University of Connecticut
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

The Academic Vision sets forth a variety of goals for improving and expanding upon academics in the areas of Research, Scholarship, Undergraduate and Graduate Education, Teaching Effectiveness, and Public Engagement. Using the Earth Charter definition for sustainability we were able to determine which of those goals also promotes sustainability within the University’s curriculum. The Climate Action Plan (CAP) also includes a section on Education, Research, and Outreach that addresses curriculum initiatives and that guides the Academic Vision.

The following objectives, strategies, and timeframes that advance sustainability in relation to curriculum are from both the CAP and the 2014 Academic Vision and are ongoing initiatives.

- Promoting understandings and competencies across all cultural groups
- Understanding the intricate influence of neural, environmental, and genetic bases of communication and learning
- Ensure an undergraduate educational experience that prepares our students for lives of impact and leadership in and increasingly diverse, globalized world by emphasizing problem solving and the capacity to translate knowledge and skills into action
- Adapt educational practices to provide more interdisciplinary knowledge and increase opportunities for education in areas of pressing need and interest
- Place specific emphasis on meaningful honors programs and support programs for students who come from homes and schools where poverty prevails
- Develop new and innovative programs to enable our students to compete in our increasingly complex society
- Expand EcoHouse experience to include gardening and small scale food production
- Leverage UConn’s agricultural knowledge to retain and enlarge the sustainable food program and increase on-campus sustainable farming
- Expand the number of introductory energy courses available to students
- Development of an interdisciplinary Environmental Studies undergraduate program (completed 2014)
- Establish a UConn sustainable farming living-learning experience for students
- Encourage senior design projects or Honors theses that increase campus energy efficiency and/or conservation
- Expand the University’s academic offerings related to sustainable design and green building
- Identify and explore unique research and education opportunities related to the University’s forest holdings
- Increase the number of environmentally-themed study abroad and international exchange program opportunities available to students

Office of the Provost, Office of First Year Programs and Living and Learning Communities, Atmospheric Sciences Group, Environmental Policy Advisory Council (EPAC), key centers and institutes (e.g., CESE, C2E2, CLEAR/NEMO, new Institute of Community Resiliency and Climate Adaptation, Fraunhofer/CEI, Center for Energy & Environmental Law), Office of Vice Provost of Research, Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives, Director of Environmental Studies BA Degree Program, Director of Environmental Sciences BS Degree Program, Deans of CLAS, CAHNR, School of Engineering, SBA and Law School, Honors Program, Office of Environmental Policy (OEP)

The Academic Vision sets forth a variety of goals for improving and expanding upon academics in the areas of Research, Scholarship, Undergraduate and Graduate Education, Teaching Effectiveness, and Public Engagement. Using the Earth Charter definition for sustainability we were able to determine which of those goals also promotes sustainability-related research initiatives. The Climate Action Plan (CAP) also includes a section on Education, Research, and Outreach that addresses research initiatives and that guides the Academic Vision.

The following is a list of strategies and objectives for addressing environmental issues through research to be completed by the year 2014 as outlined in the University’s Climate Action Plan:

- Prioritize emerging and expanding interdisciplinary research opportunities that will create a measurable impact in order to act as stewards of our resources
- Establish a new Institute for Engaged Scholarship and Creative Research to address the critical issues of environmental change, the cultural impact of technology, and immigration and society
- Develop the Social Innovation Park, through which practitioners can partner with scholars and students to create entrepreneurial solutions to the most pressing social problems of our time
- Create an institute to focus explicitly on the interconnectedness of human and natural systems
- Support and nurture the development of interdisciplinary research and teaching initiatives tied to climate change, sustainability, and related environmental issues that foster linkages across the biophysical sciences, social and health sciences, engineering, humanities, and fine arts
- Work with the administration and UConn Foundation to secure dedicated support for graduate research and teaching assistantships at the interface of biophysical sciences and social sciences, with a focus on climate change, energy, and sustainability
- Initiate and annual graduate (and undergraduate) symposium on climate research
- Continue to support the development and improvement of climate-related research programs across the University
- Provide greater support for scholarly activities that bring together social scientists and biophysical scientists, with a goal of understanding the causes, dynamics, and consequences of climate change to all facets of the biosphere, including humans
- Establish an institutional structure that would foster collaborative, interdisciplinary environmental research across colleges/schools and disciplines, including biophysical sciences, social sciences, engineering, humanities, and fine arts (see especially new Institute for Community Resiliency and Climate Adaptation)
- Support opportunities for the University’s campus to serve as a research laboratory for developing and testing theories, methods, and technologies that promote carbon neutrality and more efficient resource use (see especially new micro grid system using 400 kW fuel cell and solar array)
- Develop a multidisciplinary visiting scientist program that finances “mini-sabbaticals” by two scientists each year, with a purpose of supporting interactions with faculty members and students who are working in the broad area of climate-change research
- Develop closer ties or partnerships with state and federal agencies that have a focus on the environment in general, and on climate-related research in particular (partnering with DEEP, DOE and EPA on microgrid and ICRCA - climate-adaptation related research)
- Develop and pursue funding opportunities for endowed chairs or eminent faculty positions with a focus on climate change research
- Involve students in campus greening through the identification of research and educational opportunities
- Develop a green job training program; integrate with campus renewable energy and energy efficiency efforts
- Develop a student-led building energy audit program
- Identify and explore unique research and education opportunities related to the University’s forest holdings

Office of the Provost, Office of First Year Programs and Living and Learning Communities, Atmospheric Sciences Group, Environmental Policy Advisory Council (EPAC), key centers and institutes (e.g., CESE, C2E2, CLEAR/NEMO, new Institute of Community Resiliency and Climate Adaptation, Fraunhofer/CEI, Center for Energy & Environmental Law), Office of Vice Provost of Research, Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives, Director of Environmental Studies BA Degree Program, Director of Environmental Sciences BS Degree Program, Deans of CLAS, CAHNR, School of Engineering, SBA and Law School, Honors Program, Office of Environmental Policy (OEP)

The Climate Action Plan also addresses the specific ways in which to increase campus awareness of climate change, individual carbon footprint, and related sustainability issues through education and outreach activities and events.

