| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 45.22 |
| Liaison | Mei May |
| Submission Date | Nov. 27, 2019 |
University of Texas at San Antonio
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.50 / 4.00 |
Mei L
May Director Office of Sustainability Sustainability |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Part 1. Measurable sustainability objectives
Academics
No
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to academics and the plan(s) in which they are published:
---
Engagement
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to engagement and the plan(s) in which they are published:
https://www.utsa.edu/strategicplan/initiatives/presidential/westside-community-partnerships/crspa/index.html
Strategic Plan: A Vision for UTSA
The Community-Based Research, Sustainable Partnerships and Advocacy Task Force will provide scholarly expertise and facilitate community-based research efforts to inform pressing policy issues affecting residents and business owners in the Westside. In collaboration with neighborhood residents and community leaders, UTSA faculty and organizational units such as UTSA’s Urban Education Institute, Policy Studies Center and Institute of Economic Development, the task force will develop a university-community partnership framework for engaging in research and incubating community partnerships that are relevant, reciprocal and sustainable. Another of the task force’s initial focus areas will be to increase understanding of the public policy issues most impacting Westside neighborhood integrity, including housing displacement, historical preservation, access to higher education and social service challenges.
Strategic Plan: A Vision for UTSA
The Community-Based Research, Sustainable Partnerships and Advocacy Task Force will provide scholarly expertise and facilitate community-based research efforts to inform pressing policy issues affecting residents and business owners in the Westside. In collaboration with neighborhood residents and community leaders, UTSA faculty and organizational units such as UTSA’s Urban Education Institute, Policy Studies Center and Institute of Economic Development, the task force will develop a university-community partnership framework for engaging in research and incubating community partnerships that are relevant, reciprocal and sustainable. Another of the task force’s initial focus areas will be to increase understanding of the public policy issues most impacting Westside neighborhood integrity, including housing displacement, historical preservation, access to higher education and social service challenges.
Operations
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to operations and the plan(s) in which they are published:
https://facilities.utsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/UTSA-2019-Energy_Water-Management-Plan.pdf
2019
Goals
• As established by the UT System Board of Regents in November of 2011, UTSA will continue
to implement savings initiatives to achieve a 5% reduction of EUI (btu/sqft/yr) over the 10-year
period from 2010 through 2020.
• As established by the UT System Board of Regents in November of 2011, UTSA will continue to
implement savings initiatives to achieve a 3% - 5% reduction of WUI (gal/sqft/yr) over the 10-
year period from 2010 through 2020.
• LED Retrofits -- Flawn Science building was retrofitted with LED lamps. Four-foot lamps at the
1. Main Buildings were retrofitted with LED lamps. All 32-Watt, T-8 lamps were replaced with LED
lamps obtained at a discounted rate as part of CPS Energy’s energy efficiency program. Arts
Addition photo lab and Business Services Annex were upgraded with LED lamps using this same
program.
2. Multi-Disciplinary Studies building was audited by a lighting consultant that will
provide a retrofit proposal for consideration.
3. Downtown Campus Chiller – 500 Ton constant speed chiller was replaced with an energy
efficient Variable Frequency Drive chiller. $37,537 Energy efficiency rebate was awarded for this
project and the estimated savings are $24,500/yr (303,000 kwh/yr).
4. Main Campus Demand Response Program -- Ongoing participation in CPS Energy Demand
Response Program is producing an average load shed of 799 kW during summer response events.
Incentive payment of $55,953 was awarded. $6,000 was awarded for winter participation. As part
of the program, the Main Campus performs a variety of the following adjustments where feasible:
chiller supply temperature adjustments, cold deck set point adjustments, duct static pressure
adjustments, fan speed adjustments, & room temperature adjustments. Campus Housing uses
thermostats controlled by CPS Energy to load shed during high electrical peak conditions.
Irrigation Remote Metering & Monitoring Upgrade -- Several meters along with monitoring
software is under evaluation. San Antonio Water System is aware and may fund a portion of future
installations if savings can be quantified.
