Smart & Sustainable Campuses

1. Greening UConnImplementing the University’s Sustainability VisionRichard A. Miller Esq. Gregory Mella Smart & Sustainable Campuses

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Environmental Policy Organization

6. Environmental Policy Statement 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. Sustainable Design Assessment 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 LEEDtm Audit Summary of Findings September 23, 2003

10. Benchmarking Guidelines

11. SDGs Align with LEEDTechnical Guidelines Technical Guideline Components • Planning Sustainable Sites • Safeguarding Water • Conserving Materials and Resources • Improving Energy Efficiency • Enhancing Indoor Environmental Quality

12. SDGs Document A ProcessProcess 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

13. 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

14. Green Building at UConnFirst LEED-Registered Athletic Facility in NCAA SDGs in Action: Conserving Materials - Recycled Sneakers in Synthetic Turf

15. The Sustainable Design Matrix

16. 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

17. Safeguarding Water Stormwater “Rain Gardens” • Safeguarding Water • Goal 1: Reduce development stormwater runoff • Strategy • Introduce rain gardens

18. Road Project - Vernal Pool Study • Planning Sustainable Sites • Goal 1: Avoid unnecessary environmental impacts • Strategy • Preserve habitats

19. 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 Sites • Goal 2: Minimize physical impact of development • Strategy • Restore damaged landscapes

20. 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 Sites • Goal 2: Minimize physical impact of development • Strategy • Conserve quality natural areas

21. Campus Bike Plan:April 2005 Support Ride • Planning Sustainable Sites • Goal 2: Encourage alternative transportation • Strategy • Encourage bicycle use

22. Student Involvement is Essential Internships EPAC Subcommittees Class Projects Research Projects Events & Activities Outreach

23. www.ecohusky.uconn.edu