The following is a list of strategies and objectives for promoting awareness of and addressing environmental issues in the everyday experience of the students, as outlined in the University’s Climate Action Plan:

- Integrate green building and low impact design efforts into university education and outreach efforts (ongoing, new energy and water dashboards, with on-line access to real-time data and a virtual green campus tour, added to two new LEED Gold-certified academic buildings in 2013)
- Develop a department/building monitor program to identify opportunities to increase energy efficiency and conservation
- Place energy dashboards in highly trafficked campus buildings (done: see above, new dashboards - kiosks with on-line access - installed in 2013 in two large classroom/academic buildings)
- Increase the number of in-residence hall education opportunities and projects through regularly scheduled energy conservation challenges, housing-based educational and demonstration opportunities, and student eco-representative programs (ongoing: annual 1-month EcoMadness competition in the residence halls for conserving energy and water; utilizes volunteer student Eco-Captains)
- Work with Athletics to incorporate renewable energy (and energy efficiency) displays into campus athletic events (retrofitted lighting at Sherman Complex, competition venue for NCAA events - field hockey, lacrosse, track and field; developed Renewable Energy Strategic Plan in 2011)
- Establish additional on-campus gardens for UConn community members (done: EcoGarden Club, EcoHouse, and Spring Valley Student Farm)
- Identify additional opportunities to purchase, produce, and serve locally-grown food sources (ongoing, see on-campus Farm-Fresh Markets in innovation section, also SVSF and Dining Services' Local Routes program, which makes UConn the largest purchaser of local produce in the State of CT)
- Develop and expand existing transportation-based education and outreach programs (ongoing)

Town-Gown Committee, Extension Offices and Centers (e.g., CLEAR/NEMO), Office of Environmental Policy, involvement in Mansfield Sustainability Committee, CIMA organizing committee, new UConn Institute for Community Resiliency and Climate Adaptation

UConn’s 2014 Academic Vision strives to promote the health and wellness of its citizens and eliminate the disparities and injustices that plague our society through public engagement. The mission of the UConn Extension is “ensuring a sustainable global future through research, teaching, and public engagement utilizing agricultural, health, and environmental sciences.” Along with UConn’s Office of Public Engagement, UConn Extension engages students, faculty, staff, and community members in learning and research partnerships that strengthen the community, support local economies, and sustain the environment in food, health, and sustainability. The following objectives and strategies are ongoing initiatives to support these steps toward improved public engagement.

- Increase the number of service-learning courses as an engagement strategy
- Further enhance and promote our service-learning courses and efforts
- Promote opportunities for more engaged student learning, enabling more individualized university experiences, such as lab-based research, internships, study abroad, fieldwork, independent projects, performances, productions, and artistic events
- Study the impact of our service on the state and the community and increase our capacity to prove the benefits of our student’ efforts on local, state, and national audiences
- Support University-community partnerships and better articulate how to work collaboratively in shared space, foster additional partnerships and increase our engagement efforts
- Explore the possibility of integrating, perhaps under the offices of Public Engagement and the Provost, some nonacademic units (such as University museums and collections) that are currently under the domain of academic Colleges and Schools
- Encourage faculty to develop more service-learning classes and opportunities
- Focus on doubling by 2020 the number of UConn students who participate in study abroad programs
- Promote the UConn libraries as a resource for all citizens to become better educated, more information literate, and more exposed to unique cultural materials
- Explore the establishment of a Global Education Institute focusing on education abroad, interdisciplinary global studies degree options, and global studies certificates

Office of the Provost, University Academic Vision Committee, Office of Vice Provost of Research, Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives, UConn Extension, UConn Office of Public Engagement

The Climate Action Plan currently focuses on strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the University. A 2012 Adaptation amendment to our CAP focuses on providing UConn resources and expertise in support of public planning, policies, and actions for adaptive response to the effects of climate change. Our mitigation progress is being tracked through an annual greenhouse gas inventory. The Atmospheric Sciences Group is a coalition of faculty members researching climate-change and related air and marine/oceanic impacts in order to advance mitigation and adaptation strategies.

The following goals established in the Climate Action Plan provide a foundation for reducing 2007 scope 1 and 2 emissions by 30% by the year 2020, 50% by 2025, and 100% by the year 2050.

