Operations
High Performance Buildings
Buildings fundamentally impact the health of the planet. In the US, buildings use one-third of our total energy, two-thirds of our electricity, one-eighth of our water, and transform land that provides valuable ecological resources. At UCCS, buildings produce over half of our greenhouse gas emissions. Our objective is a sustainable infrastructure with buildings that exemplify best practices with regard to sustainable development: materials, energy and water conservation, and occupant health, safety, and well-being. As well, our objective is to provide a sustainability living laboratory -- a learning experience above and beyond the classroom. Consistent with Colorado Senate Bill 07-51, UCCS will institute a policy of constructing and operating to the highest LEED certification possible (within 5% of the budget) for buildings that receive a minimum of 25% funding from the state. For other non state-funded buildings, UCCS will institute a system to internally audit buildings to achieve a LEED Silver or equivalent certification.
Climate and Greenhouse Gases
We value dynamic growth while continuing to be financially responsible, academically sound and environmentally sustainable. We meet the future with energy, enthusiasm and a commitment to retaining a close, interconnected campus community (UCCS Values of Excellence). UCCS is committed to sustainability and addressing climate change by mitigating our greenhouse gas emissions and successfully adapting to a resource and carbon-constrained planet.
Energy
Campus energy use, from electricity and natural gas sources, generate two-thirds of our campus greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, the university spends over $2 Million annually on electricity and natural gas use.
Transportation
Situated on a hill, with limited bus service and a large commuter population that works off campus, UCCS is challenged to change commuter habits to reduce its carbon footprint. The latest transportation survey shows that over 85% of students, faculty, and staff drive to campus.
However, as one of the fastest-growing campuses in the country, we have opportunities to carefully plan our transportation infrastructure to reduce vehicle use and encourage safe pedestrian and bicycle use. Potential benefits of sustainable transportation strategies include reduced parking infrastructure costs, greater connectivity with the Colorado Springs community, and a healthier student body and staff.
Water
Water is essential to human life. Colorado Springs receives an average of 16" of precipitation each year. While we receive an average of ~16" our annual precipitation ranges between 6"-27" (NOAA). With our cycle of water abundance and scarcity we are classified as a high desert. In our community our water is delivered and purified via a complex, energy-intensive system. This system pulls water from the Arkansas River Water shed through the Southern Delivery System, the Denver Basin Aquifer, and other regional surface water. Water security continues to be a problem for the Pikes Peak Region. Given increased population within the Colorado Springs area we can expect expanded reliance on other regional sources.
Food
In Fall 2014, UCCS significantly increased its efforts on food purchasing, production, and literacy starting with a transition to university ownership of dining and food services. UCCS Dining and Hospitality Services strives to be a recognized leader in service delivery and food sustainability. DHS will cultivate and nurture a healthy campus culture where access to wholesome, seasonal, and local food directly links to wellness, sense of place, and environmental protection.
Procurement
Learn more about sustainable procurement guidelines at the link below!