5. Trane Energy Coaching Program -- Downtown and Hemisfair Park Campuses were evaluated
and yielded several energy conservation recommendations that will be taken into consideration for
4 implementation. Recommendations include enrollment in the CPS Energy Demand Response
Program, HVAC system scheduling optimization, over-ventilation detection & control, and
possible errant electrical peak.
• Exterior LED Retrofits -- Main Campus Service Drive was retrofitted with LED lamps. $10,366
Energy efficiency rebate was awarded for this project and the estimated savings are $16,400/yr
(228,000 kwh/yr). 250W Metal Halide fixtures were replaced with 85W LED fixtures. 71 fixtures
were replaced.
• Conservation Awareness Competition -- Office of Sustainability is coordinating with Campus
Housing to undergo an energy conservation competition. The Office of Facilities will provide
conservation education and tips and monitor/report on reductions.
* Implementation Schedule
Campus Metering Project – Complete and expected savings as a result of identifying areas of
improvement will be quantified and documented. Software and server upgrade will be completed
by November 2019 and an ongoing funding proposal will be prepared to ensure system is
operational and to ensure calibration takes place so data is reliable.
North Thermal Energy Plant Boilers - Replaced the final two remaining vintage 1973 boilers
with higher efficiency boilers.
o Performance will be evaluated in 2020 to determine efficiency improvement and
quantify savings
Meter Calibration and Repair Program – Proposal to be submitted to ensure satisfactory
operation of campus metering devices.
6
Downtown Campus Demand Response Program -- Currently under evaluation.
o Obtain quote for programming work and implement by April of 2020 for
implementation in the Summer 2020 Program
Science & Engineering Building -- Under construction and efficiency rebates for the chiller
installation and LED lighting is currently under evaluation.
o Follow up with CPS Energy to determine rebate potential
Applied Engineering Technologies Commissioning -- Under initial evaluation to implement
building commissioning through the local utility’s energy conservation program.
o AET will be prioritized and in internal commissioning firm within UTSA will
provide a proposal
LED Retrofits – Arts Addition Recital Hall is under design to replace with LED lamps. MultiDisciplinary Studies building was audited by a lighting consultant that will provide a retrofit proposal for consideration.
Main Campus Demand Response Program -- Control system will be checked and calibrated for continued optimal performance.
Energy & Water Conservation Code Compliance -- Review & ensure compliance at the
Guadalupe Hall, Park West Complex, Student Success Center, and the Roadrunner Athletics Center for Excellence.
Conservation Awareness Competition -- The Office of Sustainability is coordinating with Campus Housing to undergo an energy conservation competition. The Office of Facilities will provide conservation education and tips and monitor/report on reductions.
o Spring 2020 semester is targeted for implementation
Irrigation Remote Metering & Monitoring Upgrade
o Determine savings potential for implementation
Trane Energy Coaching Program
o Conduct further research into electrical peak and determine if further discussion is warranted with CPS Energy for a potential
o Verify and present recommendations for funding consideration
2019
Goals
• As established by the UT System Board of Regents in November of 2011, UTSA will continue
to implement savings initiatives to achieve a 5% reduction of EUI (btu/sqft/yr) over the 10-year
period from 2010 through 2020.
• As established by the UT System Board of Regents in November of 2011, UTSA will continue to
implement savings initiatives to achieve a 3% - 5% reduction of WUI (gal/sqft/yr) over the 10-
year period from 2010 through 2020.
• LED Retrofits -- Flawn Science building was retrofitted with LED lamps. Four-foot lamps at the
1. Main Buildings were retrofitted with LED lamps. All 32-Watt, T-8 lamps were replaced with LED
lamps obtained at a discounted rate as part of CPS Energy’s energy efficiency program. Arts
Addition photo lab and Business Services Annex were upgraded with LED lamps using this same
program.
2. Multi-Disciplinary Studies building was audited by a lighting consultant that will
provide a retrofit proposal for consideration.
3. Downtown Campus Chiller – 500 Ton constant speed chiller was replaced with an energy
efficient Variable Frequency Drive chiller. $37,537 Energy efficiency rebate was awarded for this
project and the estimated savings are $24,500/yr (303,000 kwh/yr).