- Establish an EPAC Climate Action Plan Workgroup to begin implementation of CAP and to track progress (EPAC has served in a CAP oversight role, but mitigation measures have emerged from smaller issue-specific workgroups, committees and inter-departmental planning efforts)
- Convene a campus greenhouse gas inventory workgroup (Energy Initiatives group meets monthly, Transportation initiatives group meets periodically)
- Compile annual greenhouse gas inventories (done by OEP interns and staff)
- Work with relevant departments to establish an MOA regarding annual data submission requirements and reporting protocol (OEP has established these protocols for annual GHG data submission and reporting, per the ACUPCC. MOA has not been needed.)
- Establish permanent position to assist the EPAC with oversight of CAP implementation, identification and acquisition of funding sources, and tracking progress (in progress, duties dispersed among OEP staff and interns)
- 2016: Review the CAP and recommend revisions and updates, as appropriate
- Establish a web-based data reporting process for the University’s inventory
- Identify and pursue funding sources, including external sources (in progress: Campus Sustainability Fund, GA position centrally-funded, Renewable Energy Credit (REC) account provides funding for sustainability interns in the OEP, up to 40% and 50% rebates obtained from local utility company for energy conservation measures like RCx and re-lamping, considering ESCo feasibility for future energy efficiency and steam infrastructure repair and replacement projects)
- Provide annual summary reports of the University’s greenhouse gas inventory and CAP implementation progress to the President (reports filed per ACUPCC)
- Submit annual inventory reports and biannual progress reports to AASHE (done through ACUPCC reporting system)

Office of Environmental Policy, CFO/Budget Office, Facilities - Energy Management, UConn Foundation, Provost's Office, inter-disciplinary Smart Building/Smart Grid Workgroup

The Climate Action Plan uses UConn's 2004 Sustainable Design Guidelines and 2007 Sustainable Design and Construction (LEED Silver) Policy to guide its strategies to incorporate sustainable building design in as many development projects as possible. The UConn Master Plan, adopted in 2015, also focuses on the fact that the overarching goal of more sustainable development is to conserve energy, water and other essential natural resources as well as to help the University reach carbon neutrality by the year 2050.

The following are the strategies and benchmarks to be made to reach the overarching goals described above as stated in the Climate Action Plan.

- Encourage senior design projects of Honors theses that increase campus energy efficiency and/or conservation
- Expand the University’s academic offerings related to sustainable design and green building
- Develop a student-led building energy audit program
- Better integrate green building and low impact design efforts into university education and outreach efforts
- Develop a department/building monitor program to identify opportunities to increase energy efficiency and conservation
- Place energy dashboard in highly trafficked campus buildings
- Conduct routine energy conservation challenges within the residence halls
- Implement housing based educational demonstration opportunities
- Develop a student eco-rep program
- Work with Athletics to incorporate renewable energy displays into campus athletic events
- Require, as a minimum, that whenever the estimated total project cost exceeds $5 million, excluding the cost of equipment other than building systems, the University shall establish the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating
- Revise the Sustainable Design and Construction Policy (ongoing)
- Update the Sustainable Design Guidelines and mandate their use for projects not required to meet LEED Standards (under review)
- Develop a construction materials selection, recycling and reuse guide
- Select surface materials that are characterized by high albedo, high emissivity, and low heat capacity, instead of traditional impervious surface materials (ongoing and accomplished in new construction projects through LEED certification)
- Require integration of green roofs into all new building designs; retrofit existing buildings where possible (ongoing, not required but two green roofs added at Laurel and Storrs Hall since 2012)
- Seek to achieve zero-carbon buildings
- Require the use of the LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System to guide future development decisions
- Establish a cap on impervious surface
- Sub-meter and smart-meter buildings, in order to track energy consumption, manage for maximum efficiency, and reduce carbon impact
- Design new buildings to achieve LEED Gold certification using the appropriate LEED rating system
- Retrofit energy consuming systems in all existing buildings
- Establish appropriate energy use intensity targets for all building types
- Refer to RESP for near term renewable and clean energy projects with proven viability
- Follow Climate Action Plan and associated acceleration proposals to remain on planned trajectory
- Connect all buildings to central monitoring and control system
- Commission all new buildings to ensure proper energy usage and control
- Implement energy efficient systems in new construction projects
- Integrate appropriate renewable and clean energy technologies
- Implement more stringent benchmarking and building rating systems as they become available and applicable
- Review Climate Action Plan and accelerate as needed to maintain trajectories toward neutrality
- Develop procedure for evaluating demolition and redevelopment projects
- Strengthen the Sustainable Design Guidelines and other policies with regard to material procurement
- Buy local when option is available
- Adopt building benchmarking systems which are stringent in the building materials category
- Adopt LEED Gold certified as a minimum performance standard
- Develop Depot Campus as a remediated brownfield and sustainable community (long-term)
- Install pervious surfacing materials as standard practice (current/near-term)
- Consider green roofs and high SRI roofs for all new buildings (current/near-term)
- Continue to advance LID and green infrastructure initiatives (current/near-term)
- Minimize footprint of all new parking structures
- Design and install renewable energy and green infrastructure on new parking lots and structures

OEP, EPAC, Planning Architectural & Engineering Services (PAES) project management, Facilities - ResLife, Facilities - Utilities, CANR - Farm Services, PAES Landscape Architects, Facilities - Landscaping Services, Dining Services, UConn Forester/CANR, Center for Clean Energy Engineering (C2E2)/School of Engineering.

Dining Services is committed to pursuing Green Restaurant certification for all of its dining halls, starting with Buckley Dining Hall in 2013. UConn dining halls are trayless, 5 dining halls use eCorrect in-kitchen decomposers to reduce food waste by 80% and create a reusable compost-like organic material for use by Landscaping services. DDS also recently purchased 3 EVs for all on-campus catering and other deliveries; DDS began on-campus Farm-Fresh markets once a week in the summer and fall months; DDS Local Routes program makes UConn the largest purchaser of local produce in the State of CT; DDS funds staff to help advise and manage student-run organic farms on-campus (EcoGarden and Spring Valley Student Farm). Furthermore, the CAP and the UConn Sustainability Framework Plan incorporate sustainability into their objectives relating to dining services/food.

