UCCS earns high marks in college sustainability report

UCCS received the highest marks for sustainability of any southern Colorado public college or university, according to a report issued Wednesday.

The “College Sustainability Report 2010,” an appraisal of 332 colleges nationally was issued by the Sustainable Endowments Institute. The report gave UCCS a letter grade of “B.”

The University of Colorado at Boulder received an A-minus ranking, the highest grade awarded. Colorado College received a B-plus ranking.

“I am pleased by this recognition,” Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak said. “But, clearly, there is more that we can – and must – do to make our campus sustainable.”

The report, based on survey responses, evaluated colleges on a variety of factors including energy use, recycling, “green” building practices, investment priorities and shareholder engagement.

In recent years, UCCS implemented a campus-wide recycling program. Additionally, the two newest buildings on campus, the Campus Recreation Center and the Science & Engineering Building, received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold certification from the US Green Building Council. Other buildings under construction or renovation will also seek LEED certification, according to Gary Reynolds, executive director, Facilities Services.

Low-flush toilets, energy-efficient lighting, solar panels and heating and cooling system and control retrofits are among the changes made to conserve natural resources, Reynolds said. Even UCCS student recruitment materials are printed on high recycled content paper and are certified as sustainable.

Since 2005, UCCS has reduced its energy use intensity and avoided more than $2.5 million in expenses.

The UCCS Office of Sustainability is directed by Linda Kogan and is part of the Division of Administration and Finance.

For more information on the UCCS ranking, visit http://www.greenreportcard.org/report-card-2010/schools/university-of-colorado-colorado-springs