Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 67.68
Liaison John Gardner
Submission Date May 31, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.67 / 4.00 Kate Nelson
Chief Sustainability Officer
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have current and formal plans to advance sustainability in the following areas? Do the plans include measurable objectives?:
Current and Formal Plans (Yes or No) Measurable Objectives (Yes or No)
Curriculum No No
Research (or other scholarship) No No
Campus Engagement No No
Public Engagement No No
Air and Climate Yes Yes
Buildings Yes Yes
Dining Services/Food Yes Yes
Energy Yes Yes
Grounds Yes Yes
Purchasing Yes Yes
Transportation Yes Yes
Waste Yes Yes
Water Yes Yes
Diversity and Affordability Yes Yes
Health, Wellbeing and Work Yes Yes
Investment No No
Other --- ---

A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:

Plans and goals were established in the UWM Master Plan.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):

20% reduction in emissions

To reduce UWM emissions by 20% from the base line year of 2005 by 2020 will require multiple actions. The 2020 total emissions target (Scopes 1-3) requires a reduction
from 106,308 MTeCO2 to 85,046 MTeCO2, a decrease of 21,262 MTeCO2. In support, several strategies are recommended in the Master Plan. Scope 1 Emissions Reduction Strategies Emissions sources owned and controlled by the University will be difficult to reduce as the campus grows in size. Reductions will require greater efficiency in existing facilities and operations. The following are recommended strategies
to that end:

Reduce Steam Load
—through efficiency measures at several existing buildings (improve schedules, reduce
outdoor air intake).
Heat pump loop for new buildings
—create a heat pump
system to recover exhaust gases from the Central Plant stacks to provide heat to all new buildings proposed in the Master Plan without additional Scope 1 emissions. A low-temperature hot water loop serving the new buildings would be required to implement this system. This would increase plant efficiency by an estimated 15 percent if all new buildings are 30 percent more efficient than building code as required by EO145. The addition of circulating heat pump loop and heat pumps in buildings will, however, increase Scope 2 emissions.

Scope 2 Emissions Reduction Strategies
Electricity is delivered at a net efficiency of 25-30% and is generated with a mix of coal, hydroelectric and nuclear power has an emissions factor 4 to 5 times that of natural
gas. Scope 2 emissions can be reduced at the building level through efficiency and conservation efforts, and improvements in controls and equipment management.
Performance Contracts are being utilized to assist with this opportunity.

Over the long-term, federal regulation could require utility companies to switch to lower carbon fuels thereby decreasing emissions in UWM facilities. UWM may need to consider purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECS) or Carbon Credits to achieve the desired reduction targets.
Potential reduction strategies include:
Reduce building electrical loads / increase efficiency of building operations. To offset the impact of new buildings, existing buildings will need to be more energy efficient. Strategies include energy efficient equipment and fixtures, improvements to air handling systems, operation schedules and more reliance on daylighting.
Combined Heat and Power Production – preliminary analysis indicates that use of a natural gas turbine generator combined with heat recovery for campus heating
would result in an estimated reduction of 20,000 MTeCO2 per year. (additional analysis required)
Solar Technologies
—small scale demonstration projects could reduce emissions slightly. Renewable energy credits could be purchased as last resort.

Scope 3 Emission Reduction Strategies
The majority of the Scope 3 emissions originate from commuter travel to the University or about 23% of the total. Potential reduction strategies include:
Providing more proximate or on-campus housing (700 bed residence hall is estimated to reduce Scope 3 by 730 MTeCO2 and but would increases Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 1,840 MT)
Increasing campus fleet efficiency from 22 to 40 mpg could reduce emissions by almost 50% (small number compared to campus wide emissions)
Carpooling
—only 3 percent of faculty and 6 percent of staff carpool to campus.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):

Facility Services, University Housing, Office of Sustainability


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:

Plans to advance sustainability in Buildings are included in the UWM Master Plan-Sustainability section.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):

Design for the efficient use of energy in all new and existing facilities and in accordance with the Division of State Facilities Sustainable Facilities Guidelines.
Apply for LEED Certification, stressing energy efficiency, whenever economically feasible.
Utilize current space and land efficiently to optimize the use of UWM facilities and energy.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):

Department of Administration, Campus Planning, Office of Sustainability, and Facility Services (depending on the credit)


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:

Plans were established in the UWM Master Plan.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):

Sustainable Food Services

Increase healthy, local and organic dining options on campus at an incremental rate.

Create and maintain connections with local farmers, and utilize local produce and products on campus whenever possible, reflective of the season.

Educate the UWM community about the benefits of local, organic food options.
Compost all pre-cooked kitchen scrapes by 2010, and all post-kitchen scraps by 2012.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):

Office of Sustainability and Restaurant Operations


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:

The UWM Master Plan features objectives related to energy efficiency and renewable energy consumption within the Sustainability section of the plan (https://www4.uwm.edu/master_plan/planning_materials/upload/UWMReport_ScreenRes.PDF)


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):

Energy efficiency work took place from 2009-2014 through performance contracting. The goal was reached in 2013 with a 27% reduction.
http://www4.uwm.edu/pps/Sustainability/CampusInit/performance-contracting.cfm
The objectives from the UWM Master Plan relating to energy are listed below
--Reduce energy consumption per square foot by 20% of the fiscal year 2005 State energy report baseline (adjusted for weather) through operations and human behavior changes. Continue to reduce consumption over time in accordance with any subsequent Executive Order issued by the Governor of Wisconsin.
--Secure renewable energy sources to supply 20% of campus use by 2020, and adjust to any other goal set forth by the Governor and State of Wisconsin, through the use of, but not limited to, solar, wind and geothermal energy.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):