- Achieve third-party Green Restaurant certification for all of its dining halls, beginning with Buckley Dining hall, to be certified by 2014-15 academic year
- Identify and improve energy efficiencies associated with campus food service equipment and appliances (ongoing, part of Food Franchisee Sustainability Guidelines)
- Increase campus food waste recycling
- Establish a UConn sustainable farming living-learning experience for students
- Establish additional on-campus gardens for UConn community members
- Identify additional opportunities to purchase, produce, and serve locally-grown food sources
- Continue to emphasize local, sustainably grown food and vegetarian options (current/near-term)
- Buy local when the option is available (current/near-term)
- Expand composting practices and equipment (long-term)
- Expand EcoHouse experience to include gardening and small scale food production (long-term)
- Leverage UConn’s agricultural knowledge to retain and enlarge the sustainable food program and increase on-campus sustainable farming (long-term)

Dept. of Dining Services (DDS) in collaboration with OEP and other departments

The drafted Sustainability Framework Plan that has been proposed as an appendix to the University of Connecticut Master Plan, in conjunction with the Climate Action Plan (CAP), details methods with which to reduce energy consumption in order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. These plans are also supplemented by the Renewable Energy Strategic Plan, which identifies and assesses target locations for the development of 12 demonstration-scale renewable and sustainable energy projects to facilitate technology transfer, collaborative research into green energy sources and smart storage, the reduction of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, and the integration of environmental principles into students’ learning experiences.

The following are a series of current, near-term, and long-term goals outlined in the Sustainability Framework Plan, CAP, and Renewable Energy Strategic Plan that can serve as stepping stones to the overall goal of carbon neutrality.

- Sub-meter and smart-meter buildings, in order to track energy consumption, manage for maximum efficiency, and reduce carbon impact (current/near-term)
- Design new buildings to achieve LEED Gold certification using the appropriate LEED rating system (current/near-term)
- Retrofit energy consuming systems in all existing buildings (current/near-term)
- Establish appropriate energy use intensity targets for all building types (current/near-term)
- Refer to RESP for near term renewable energy projects with proven viability (current/near-term)
- Follow Climate Action Plan and associated acceleration proposals to remain on planned trajectory (current/near-term)
- Connect all buildings to central monitoring and control system (long-term)
- Commission all new buildings to ensure proper energy usage and control (long-term)
- Implement energy efficient systems in new construction projects (long-term)
- Integrate appropriate renewable energy technologies (long-term)
- Implement more stringent benchmarking and building rating systems as they become available and applicable (long-term)
- Review Climate Action Plan and accelerate as needed to maintain trajectories toward neutrality (long-term)
- Adjust building temperature set points and occupancy schedules (optimal temperature set points established, ongoing)
- Establish a lighting update program (interior and exterior)(ongoing: 80+ buildings re-lamped since 2010, reducing 3,000 TPY eCO2; Sherman Complex retrofitted lighting done in 2013, reducing energy used by at least 55%)
- Reduce fume hood energy consumption (ongoing through outreach, new construction and retrofits)
- Establish an energy-efficient computing policy (HuskyPC program sets baseline efficiency standards; purchasing policy requires third-party certification for energy efficiency)
- Implement a residence hall appliance policy (ongoing consideration)
- Minimize energy use associated with equipment and appliances by minimizing phantom loads associated with office appliances, eliminating the use of window air conditioning units wherever possible, and discontinuing the use of small individual space heaters (all appliances purchased are EPA Energy Star; Green Office Certification program promotes positive behavioral change an practices)
- Identify and improve energy efficiencies associated with campus food service equipment and appliances (ongoing, part of Food Franchisee Sustainability Guidelines)
- Correct inefficiencies in campus utility distribution systems (ongoing)
- Expand and better integrate current energy monitoring efforts (ongoing through sub-metering program and PI data collection system)
- Promote continuous improvement of operational strategies at the cogeneration facility (ongoing - must maintain at least 50% efficiency rating in order to sell Renewable Energy Credits, proceeds of which have been used for RCx, re-lamping and other energy conservation measures and programs)
- Centralize utility systems as much as possible and examine opportunities to integrate building projects to maximize utility system efficiency (ongoing)
- Establish a program to continuously commission buildings (19 Retro-commissioning (RCx) projects completed with ECMs installed and operating from 2010-2013, reducing 13,000 TPY of eCO2)
- Improve the efficiency of building HVAC systems through heat zoning and high-efficiency filters (ongoing, see RCx measures above)
- Develop and initiate a boiler efficiency and emissions reductions program (ongoing, required for compliance with new state Boiler MACT regulations)
- Develop and implement an equipment energy efficiency purchasing policy (ongoing, current EPA Energy Star standard for all purchases of appliances, similar standards for electronics and computers)
- Seek to incorporate alternative energy sources into new constructions and retrofit existing buildings where appropriate and feasible (solar array installed on rooftop of new RWF and at Depot Campus, solar street lighting at UConn Dairy Bar, 400 kw clean energy fuel cell installed in 2012 at Depot Campus; RESP created in 2011)
- Maximize efficiency of laboratory airflow through new technologies (ongoing - see fume hood response above)
- Identify and evaluate additional applications for variable-frequency drives (VFDs) (ongoing, VFD opportunities identified through RCx program)
- Evaluate the feasibility and appropriateness of developing a carbon neutral power plant (In progress: supplemental utility plant will be needed to implement $1.5 billion Next Gen CT/STEM capital improvement program, Utility Master Planning in progress)
- Develop an alternative/renewable energy strategic plan and implement demonstration projects (done: 2011 publication of RESP)
- Consistent with the Climate Action Plan, one goal of the Preliminary Feasibility Study and Strategic Deployment Plan for Renewable & Sustainable Energy Projects (RESP) is to reduce between 5 and 9.5 tons of GHG emissions annually through the implementation of demonstration-scale research projects focusing on alternative energy in order to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. (Installation of 400 kW fuel cell in 2012 estimated to reduce 800+ TPY of GHG compared with comparable fossil-fuel generating sources)