4. Main Campus Demand Response Program -- Ongoing participation in CPS Energy Demand
Response Program is producing an average load shed of 799 kW during summer response events.
Incentive payment of $55,953 was awarded. $6,000 was awarded for winter participation. As part
of the program, the Main Campus performs a variety of the following adjustments where feasible:
chiller supply temperature adjustments, cold deck set point adjustments, duct static pressure
adjustments, fan speed adjustments, & room temperature adjustments. Campus Housing uses
thermostats controlled by CPS Energy to load shed during high electrical peak conditions.
Irrigation Remote Metering & Monitoring Upgrade -- Several meters along with monitoring
software is under evaluation. San Antonio Water System is aware and may fund a portion of future
installations if savings can be quantified.
5. Trane Energy Coaching Program -- Downtown and Hemisfair Park Campuses were evaluated
and yielded several energy conservation recommendations that will be taken into consideration for
4 implementation. Recommendations include enrollment in the CPS Energy Demand Response
Program, HVAC system scheduling optimization, over-ventilation detection & control, and
possible errant electrical peak.
• Exterior LED Retrofits -- Main Campus Service Drive was retrofitted with LED lamps. $10,366
Energy efficiency rebate was awarded for this project and the estimated savings are $16,400/yr
(228,000 kwh/yr). 250W Metal Halide fixtures were replaced with 85W LED fixtures. 71 fixtures
were replaced.
• Conservation Awareness Competition -- Office of Sustainability is coordinating with Campus
Housing to undergo an energy conservation competition. The Office of Facilities will provide
conservation education and tips and monitor/report on reductions.
* Implementation Schedule
Campus Metering Project – Complete and expected savings as a result of identifying areas of
improvement will be quantified and documented. Software and server upgrade will be completed
by November 2019 and an ongoing funding proposal will be prepared to ensure system is
operational and to ensure calibration takes place so data is reliable.
North Thermal Energy Plant Boilers - Replaced the final two remaining vintage 1973 boilers
with higher efficiency boilers.
o Performance will be evaluated in 2020 to determine efficiency improvement and
quantify savings
Meter Calibration and Repair Program – Proposal to be submitted to ensure satisfactory
operation of campus metering devices.
6
Downtown Campus Demand Response Program -- Currently under evaluation.
o Obtain quote for programming work and implement by April of 2020 for
implementation in the Summer 2020 Program
Science & Engineering Building -- Under construction and efficiency rebates for the chiller
installation and LED lighting is currently under evaluation.
o Follow up with CPS Energy to determine rebate potential
Applied Engineering Technologies Commissioning -- Under initial evaluation to implement
building commissioning through the local utility’s energy conservation program.
o AET will be prioritized and in internal commissioning firm within UTSA will
provide a proposal
LED Retrofits – Arts Addition Recital Hall is under design to replace with LED lamps. MultiDisciplinary Studies building was audited by a lighting consultant that will provide a retrofit proposal for consideration.
Main Campus Demand Response Program -- Control system will be checked and calibrated for continued optimal performance.
Energy & Water Conservation Code Compliance -- Review & ensure compliance at the
Guadalupe Hall, Park West Complex, Student Success Center, and the Roadrunner Athletics Center for Excellence.
Conservation Awareness Competition -- The Office of Sustainability is coordinating with Campus Housing to undergo an energy conservation competition. The Office of Facilities will provide conservation education and tips and monitor/report on reductions.