Facility Services and the Office of Sustainability


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:

Plans were established in the UWM Master Plan.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):

Goals:
Natural Resources / Landscapes

Sustain and increase the use of native and perennial
landscaping with the aim of reducing maintenance
costs over time and fostering an awareness
of Wisconsin ecology.
*In progress

Eliminate the use of all pesticides and synthetic
fertilizes, while increasing the health of campus
soil / lawns by aeration, natural compost and
seeding by 2012.
*Reached this goal in 2104

Enhance preservation strategies for Downer
Woods focusing on the management of invasive
species and encouraging the campus community
to use the Woods for passive and active education
about the environment.
*In progress


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):

Office of Sustainability, Grounds


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:

Plans were established in the UWM Master Plan.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):

These goals were set forth in the Master Plan. The Green Office Certification developed beyond this.

Recommendations:
Purchasing Policy

Purchase University materials and services based
on these sustainable factors, whenever possible,
meeting multiple qualifiers.

Durable, form of the product is suited for its function
to maximize its lifetime.

Product is made from pre/post consumer or
industrial recycled material.

Product can be recycled in the end, and the campus
operations are set up to do so.

Efficiency of the product or machinery will save
money by utilizing less water or energy over its
lifetime.

Product is documented to produce significantly
less toxins and is preferably biodegradable.

Product is harvested or made within a 500 mile
radius of UWM campuses and sites.

Product is shipped with minimal packaging (consistent
with care of the product), and preferably
made of recycled and/or recyclable materials.

Purchase and monitor certified products that
meet the ENERGY STAR, Green Seal Certified,
NSF 140 2007, Green Guard, ISO 140001, and
The Forest Stewardship Council Standards,
wherever such ratings exist, and to such standards
and certifications as they evolve.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):

Office of Sustainability, Purchasing


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:

Plans were established in the UWM Master Plan. The UWM Bicycle Advisory Task Forces has developed the plans and goals further. An infrastructure plan was also completed.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):

Plans originally were established in the UWM Master Plan as follows:

Double alternative transportation journeys to the
campus through incentives, community partnerships
and resource adjustments by 2020, relative
to a 2008 baseline.

Develop campus, community and multi-county
strategy and programs to encourage the use of
alternative transit, including, but not limited to
pedestrian, bike, bus, train and carpooling that is
relevant to all UWM sites.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):

Office of Sustainability, Campus Planning, Parking and Transportation, and the School of Urban Planning


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:

Plans were established in the UWM Master Plan.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):

Increase recycling rates and waste minimization
programs incrementally each year.

Find new sources for current waste via City and community
processors, as well as faculty research.

Recycle 50% of all construction and demolition
site waste on all campus remodeling and new
construction projects, effective immediately.

Increase the awareness of the UWM community with
regard to recycling logistics, services and progress.

Increase the reuse of campus furniture and equipment
by redistribution on campus, through public
sale and through donation to area non-profits.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):

Office of Sustainability


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:

Plans were established in the UWM Master Plan.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):

Reduce campus water usage by 20% through
operations and human behavior changes from a
2005 baseline by 2012. Continue to conserve and
reduce consumption incrementally each year.

Engineer and landscape for zero-stormwater discharge
from the Kenwood campus by 2020 at
the roof top and ground level.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):

Office of Sustainability, Facility Services, School of Architecture


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:

The Strategic Plan of 2014 laid out this plan.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):

Detailed information can be found here: http://www4.uwm.edu/strategicplan/customcf/strategic_planning/v1/docs/Strategic-Plan-Draft_11-2-14.pdf
Below is information regarding the Climate of Inclusion Initiative within the Strategic Plan.
CLIMATE OF INCLUSION: Enhance and infuse diversity (in all its forms) throughout
UWM’s environment, workforce, student body, programs and activities.
Summary:
This initiative will create an environment of inclusivity leading to increased openness,
acceptance and appreciation for diversity in ideas, people, and cultures.
Strategic Goals and Targeted Outcomes
• Goal: Research Excellence
o Outcomes
▪ Community impact
• Goal: Successful Students
o Outcomes
▪ Engaged in high-quality programs
▪ International perspectives
▪ Enhanced graduation and retention
▪ Post-graduation employment and career success
• Goal: Community Engagement
o Outcomes
▪ Community partnerships
• Goal: Inclusive and Innovative Culture
o Outcomes
▪ Diverse faculty, staff and students
▪ Faculty, staff and student satisfaction and institutional pride
Actions
Incorporate diversity principles and values to expand conceptual frameworks of
knowledge and scholarship in programs
Build a vibrant climate by promoting a culture of respect and inclusion through diverse
programming
Engage diverse communities as learning and training resources for our students, faculty
and staff
Widely share accomplishments in diversity scholarship, and its innovative programs and
experiences that foster diversity
• Increase the diversity of students, faculty and staff
• Increase retention and upward mobility for employees who are members of underrepresented groups/populations


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):

Across campus


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:

This is of main importance and highlighted within UWM's Best Places to Work initiative, detailed within the 2012 Initiative Plans Master Document (http://www4.uwm.edu/bestplacetowork/resources.cfm).


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):

Human Resources, Best Places to Work committee


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
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The institution’s definition of sustainability:
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Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:

Sustainability is strewn throughout the UWM 2010 Master Plan but also has its own section.


The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
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.