OEP; Facilities & Building Services - AVP, Energy Management; C2E2/School of Engineering; PAES; Provost's Office, AVP - Infrastructure & Strategic Planning; Purchasing, CFO & Budget Office

UConn strives to be sustainable through development and renovation projects using Low Impact Design features. This means UConn will use methods that minimize the effect of storm water run-off and contaminants that can cause downstream flooding, erosion sedimentation, and pollution of rivers, streams, and water bodies. LID features installed on campus include pervious parking lots, rain gardens, bio-retention swales, green roofs, porous pavers, storm water monitoring and striving for a sustainable design process for the construction of the Tech Park and development of the Next Gen CT/STEM capital improvement program.

To this end, one of the objectives outlined in the proposed Sustainability Framework Plan is to preserve and enhance campus landscapes and land holdings through a series of current, near-term, and long-term intermediate goals. Additionally, the Climate Action Plan includes a series of current, near-term, and long-term strategies for incorporating sustainability into the University’s Grounds plans.

Ongoing objectives geared towards preserving and improving upon campus landscapes and land holdings are as follows.

- Develop a campus landscaping master plan designed to minimize chemical, energy, and water usage (done in 2010-11)
- Improve turf quality on campus (ongoing)
- Establish a permanent position to oversee the management of the University’s forest holdings (ongoing consideration)
- Inventory the University’s forest holdings and establish a plan to maximize carbon sequestration (ongoing)
- Develop and implement a management plan to improve and expand the urban forest (ongoing through UConn's campus Arboretum Committee)
- Establish general forest acquisition goals and a ‘no net loss’ policy
- Identify opportunities to further incorporate low-impact design components in the University's current construction and renovation projects.
- Record and photo-document storm water management practices currently employed at the University to demonstrate compliance and best practices.
- Explore the potential for implementing "green roofs" at various locations. (Green roofs implemented on two new constructions)
- OEP will serve as an advisory figure in the upcoming Next Gen CT and North Campus/Tech Park planning and development process, guiding UConn's growth while remaining sensitive to our environmental "footprint."
- Use the Sustainable Sites Initiative, either independently or in conjunction with LEED, to develop landscape in a beneficial and measurable way (current/near-term)
- Complete Hillside Environmental Education Park expansion (current/near-term)
- Continue to participate in Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus USA program and integrate with UConn Forestry (current/near-term)
- Install pervious surfacing materials as standard practice (current/near-term)
- Consider green roofs and high SRI roofs for all new buildings (current/near-term)
- Require low or zero irrigation landscaping for new developments (current/near-term)
- Continue to advance LID and green infrastructure initiatives (current/near-term)
- Expand and enhance campus forests, woodland corridors, and the campus arboretum as a learning landscape (current/near-term)
- Maintain and improve existing green space (current/near-term)
- Replace prime farmland lost to development (current/near-term)
- Move to district and campus-wide approach to LID and green infrastructure via woodland corridors, pervious paving, and other strategies (current/near-term)
- Increase support for UConn Forestry program (current/near-term)
- Analyze the potential for underground utilities and implement as appropriate (long-term)
- Experiment with alternative surfacing and landscaping techniques to reduce impervious cover (long-term)
- Address steam line issues that may pose hazardous material/brownfield risk (long-term)
- Implement landscape to minimize or avoid irrigation

Facilities - Landscaping Services, OEP, PAES - Landscape Architects, CLEAR/NEMO at Haddam Extension office

The Climate Action Plan outlines the University’s sustainable purchasing policies. This encompasses waste reduction at both the source and upon disposal through minimized packaging as well as a reduction in fossil fuels and energy use through efficient vehicle standards and Energy Star appliances. More recently, the Vendor Code of Conduct sets sustainability standards and preferences for all UConn vendors (e.g., fair labor practices, environmental sustainability)

- Establish fleet efficiency purchasing requirements
- Establish a green purchasing policy to minimize packaging and other waste associated with campus purchases (ongoing, Vendor Code of Conduct approved in 2013)
- Develop and implement an equipment energy efficiency purchasing policy (ongoing, current EPA Energy Star standard for all purchases of appliances, similar standards for electronics and computers)
- Review Vendor Code of Conduct annually
- Buy local when option is available
- Identify opportunities to influence market change where UConn has purchasing power
- Develop procedures for standard lifecycle assessment on purchases
- Develop procedure for evaluating demolition and redevelopment projects and materials
- Enhance existing recycling programs and begin to emphasize reductions in packaging to minimize the initial waste stream
- Adopt building benchmarking systems which are stringent in the building materials category
- Strengthen the Sustainable Design Guidelines and other policies with regard to material procurement

Purchasing, OEP, EPAC, Transportation, Parking & Logistical Services

The University has many plans involved at multiple levels of transportation in order to ensure a more sustainable future for its community. This includes incentive programs to decrease individual car use and increase carpooling, bike use, and public transportation options. It also includes encouraging alternative fuel sources and advocating for new public transportation options in the future.

