| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 59.88 |
| Liaison | Alex Frank |
| Submission Date | April 14, 2022 |
University of Wisconsin-Madison
PRE-2: Points of Distinction
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
N/A |
Alex
Frank Sustainability Analyst Office of Sustainability |
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indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Name of the institution’s featured sustainability program, initiative, or accomplishment:
O’Brien Solar Fields
A brief description of the institution’s featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
The O'Brien Solar Fields are a collaborative partnership between the University of Wisconsin-Madison and other agencies and businesses that creates 20 MW of local, renewable electricity. The panels became fully energized and operational in June 2021. At 140 acres and over 60,000 bifacial panels, the O’Brien Solar Fields are the largest such array in Dane County. Badger alumni were essential to the formation of this project, working in roles such as the project engineer for EDF Renewables and site and construction management for Madison Gas and Electric.
UW-Madison purchases half of the energy produced at the facility, making it the largest investor and reflecting the university’s commitment to local renewable energy. Additionally, because the solar fields are just a few miles from campus, they offer learning, teaching, and research opportunities for students, faculty, and staff.
UW-Madison purchases half of the energy produced at the facility, making it the largest investor and reflecting the university’s commitment to local renewable energy. Additionally, because the solar fields are just a few miles from campus, they offer learning, teaching, and research opportunities for students, faculty, and staff.
Which of the following impact areas does the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Curriculum
Energy
Energy
Optional Fields
STARS credit in which the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
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A photograph or document associated with the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
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Second Point of Distinction
Sustainability Advisory Council
A brief description of the second program/initiative/accomplishment:
The Sustainability Advisory Council (SAC) formed during the 2020-21 academic year to synthesize current sustainability initiatives and commitments, gather input from the campus community, and develop recommendations for UW-Madison leadership to improve the university’s sustainability performance.
Built upon the first UW-Madison STARS report and informed by resolutions passed by campus governance bodies as well as feedback gathered during six campus listening sessions in fall 2020 and spring 2021, the Council developed a new framework for sustainability leadership. The framework for sustainability leadership includes visions for sustainability across the domains of Culture (day-to-day activities), Purpose (research and education), and Practice (operations).
The SAC submitted its initial recommendations to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration in the summer of 2021. The recommendations include priorities in each of the Culture, Purpose, and Practice domains in order to align systems-based sustainability advancement with UW–Madison’s institutional structures.
Built upon the first UW-Madison STARS report and informed by resolutions passed by campus governance bodies as well as feedback gathered during six campus listening sessions in fall 2020 and spring 2021, the Council developed a new framework for sustainability leadership. The framework for sustainability leadership includes visions for sustainability across the domains of Culture (day-to-day activities), Purpose (research and education), and Practice (operations).
The SAC submitted its initial recommendations to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration in the summer of 2021. The recommendations include priorities in each of the Culture, Purpose, and Practice domains in order to align systems-based sustainability advancement with UW–Madison’s institutional structures.
Which impact areas does the second program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Campus Engagement
Coordination & Planning
Coordination & Planning
Website URL where more information about the second program/initiative/accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the second program/initiative/accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
PA-1
A photograph or document associated with the second program/initiative/accomplishment:
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Third Point of Distinction
Sustainability map
A brief description of the third program/initiative/accomplishment:
A graduate and undergraduate student created a campus sustainability map organized around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The map is designed for a broad audience, from campus visitors who may be unfamiliar with sustainability at UW–Madison to students, staff, or faculty who have strong interest in the subject. The map has received over 8,000 views since it was published on September 28, 2021.
Available publicly on Google Maps, the Campus Sustainability Map includes over 300 features across ten layers, such as "Climate Action" and "Equity and Justice." Each feature includes a short description, address of the location, and photographs. Entries include cultural landmarks, campus resources, student organizations, greenhouses, EV charging stations, green roofs, and many more sustainability features.
The map creators continue to accept new additions to the map. The team also published an article about their work in Sustainability and Climate Change. The map is available here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1jp-YWkuiRqBRpSnQQJX03s4ph8iRI5Hr&ll=43.04573973167257%2C-89.43247195090045&z=11
Available publicly on Google Maps, the Campus Sustainability Map includes over 300 features across ten layers, such as "Climate Action" and "Equity and Justice." Each feature includes a short description, address of the location, and photographs. Entries include cultural landmarks, campus resources, student organizations, greenhouses, EV charging stations, green roofs, and many more sustainability features.
The map creators continue to accept new additions to the map. The team also published an article about their work in Sustainability and Climate Change. The map is available here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1jp-YWkuiRqBRpSnQQJX03s4ph8iRI5Hr&ll=43.04573973167257%2C-89.43247195090045&z=11
Which impact areas does the third program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Curriculum
Campus Engagement
Campus Engagement
Website URL where more information about the third program/initiative/accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the third program/initiative/accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
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A photograph or document associated with the third program/initiative/accomplishment:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.