University Relations
March 7, 2008 Communique
Green is focus for March forum
While UCCS has recycled more than 40,000 pounds of waste and faculty, staff and students should feel good about the university’s first-year recycling efforts, there’s more to being green than putting trash in the correct bin.
That was the message delivered to more than 70 faculty and staff this week who attended the March Chancellor’s Campus forum to hear updates on campus sustainability efforts and construction.
“We’re 39th among 400 universities participating in RecycleMania,” Linda Kogan, sustainability coordinator, Facilities Services, said. “Let’s beat Boulder!”
But sibling competition aside, Kogan and Gary Reynolds, executive director, Facilities Services, had serious messages.
“We’ve been making buildings more efficient since 1973,” Reynolds said. “But now, we’re concentrating on making them better, not only from the perspective of cost of ownership but from a societal point of view.”
Kogan’s presentation touched on a myriad of sustainability efforts ranging from participation in a global warming awareness event that brought children to campus to state government executive orders requiring substantial reductions in energy, paper and water consumption. She also highlighted campus efforts that range from digital heating and cooling controls to low-flush toilets in Columbine Hall, Campus Services and University Hall.
Reynolds explained details of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, sharing the ins-and-outs of the detailed system that assigns points based on how a building is constructed and materials used. UCCS will seek silver certification for the Science and Engineering Building and Campus Recreation Center. While the principles of LEED certification will be embraced in the construction of a new Events Center, a tight budget means the building will not be certified.
“If it’s a difference between getting a plaque that says we’re certified and installing something that will make our building more green, we’re going to forgo the plaque,” Brian Burnett, vice chancellor, Administration and Finance said.
Burnett updated the group on progress on the Science and Engineering building which is scheduled for completion in May 2009 with moves taking place over the summer and full occupancy for the Fall 2009 semester. Susan Szpyrka, associate vice chancellor, Administration and Finance, updated the group on plans for a 1,200 seat event center that will extend from University Center to the hill between Dwire Hall and University Center. Constructed is expected to begin in July. Tom Christensen, dean, Letters, Arts and Sciences, told the group about a $91,000 State Historical Fund grant that will allow for planning and assessment of the Heller Center.
The presentation used at the forum is available at www.uccs.edu/ur/communique/2008/03/07/MarchChancellorForum.pptx. (requires PowerPoint 2007)