o Spring 2020 semester is targeted for implementation
Irrigation Remote Metering & Monitoring Upgrade
o Determine savings potential for implementation
Trane Energy Coaching Program
o Conduct further research into electrical peak and determine if further discussion is warranted with CPS Energy for a potential
o Verify and present recommendations for funding consideration
Administration
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:
https://www.utsa.edu/strategicplan/initiatives/presidential/inclusiveexcellence/index.html
Lists initiatives in:
Inclusive Excellence Advisory Board (IEAB)
Cultural Intelligence committee
Campus climate committee https://www.utsa.edu/campusclimate/
Inclusive Recruitment committee https://www.utsa.edu/strategicplan/documents/Initiative_Briefs/Strategic-Faculty-Hiring-v2.pdf
Inclusivity Statement Task Force
see sustainability from President's Strategic Initiatives in NOTES below
The University of Texas at San Antonio’s commitment to bolstering diversity is proactive and balanced. The University supports and values diversity in all forms in a teaching and learning community marked by mutual respect, inclusion, and cooperation. Diversity is reflected in the curriculum, in activities of the University, and in the composition of faculty, staff, and students. UTSA embraces the diversity and inclusion of all people regardless of their identity. These identities include, but are not limited to, ability, age, ethnicity, gender and expression, immigration status, intellectual differences, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.
UTSA’s diversity and inclusion work is informed by the theory of Inclusive Excellence. The four main components of Inclusive Excellence and Leadership are access and equity; diversity in the formal and informal curriculum; campus climate; and student learning and development.
Access and Equity: Ensuring the university welcomes historically underrepresented students, faculty, and staff and has the support systems in place to enhance their success.
Diversity in the Formal and Informal Curriculum: Supporting diversity of content across academic disciplines, as well as the social dimensions of the campus.
Campus Climate: Fostering a supportive environment that encourages all students to reach their full potential and strive for educational achievement.
Student Learning and Development: Acquiring knowledge about diverse groups and developing cognitive complexity.
Lists initiatives in:
Inclusive Excellence Advisory Board (IEAB)
Cultural Intelligence committee
Campus climate committee https://www.utsa.edu/campusclimate/
Inclusive Recruitment committee https://www.utsa.edu/strategicplan/documents/Initiative_Briefs/Strategic-Faculty-Hiring-v2.pdf
Inclusivity Statement Task Force
see sustainability from President's Strategic Initiatives in NOTES below
The University of Texas at San Antonio’s commitment to bolstering diversity is proactive and balanced. The University supports and values diversity in all forms in a teaching and learning community marked by mutual respect, inclusion, and cooperation. Diversity is reflected in the curriculum, in activities of the University, and in the composition of faculty, staff, and students. UTSA embraces the diversity and inclusion of all people regardless of their identity. These identities include, but are not limited to, ability, age, ethnicity, gender and expression, immigration status, intellectual differences, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.
UTSA’s diversity and inclusion work is informed by the theory of Inclusive Excellence. The four main components of Inclusive Excellence and Leadership are access and equity; diversity in the formal and informal curriculum; campus climate; and student learning and development.
Access and Equity: Ensuring the university welcomes historically underrepresented students, faculty, and staff and has the support systems in place to enhance their success.
Diversity in the Formal and Informal Curriculum: Supporting diversity of content across academic disciplines, as well as the social dimensions of the campus.
Campus Climate: Fostering a supportive environment that encourages all students to reach their full potential and strive for educational achievement.
Student Learning and Development: Acquiring knowledge about diverse groups and developing cognitive complexity.
Part 2. Sustainability in institution’s highest guiding document
No
The institution’s highest guiding document (upload):
Website URL where the institution’s highest guiding document is publicly available:
Which of the following best describes the inclusion of sustainability in the highest guiding document?:
Minor theme
Optional Fields
---
Website URL where the institution's sustainability plan is publicly available:
---
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body?:
Yes
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
The U. T. System’s commitment to energy savings goals, reductions in carbon emissions, and sustainable design is evident in existing practices, and the institutions will continue to implement well-thought-out initiatives that increase efficiencies, reduce emissions, and promote sustainability practices that contribute meaningfully to the environment, while still achieving excellence in higher education. The U. T. System’s decisions and actions regarding sustainability practices will be guided by its mission statement and will be reflective of budgetary constraints and legal, regulatory, and programmatic requirements, while continuing to further the missions of the institutions.
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
For the purpose of this policy, sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the present users without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This can be accomplished by seeking a balanced approach between the economic, social and environmental needs of the community and university operations. Understanding that sustainability can be viewed in a very broad context, this policy is initially directed towards the environmental and energy aspects as they relate to the UTSA community. Further evolutions of this policy may include the social and historical aspects that are often associated with broader sustainability efforts.
Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
| Yes or No | |
| The Earth Charter | No |
| The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) | --- |
| ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter | No |
| Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability | No |
| SDG Accord | No |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | No |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | --- |
| UN Global Compact | --- |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | Yes |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
Strategic initiatives provide the route.
Strategic initiatives are launched at regular intervals to drive us toward our three destinations and move us closer to meeting our KPI targets. A prioritization method helps to focus on those initiatives that have the highest potential for rapid progress toward the 10-year vision, within the context of resources, time, expense and sustainability. Depending on the level and scope of the initiative, it is categorized as Presidential, Strategic, Tactical or Operational. Each initiative is steered by an appointed task force or committee.
UTSA Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence: Strategic Plan Home Initiatives https://www.utsa.edu/strategicplan/initiatives/presidential/inclusiveexcellence/index.html
Presidential Initiatives Tuition and Fees UTSA's Tuition and Fees Proposal Section 7: Efficiency and Sustainability
https://www.utsa.edu/strategicplan/initiatives/presidential/westside-community-partnerships/crspa/index.html
https://www.utsa.edu/strategicplan/initiatives/presidential/tuitionandfees/tuition-request-2018/section-07.html
UTSA Strategic Plan for Respectful Discourse: https://www.utsa.edu/strategicplan/initiatives/presidential/respectful-discourse/index.html
MASTER PLAN:
https://www.utsa.edu/strategicplan/initiatives/presidential/campusmasterplan/index.html
https://www.2030districts.org/sanantonio the University is a member of the SA2030 District and has committed to the sustainable development of their Downtown campus. Mission Statement: The San Antonio 2030 District is a private-sector-led initiative intended to transform San Antonio’s urban core by supporting building owners and occupants in their efforts to reduce waste and increase building performance. By making a no-nonsense business case for efficient operations, the district is driving innovation through collaboration, leveraged financing, and shared resources. The district model includes a non-competitive collaborative environment where building owners, community organizations and industry professionals come together to share best practices, and drive innovation in San Antonio's built environment
Strategic initiatives are launched at regular intervals to drive us toward our three destinations and move us closer to meeting our KPI targets. A prioritization method helps to focus on those initiatives that have the highest potential for rapid progress toward the 10-year vision, within the context of resources, time, expense and sustainability. Depending on the level and scope of the initiative, it is categorized as Presidential, Strategic, Tactical or Operational. Each initiative is steered by an appointed task force or committee.
UTSA Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence: Strategic Plan Home Initiatives https://www.utsa.edu/strategicplan/initiatives/presidential/inclusiveexcellence/index.html
Presidential Initiatives Tuition and Fees UTSA's Tuition and Fees Proposal Section 7: Efficiency and Sustainability
https://www.utsa.edu/strategicplan/initiatives/presidential/westside-community-partnerships/crspa/index.html
https://www.utsa.edu/strategicplan/initiatives/presidential/tuitionandfees/tuition-request-2018/section-07.html
UTSA Strategic Plan for Respectful Discourse: https://www.utsa.edu/strategicplan/initiatives/presidential/respectful-discourse/index.html
MASTER PLAN:
https://www.utsa.edu/strategicplan/initiatives/presidential/campusmasterplan/index.html
https://www.2030districts.org/sanantonio the University is a member of the SA2030 District and has committed to the sustainable development of their Downtown campus. Mission Statement: The San Antonio 2030 District is a private-sector-led initiative intended to transform San Antonio’s urban core by supporting building owners and occupants in their efforts to reduce waste and increase building performance. By making a no-nonsense business case for efficient operations, the district is driving innovation through collaboration, leveraged financing, and shared resources. The district model includes a non-competitive collaborative environment where building owners, community organizations and industry professionals come together to share best practices, and drive innovation in San Antonio's built environment
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
https://www.utsa.edu/strategicplan/initiatives/presidential/tuitionandfees/tuition-request-2018/section-07.html
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.