System decided not to sign this commitment) • No public statement on sustainability message • Exploratory Task Force • Conversations taking place with community partners – • Example: Community Sustainability – Dave Riker • Campus Master Plan has a “green” focus

  4. Academics Aspirant Universities UTSA • Academic units dedicated to sustainability, departments and schools • B.S., M.S.,M.A., and PhD degrees in sustainability or with focus on sustainability • Sustainability certificates • Sustainability specific courses and courses with a sustainability component • On-line sustainability courses • Student internships and fellowships • Centers and Institutes • Sustainability specific courses • Courses with sustainability components • Institute (although this is research based/I-CARE) • Focus areas and certificates(in progress)

  5. Research Aspirant Universities UTSA • Research Centers/Institutes related to energy exist at almost all institutions • Solar, Nuclear and Energy Economics • Often water and energy research is combined under environment • Schools like Arizona and Florida have long standing and strong programs in alternate energy • Other schools seem to have more show than substance • Research in energy area is usually scattered across colleges within each institution • The vast majority of energy research is in engineering disciplines with some in sciences • ICARE Director has been hired • MOU developed for energy research consortia between UTSA, SwRI, CPS Energy and SAWS • Federally funded research in Mechanical Engineering • New energy research projects in Mechanical, Electrical, Architecture, Physics, and Biology: • Better combustion, Smart grids, Solar, Biofuels and Efficient Architecture • COE is filling 5 faculty positions related to energy • Several faculty in water research - COE & COS

  6. Community Engagement and Outreach Aspirant Universities UTSA • Current website which highlights the university’s sustainability efforts • Electronic newsletter is regularly issued to highlight the university’s efforts • Annual conference is held at the institution to promote sustainability and discuss new sustainable strategies • Community clean-up with the assistance of students and student organizations • On-campus housing plays a key role in the implementation of sustainability initiatives • Recycling link on the website for the  office Environmental Health and Safety • Institute for Conventional, Alternative and Renewable Energy (I-CARE) • VOICES:  Annual Babcock Road clean up • Green Society – student organization • Student Government Association – UA Chair focused on green efforts

  7. Campus Operations Aspirant Universities UTSA Energy & Water Transportation Construction & Renovation Waste Dining, Housing, & On-Campus Vendors Grounds Purchasing Energy Performance Contracts OIT Efficiency Improvements LED Lighting Upgrades Carpooling Alternative Fuel Vehicles (E85, CNG, Hybrid, Electric) UTSA/VIA Partnership EBII Condensate Recovery CSRF Energy Recovery Wheel Recyclemania Recycling Program (93 tons per quarter) Tree Planting and Xeriscaping Native Landscapes KARST Site Preservation

  8. UTSA Sustainability - Potential • Sustainability area of excellence has ability to bring together many aspects of the university – more so than the other four • From researchers to campus operations to student groups • UTSA’s population can be an activate “green force” in the community • Energy and Green sectors seen as the next emerging industry • San Antonio community wants to establish a presence • President Obama’s priority; former Mayor Hardberger’s Mission Verde Initiative; SWRI and CPS Energy are ready to partner with us • Promote positive “green” image – important for our audiences • Will require strategy and investment of resources

  9. UTSA Sustainability Council - Proposed • Form the UTSA Sustainability Council • Function as a University Standing Committee • Advise the President and senior administrators regarding strategies for enhancing the University’s sustainability performance • Make recommendations on initiatives and allocation of resources • Help monitor campus sustainability programs and projects, and • Provide assistance in fostering alliances with community partners • Membership • Members and chair appointed by the President • Representatives to include faculty, students and staff • Representatives from the three UTSA campuses

  10. UTSA Sustainability Council - Proposed • The UTSA Sustainability Council would: • Develop a five-year plan for approval by CMO • Produce annual report and update campus plan • Present to the CMO for approval, support and provision of resources • Monitor and report on the development and implementation of the campus sustainability initiatives and programs • Prepare the annual UT System Campus Sustainability report

  11. Next Steps- Recommendations • CMO review and approve the UTSA Sustainability Policy (6/15/09) • Received UT System approval for policy (1/12/10) • Identify members for Sustainability Council Focus on six areas: Leadership Communications Research Campus Operations Academics Community Engagement and Outreach (Staff + Students) • Appoint Sustainability Council

  12. Next Steps- Recommendations • Identify executive champion for UTSA Sustainability efforts – John Frederick, Provost • Support development of energy consortia with SWRI and CPS Energy • Develop UTSA Sustainability website – to showcase UTSA activities and promote involvement • Communicate President’s Statement and promote sustainability • Consider allocation of seed funding for pilot programs • Seed funding for research efforts • Support more green campus operations efforts • Expansion of academic offerings • Help student organizations launch new initiatives

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