Most recently, transportation has been included in the campus Sustainability Framework Plan, which prioritizes sustainable transportation and movement in and around campus.

The current, near-term, and long-term goals towards incentivizing mass transit and alternative modes of transportation and towards reducing related emissions, as outlined in the Sustainability Framework Plan and the Climate Action Plan, are as follows.

- Assess the impact of future growth on transit needs (current/near-term)
- Improve bus and shuttle services by providing more frequent service, better service communication, and more accommodating service infrastructure, such as sheltered waiting areas and enhanced user interface options (current/near-term)
- Continue to purchase alternatively fueled vehicles under the existing DOT grant (current/near-term)
- Minimize footprint of all new parking structures (current/near-term)
- Meet the criteria for a Bicycle Friendly University (current/near-term)
- Streamline vendor delivery and distribution system and schedule (current/near-term)
- Enact a strong bicycle sharing service on campus and begin to implement more bicycle infrastructure within roadway projects (current/near-term)
- Connect to the regional rail system (long-term)
- Link to the larger bicycle network in the local and regional context (long-term)
- Implement intelligent system for vendor deliveries, warehousing, and campus distribution via small vehicles on campus (long-term)
- Fully integrate bicycle transportation infrastructure within all campus districts (current/near-term)
- Design and install renewable energy and green infrastructure on new parking lots and structures (long-term)
- Move fully toward alternatively-fueled fleet (long-term)
- Manage parking demand to address long-term growth with smart parking systems and improved wayfinding (long-term)
- Prioritize near-term routes to make biking more viable in the very near future (current/near-term)
- Develop a modal transportation advisory committee (done)
- Develop a campus transportation master plan for travel to and from Storrs (ongoing as part of 2014 Campus Master Plan for Next Gen CT capital improvement program)
- Establish a campus policy that transit be considered when planning new campus buildings (done through Master Planning process)
- Establish fleet efficiency purchasing requirements (ongoing, currently only guidelines)
- Phase out older, inefficient vehicles and replace with higher efficiency (in-progress through DOT grant received in 2013)
- Develop and implement a mandatory vehicle efficiency improvement program (ongoing)
- Enforce the state anti-idling policy
- Increase the efficiency of campus delivery systems (all deliveries done using EV/e-Star van acquired in 2012)
- Discourage unnecessary on-campus driving (ongoing transformation to pedestrian-focused campus)
- Increase the production and use of biodiesel in university vehicles (ongoing consideration)
- Increase the use of vehicles that run on carbon-neutral or low-carbon fuel sources (ongoing through DOT grant program to replace older fleet vehicles)
- Work with campus unions to encourage flexibility in employee workday definition (ongoing)
- Increase access and provide incentives for telecommuting and online courses
- Develop a campus rideshare incentive program (ongoing, parking permit incentives introduced in 2013)
- Establish an on-campus car sharing program (done: Hertz 24/7 program in place since 2011)
- Provide a weekday shuttle service to nearby off-campus park-and-ride lots
- Increase local housing options and availability
- Establish a bike-sharing program (UConn Cycles volunteer-provided pilot program operating since 2011; RFI for vendor-provided program planned in 2014)
- Improve bicycle and pedestrian safety and access from off-campus housing (ongoing)
- Increase bus and shuttle availability to and from off-campus destinations (ongoing balance of ridership and cost issues)
- Advocate for the development of a regional light rail commuting option
- Establish a campus parking cap
- Develop an incentive program to discourage parking permit purchases (ongoing, first- and second-year students prohibited from obtaining on-campus parking permit)
- Implement a campus-wide parking fee increase; use the revenue to fund campus mass transit improvements and to incentivize carpooling and low-emission vehicles (ongoing)
- Price parking according to vehicle fuel efficiency and EPA emissions rating
- Offer a reduced-cost parking pass, priority parking and related emergency support services for rideshare participants (ongoing)
- Develop a reduced-cost parking pass for motorcycles and scooters when registered as the sole vehicle (ongoing)
- Hire a pedestrian and bicycle coordinator to ensure implementation of Bicycle Master Plan recommendations (ongoing, new Parking and Transportation Services manager hired in 2013 with much of these duties)
- Improve campus bicycle amenities and paths
- Develop a bicycle commuter-incentive program
- Create and affordable on-campus bicycle shop
- Establish a campus-wide bicycle loaner program
- Require vehicle and rental programs to provide efficient and alternative fuel vehicle options (ongoing, EVs and ULEVs provided through Hertz 24/7)
- Negotiate discounted bus and train ticket rates for UConn faculty, staff, and students (ongoing, ultra- low-fare bus trips from campus to NYC and Boston added in 2012)
- Discourage air travel to locations within reasonable driving or train distance (ongoing)

Transportation, Parking & Logistical Services, OEP, EPAC

The Campus Sustainable Design Guidelines recognize the importance of protecting our natural resources in on-campus development projects. The goals and strategies outlined below have been developed using the LEED Rating System as a sustainability benchmark to help identify and measure the sustainability measures taken in the design and planning of buildings on campus. In addition, the CAP and the Sustainability Framework Plan outline a number of strategies that can be implemented to increase waste diversion or reduce the total amount of waste at the University.

