| Overall Rating | Platinum - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 85.29 |
| Liaison | Tonie Miyamoto |
| Submission Date | March 23, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Colorado State University
IN-1: Innovation 1
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Carol
Dollard Energy Engineer Facilities Management |
Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome :
The Energy Reserve Fund is based on the idea that being green can be profitable (or more accurately; bring a return on investment). An initial investment of $500,000 created a discretionary fund for green facilities projects and improvements which are evaluated for their ability to save the University money and ultimately grow the fund.
The program has been a great success. The funding has grown from $500,000 in the first year to just under $870,000 in year four. After 5 years of seeding, the project is set to become self-sustaining - with savings from previous years' projects continuing to fund new initiatives.
This has been an important model for supporting sustainability at our University, especially a large research-driven land grant University.
A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):
The overall effects of these projects can be seen in the University's utility bills. Since the ERF has been established, total energy use has decreased 13% when normalized for weather and building square footage. Water use is down 5% and overall utility costs have remained stable despite an increase in utility rates.
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of 5):
| Yes or No | |
| Curriculum | --- |
| Research | --- |
| Campus Engagement | --- |
| Public Engagement | --- |
| Air & Climate | --- |
| Buildings | --- |
| Dining Services | --- |
| Energy | Yes |
| Grounds | --- |
| Purchasing | --- |
| Transportation | --- |
| Waste | --- |
| Water | Yes |
| Coordination, Planning & Governance | Yes |
| Diversity & Affordability | --- |
| Health, Wellbeing & Work | --- |
| Investment | --- |
Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
The website URL where information about the innovation is available :
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.