| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 50.50 |
| Liaison | Ryan Chabot |
| Submission Date | March 2, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Central Florida
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 4.00 |
David
Norvell Asst VP Sustainability Initiatives Sustainability Initiatives |
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
The current strategic plan for the institution, titled the 2016 Collective Impact, includes specific goals addressing the renewed commitment of the university to further sustainability in all areas.
The fifth element within the 2016 UCF Collective Impact Strategic Plan, entitled Innovate Academic, Operational and Financial Models to Transform Higher Education includes metrics to achieve a favorable sustainability comparison against other analogous and aspirational universities. This is further described in a Health and Sustainability subsection with metrics, strategies, and leaders within. Metrics include: recognition as a top 50 healthiest campus; and define and achieve favorable sustainability comparison against other analogous and aspirational universities. Strategies for doing so include: enhance our health and wellness programs for students to develop a robust program for faculty and staff members, leveraging the capabilities of UCF Health and other university expertise; continue to adhere to commitment to LEED standards for all new construction; and develop aggressive energy conservation strategies, with measurements by unit.
A copy of the strategic plan:
The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
A copy of the sustainability plan:
The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
A copy of the climate action plan:
The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have other published plans that address sustainability or include measurable sustainability objectives (e.g. campus master plan, physical campus plan, diversity plan, human resources plan)? :
A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
Campus Master Plan http://fp.ucf.edu/mp2015
Landscape Master Plan https://www.green.ucf.edu/landscape-2/campus-landscapes/landscape-master-plan/
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The fifth element within the 2016 UCF Collective Impact Strategic Plan, entitled Innovate Academic, Operational and Financial Models to Transform Higher Education includes metrics to achieve a favorable sustainability comparison against other analogous and aspirational universities, including areas of the curriculum.
Sustainability objectives in Curriculum within the climate action plan include: course development incentives, such as faculty compensation for participation in gaining instruction and assistance on incorporating core concepts into their existing or new courses; Service Learning additions to course curriculum where students apply skills to real-world problems; and continued experiential learning (co-ops and internships) opportunities involving sustainability for students.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The fifth element within the 2016 UCF Collective Impact Strategic Plan, entitled Innovate Academic, Operational and Financial Models to Transform Higher Education includes metrics to achieve a favorable sustainability comparison against other analogous and aspirational universities, including areas of research.
Sustainability objectives in Research within the climate action plan include: the continuation of basic and applied research of UCF and partner academic units and the continuation of investments in these research facilities; the partnership of Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), Center for Advanced Transportation Systems Simulation (CATSS), and Stormwater Management Academy; and the continuation of student interest in researching the six key initiatives, such as in the engineering courses Senior Design I & II.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The fifth element within the 2016 UCF Collective Impact Strategic Plan, entitled Innovate Academic, Operational and Financial Models to Transform Higher Education includes metrics to achieve a favorable sustainability comparison against other analogous and aspirational universities, including areas of campus engagement.
Sustainability objectives in Campus Engagement within the climate action plan include: the continuation and expansion of UCF Arboretum's educational activities and volunteer services; the expansion of Sustainability Initiatives' student portal website that serves as a "one-stop-shop" to learn about sustainability-related events, courses, products, books, podcasts, student groups, and competitions; the continuation and expansion of registered student organizations with a sustainability focus, and the cooperation of these through the Student Sustainability Coalition; and the continued partnership with Housing to host the annual sustainability programming, such as the Kill-A-Watt Energy Conservation Competition and Swap Shop.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The fifth element within the 2016 UCF Collective Impact Strategic Plan, entitled Innovate Academic, Operational and Financial Models to Transform Higher Education includes metrics to achieve a favorable sustainability comparison against other analogous and aspirational universities, including areas of public engagement.
Sustainability objectives in Public Engagement within the climate action plan include: the continuation of invitations for seminars, summits, conferences and speakers from different schools, focuses, and professions on campus.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The climate action plan calls for the specific reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as a result of campus operations over the period of the plan, as follows:
2020: Reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 17 percent below 2005's levels.
2030: Reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 42 percent below 2005's levels.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The climate action plan contains the following objectives:
All new construction and major renovation are to be LEED certified to a minimum of Gold level.
Construct continuous commissioning of existing buildings on a four-year cycle.
Enroll one major educational building in the LEED Existing Building: Operations and Maintenance (LEED EBOM) program each year.
Expand feedback mechanisms to enable users to make informed decisions about their energy use.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The climate action plan calls for the specific reduction in energy intensity of campus operations over the period of the plan. This includes lessening chilled water needs, as one-third of electricity produced is used to cool and condition campus buildings, by placing buildings on an energy usage schedule, using more energy-efficient equipment and maintenance techniques, and constructing a thermal energy storage tank.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The landscape masterplan calls for specific reductions in synthetic fertilizers as well as the application of pesticides; xeriscaping and planting Florida-friendly plants; utilizing reclaimed water for irrigation, collecting rainwater, and removing invasive species.
Best management practices are applicable, including restoration of natural areas, prescribed burns, and stormwater management.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The climate action plan contains specific language mandating purchasing practices in the areas of electronics and computers.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The climate action plan has numerous objectives addressing Transportation including: reducing single occupancy vehicles, utilizing cleaner fuels, minimizing commute and traffic congestion, increasing pedestrian and cyclist use, regulating car volumes, modifying academic scheduling, employing distance learning, and utilizing its regional campuses for more parking systems. These objective success measures are based on the decal and rental capacities, university fleet ridership capacities, online course enrollment, and vehicle type inventories.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The climate action plan has specific language and requirements to reduce solid waste and increase the percentage of recyclables or the period of performance. This includes: eliminating storage or maintenance of surplus, purchasing ENERGY STAR products, trayless dining, Fair Trade certified coffee for purchase, and offering recycling receptions for hazardous waste.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The fifth element within the 2016 UCF Collective Impact Strategic Plan, entitled Innovate Academic, Operational and Financial Models to Transform Higher Education includes metrics to be recognized as a top 50 healthiest campus.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body (e.g. a mission statement that specifically includes sustainability and is endorsed by the Board of Trustees)? :
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
The University of Central Florida is a leader in creating a greener college campus for the 21st century.
In 2007, I committed UCF to becoming climate neutral by the year 2050. Since then, we have made remarkable progress toward that goal. We design our buildings more efficiently, employ the latest energy saving technologies, use cleaner energy, and conserve our natural resources. As a result, our existing buildings use 38 percent less energy than when our efforts began.
New construction at UCF is designed to the highest standards of efficiency from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. We meet a third of our campus energy demand by using natural gas rather than other fossil fuels. And, as a major metropolitan research university, we conduct groundbreaking research to find cleaner and more efficient energy resources.
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We recognize that growth at UCF has an impact on our campuses and beyond. Our growth, however, provides opportunities to devise more efficient transportation, procure renewable energies, improve livability, and enhance student experience.
Everyone should enjoy the ability to live, work, and learn in a safe and healthy environment. UCF prides itself in being America’s Leading Partnership University, and all of us – students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the constituencies we serve – play a role in making Central Florida a national model for sustainability.
Working together, we become stronger, greener – and better.
Cordially yours,
John C. Hitt
President
The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
| Yes or No | |
| The Earth Charter | No |
| The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) | No |
| ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter | No |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | Yes |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | Yes |
| UN Global Compact | No |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | No |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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.