The following strategies are among those geared towards maintaining and expanding campus-wide areas for recycling, reducing the amount of construction and demolition related waste generated from University projects, and considering the associated environmental impacts when selecting materials for use on campus. These strategies and goals were adopted in 2004 and have been applied to every applicable building project since.

- Develop procedure for evaluating demolition and redevelopment projects and materials
- Enhance existing recycling programs and begin to emphasize reductions in packaging to minimize the initial waste stream
- Enrich ongoing recycling and waste management initiatives
- Expand composing practices and equipment
- Develop procedures for standard lifecycle assessment on purchases
- Develop a construction materials selection, recycling, and reuse guide (long-term)
- Develop an agricultural and landscaping waste composting system (done: UConn Compost Facility opened in Summer 2010)
- Identify opportunities to use agricultural wastes to generate new products (long-term)
- Maximize the use of organic, conservation-till agriculture on campus (ongoing)
- Develop a campus landscaping master plan designed to minimize chemical, energy, and water use (ongoing)
- Maximize recycling of landscaping organic waste (ongoing, UConn Compost facility and leaf waste composting)
- Correct inefficiencies in steam utility systems (ongoing)
- Upgrade water fixtures in campus buildings to maximize efficiency (ongoing)
- Construct a water reclamation facility
- Increase campus food waste recycling (in progress, 5 campus dining halls now have in-kitchen eCorrect decomposers installed and operating to reduce food wastye volume by 80% and enable reuse of remaining compost-like material as a soil amendment by UConn's Landscaping Services)
- Establish a green purchasing policy to minimize packaging and other waste associated with campus purchases (ongoing)
- Provide easily accessible recycling stations throughout the campus that allow for the collection and separation of paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics, and metals
- Provide recycling stations at convenient locations both inside and outside of buildings, including event gathering areas, parking lots, and site plazas
- Consider the viability of adaptive reuse of existing structures in lieu of new construction
- Minimize the waste impacts associated with future reconfiguration of interior office by using open office environments, flexible systems furniture, and modular partitions for office areas
- Design projects to be recyclable
- Specify carpet and ceiling tiles (and other products) from companies that participate in reclamation programs (companies who will take back their products for recycling after their usefull life)
- Strive to recycle and salvage as much demolition waste as possible if existing development on site cannot be reused
- Require contractors to incorporate a construction waste management plan such that a minimum of 50 percent of construction waste is diverted from landfills
- Reduce the consumption of resources by using materials that have a long service life and, therefore, require less replacement
- Divert materials from waste streams and minimize consumption of virgin resources by specifying materials with a minimum of 20 percent post-consumer or 40 percent post-industrial recycled content
- Facilitate the future recyclability of materials at the end of a project’s useful life by incorporating materials that can be readily recycled in the future
- Avoid composite systems (products that permanently combine different materials), given that these are difficult to separate and recycle
- Favor materials that can be recycled indefinitely, as opposed to materials that can only be recycled once
- Look to salvage items from campus demolition projects for reuse
- Favor the use of materials that can biodegrade to those that cannot, where appropriate

In addition we measure our everyday MSW-type waste and recycling volumes through our hauler's recycling and trash transfer and weigh stations. Last year, we began weighing public surplus store materials that are diverted from the waste stream by public sale for reuse.
We also measure e-waste recycling, sneaker recycling, and the waste, recycling, composting, and reuse of food, landscaping and agricultural materials.

Facilities- Building Services, EPAC Recycling Workgroup, EPAC Sustainable Development Workgroup, PAES, OEP, Dining Services, CANR-Farm Services, Facilities- Landscaping Services, Central Stores/Warehouse and Surplus Store

The Climate Action Plan and the Sustainability Framework Plan both outline current, near-term, and long-term initiatives for the reduction of water consumption and both identify key areas in which the University can improve water conservation and reuse efforts.

UConn is the public water supply system for the campus and certain municipal, business and residential users in the vicinity of the Storrs Campus. As a result, UConn has also adopted Water Conservation Goals and Strategies as part of its 5-year Water Supply Planning process (most recent WSP adopted in 2011-12). Pursuant to this WSP, UConn has also adopted a Student Water Conservation Outreach Plan and a Drought Emergency Response Plan that requires UConn to issue voluntary and mandatory conservation advisories to all water supply system users in the event flow rates in rivers near our water supply well fields drop below specified levels, measured in cubic feet per second (CFS) according to real-time in-stream flow gauges monitored by the USGS

As the owner/operator of the public water supply system for the main campus and surrounding municipal, commercial and residential users, UConn has implemented both supply-side (http://uconnoep.wordpress.com/2013/03/15/stretching-uconns-water-budget-part-i/) and demand-side water conservation measures. UConn's unaccounted for loss is now half of the public water supply system average.

Several years ago, UConn retrofitted the irrigation system, and moisture retention capabilities of its new varsity field hockey turf, resulting in an 80% reduction in water used for irrigation of artificial turf before practices and games, as is required for safety and playability among NCAA Division 1 Field Hockey programs.

The following are the current, near-term, and long-term goals established in the Sustainability Framework Plan, CAP, and the 2011 Water Supply Plan in an effort to minimize potable water consumption and optimize rainwater management.

- Correct inefficiencies in steam utility systems (ongoing multi-year, $100 million project, some funding allotted in state bond-funded $1.5 Billion Next Gen CT/STEM capital improvement program)
- Upgrade water fixtures in campus buildings to maximize efficiency (done in all residential halls, ongoing elsewhere during renovation and deferred maintenance projects - e.g., Young Building, Bousfield, Storrs Hall)
- Construct a water reclamation facility (done: $25 Million RWF constructed and began operating during Summer 2013)
- Upgrade water fixtures in campus buildings to maximize efficiency
- Establish appropriate water consumption targets for all building types (current/short-term)
- Meter all buildings and track water consumption (current/short-term)
- Upgrade to low-flow fixtures in all existing buildings (current/short-term)
- Implement landscape to minimize or avoid irrigation (current/short-term)
- Engage student and faculty further in water conservation practices (current/short-term)
- Detect and repair all system leaks (long-term)
- Optimize water reclamation facility to meet operational potential (current/near-term)
- Design new buildings to meet or exceed water savings target (long-term)
- Capture and reuse rainwater and greywater to offset potable water usage (long-term)
- Reduce process water use from food service, laundry, and cooling towers (long-term)
- Establish appropriate water consumption targets for all building types
- Meter all buildings and track water consumption
- Upgrade to ultra low-flow fixtures in all existing buildings
- Implement landscape to minimize or avoid irrigation
- Engage student and faculty further in water conservation practices
- Detect and repair all system leaks
- Optimize water reclamation facility to meet operational potential
- Design new buildings to meet or exceed water savings target
- Capture and reuse rainwater and greywater to offset potable water usage
- Reduce process water use from food service, laundry, and cooling towers
- Require low or zero irrigation landscaping for new developments (current/near-term)

Facilities - Water Supply System/Utilities, WWTF/RWF plant operators, OEP, EPAC, ResEd, Dining Services, Athletics

In 2014, a UConn Diversity Task Force was established to develop and implement a long-term Diversity Plan. Below is the information taken from the Diversity Plan produced from the Task Force:

“The Diversity Task Force was charged to review, assess, and recommend strategies to improve diversity at the University of Connecticut. Through its work during the second half of the 2014-2015 Academic Year, the Task Force found considerable commitment to diversity and inclusion, including a substantial rise in diversity amongst our student population and an impressive depth and breadth of diversity in teaching, outreach and programming. The efforts to promote and enhance UConn diversity include both longstanding and newer initiatives, some campus-wide but even more at the local level, that demonstrate our desire and commitment to become a more diverse, tolerant, inclusive and equitable community. But we also face challenges. There is slower progress with respect to faculty diversification and little progress with staff diversity. In addition, there are concerns about campus climate, including overt acts of intolerance and more subtle micro-aggressions aimed at traditionally underrepresented members of our community.

Through our research, conversations and interviews with sitting Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs), 1 it became clear to the Task Force that there exists a need for a senior leadership role charged with connecting the numerous local initiatives with focused higher-level strategy, investment and accountability to achieve diversity and equity goals.

The Task Force is thus pleased to offer six core recommendations:

- Build an effective and sustainable diversity infrastructure.
o Hire a Chief Diversity Officer and establish a Diversity Office and website;
o Create a Diversity Council with representation from throughout the university;
o and Modify the name of the existing Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) to Office of Institutional Equity (OIE).
- Enhance recruitment and retention efforts of faculty and staff from traditionally underrepresented populations.
- Sustain and build upon student diversity successes.
- Produce consistent diversity data and information and establish a transparent system of monitoring, evaluation, and accountability.
- Build upon, tie together and expand multi-cultural curricula and programming.
- Significantly expand diversity fundraising.”

http://president.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/193/2015/08/2015-08-Draft-Diversity-Report.pdf

Outside of a general diversity plan for the University, UConn Division of Athletics also has an established Diversity Plan, which can be accessed here: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/conn/genrel/auto_pdf/2011-12/misc_non_event/diversity.pdf

The measurable objectives and strategies identified by the UConn Diversity Task Force are the following:

- Build an effective and sustainable diversity infrastructure.
o Hire a Chief Diversity Officer and establish a Diversity Office and website;
o Create a Diversity Council with representation from throughout the university;
o and Modify the name of the existing Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) to Office of Institutional Equity (OIE).
- Enhance recruitment and retention efforts of faculty and staff from traditionally underrepresented populations.
- Sustain and build upon student diversity successes.
- Produce consistent diversity data and information and establish a transparent system of monitoring, evaluation, and accountability.
- Build upon, tie together and expand multi-cultural curricula and programming.
- Significantly expand diversity fundraising.”

The progress being made on these objectives is monitored through a yearly diversity report that can be accessed here: https://web9.uits.uconn.edu/mediaode/secure/Diversity-Update-Report-Complete-Final-2015.pdf

The UConn Division of Athletics identifies numerous clear objectives, outlines the steps needed to achieve the objectives, and sets a clear timetable for completion of each objective. Given the number of objectives, please refer to the following link to read more about each: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/conn/genrel/auto_pdf/2011-12/misc_non_event/diversity.pdf

1. Chief Diversity Officer, Office of Institutional Equity (OIE), Diversity Council
2. UConn Division of Athletics

The definition adopted for general campus sustainability programs is as follows: Meeting the needs of the present without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

For example, as included in a formally adopted plan.

Academic Vision: sustainability is addressed as the focus of Global Engagement, one of the four core values upon which the academic plan is based: “Through outreach, research, and partnerships, we promote sustainable development and a happy, healthy, and inclusive society. This engagement is local and global, based on intellectual understanding and recognition of the transnational nature of the challenges and opportunities we face.”

The University's Climate Action Plan serves as the guide for long-term sustainability initiatives. The CAP was adopted in 2010, and was last amended in 2012 to add a new Adaptation section.