Environmental Leadership Awards “In departments throughout the University, from the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources to Engineering and Liberal Arts, we are developing conscientious thinkers and citizens by modeling the behavior that we teach our students to follow… It is the cumulative effect of seemingly minor events that will change the world. It is through innovative examples and teamwork that UConn can be a steward of the Earth’s future.” -- UConn President Phil Austin, Environmental Leadership Awards

Dr. Richard Parnas May 2006 – Leads UConn Biodiesel Workshop Associate Professor & Director, Chemical Engineering Program Winner: Faculty January 2007 – Organizes UConn Biofuels Symposium Chair, UConn Biofuel Consortium

Dr. Richard Parnas Associate Professor and Director of the Chemical Engineering Program ~ Sustained and grew Biodiesel Lab - converting waste cooking oil into ASTM-quality fuel for UConn buses ~ Developed environmental education modules to train students in biofuel production ~ Designed state-of-the-art reactor (patent application filed) with goal of expanding UConn biodiesel production to 20,000 gal./yr. Winner: Faculty

Dr. Richard Parnas Associate Professor and Director of the Chemical Engineering Program Winner: Faculty ~ Partnered with the Center for Continuing Education to develop a new Certificate Program in Biofuels ~ Led UConn Energy Summit headed by Vice Provost Anderson to develop a $10 million funding proposal for Sustainable Energy Research Institute ~ Teamed with Fuel Diversification Task Force and Governor’s Biofuels Group

Kristin Schwab ~ Seized landfill cleanup as opportunity to create Hillside Environmental Education Park Developed 3-Phase Plan for HEEP Inter-Connected walking and biking trails Scenic Overlooks, Artwork, Interpretive Signs, Great Blue Heron Rookery Sites for Future Research Projects ~ Incorporated designs done by her senior design students Organized Display at Babbidge Library ~ Landscape designs for Rte. 195 corridor & Invasive Plant Alternative Garden Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture Special Recognition Faculty

64 Acre-Landfill Preservation Area  Future Hillside Environmental Education Park (HEEP) N. Hillside Rd. Landfill Hunting Lodge Road

Student Designs for HEEP Hiking trails, wildlife observation decks Hiking trails, wildlife observation decks Amphibian, wetland research Amphibian, wetland research Public access points Public access points

Schematic Master Plan Park Boundary Pathways Entry Points Recreational Areas Gathering/Educational Areas Parking Wetland Areas Art Areas

Logan Senack ~ Maintains the herbarium specimens in the Invasive Plant Atlas of New England teaching collection ~ Assisted in running a New England Invasive Plant Summit conference ~ Serves on EPAC’s Land Use & Sustainable Development Subcommittee Undergraduate Student Winner 6 th semester, Environmental Science

Logan Senack ~ Co-founder and current president of student-run UConn Environmental Science club (EARTH To UConn) - Guest speakers - River clean-ups - Invasive plant control ~ A University Scholar & Nominee for Udall Scholarship ~ Amphibian monitoring research project at UConn landfill Undergraduate Student Winner 6 th semester, Environmental Science

Timothy Bleasdale ~ Senior staff writer at the Daily Campus, specializing in environmental issues ~ Stories have included: - Stop the Drop signage campaign - Dorm Water & Energy Conservation Contests - Environmental Expressions - Valentine’s Day Plea (Student Union recycling) - EcoHusky 5000 ~ Summer 2006 Intern at E Magazine Special Recognition: Undergraduate Student English & Political Science

Jessica Kukielka ~ Obtained EPA P3 Student Research Competition Grant: “Environmental and Economic Impact Analysis of Manure Digester Biogas-Powered Fuel Cells for the Agricultural Sector” ~ Presenter at Connecticut Natural Resources Conference in 2007 ~ Wrote successful UConn grant applications for EPA’s “Smart & Sustainable Campuses” conference in 2006 ~ National Udall Scholar ~ Acting secretary on the Town of Plainville’s Land Acquisition Committee Graduate Student Winner Masters Candidate, Agricultural & Resource Economics

Jessica Kukielka Graduate Student Winner ~ Chair, EPAC Environmental Literacy Workgroup 2006 ~ Intern at UConn Office of Environmental Policy Webmaster, event organizer ~ EcoHusky officer

Rebecca Gorin ~ Partnership between Whitney’s sustainable kitchen and the Eco-Garden Club ~ Purchase of local products for seasonal menus at Whitney Dining Hall ~ Founded and chaired the “Local Routes” program Winner Staff Manager, Whitney Dining Hall New England Winter Feast

Rebecca Gorin ~ Local Routes Spring Fling celebrations, : - Showcased local farmers and vendors - Nutrition, recycling and waste reduction education ~ Member of Connecticut Buys Local Steering Committee ~ Volunteer at the Storrs Farmers’ Market Winner Staff Manager, Whitney Dining Hall

Mary Kegler ~ Protected grassland bird habitat on Horsebarn Hill ~ Integral member of UConn Compost Facility Task Force - identified & evaluated potential sites - determined necessary equipment and cost estimates ~ Facilitating use of UConn-produced biodiesel in farm vehicles ~ Addressed concerns of Mansfield residents about construction of natural gas pipeline ~ CANR Farmland/Land Use Task Force Manager, Farm Services Region of altered mowing on Horsebarn Hill for conservation of grassland bird habitat Special Recognition Staff

Suzy Staubach Manager, General Books Division of UConn Co-Op ~ Established new Sustainability book section in the Co-Op ~ Hosted Sustainability Book Fairs during Earth Day celebrations Books and speakers on all things green Computer ink cartridge drop-off Sneaker drop-off bin. Student Group displays Giveaways and informational materials ~ Served as a judge for “Environmental Expressions,” an environmental literacy contest for students ~ Helped coordinate CFL giveaways in conjunction with the Textbooks to Go program Special Recognition Staff

Division of Athletics – Burton Family Football Complex Mark R. Shenkman Training Center ~ Winner UConn-Affiliated Group ~ First Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)- registered athletics project in the NCAA ~ UConn’s first LEED building paves the way for new Green Building policy ~ Division of Athletics: Agrees to absorb first-cost premium Actively promotes LEED features Hosts green building tours for classes and outside groups

UConn LEEDs the Way on Green Building Case Study for the NCAA’s First LEED® Athletic Complex

Recycling Report Structural Steel, Roofs, Decks, Stairs  45-90% Recycled Content Structural Steel, Roofs, Decks, Stairs  45-90% Recycled Content 89% of Construction & Demolition Debris Recycled 89% of Construction & Demolition Debris Recycled Tons of Wood, Concrete, Metal, Cardboard, Asphalt …4100+ Tons of Wood, Concrete, Metal, Cardboard, Asphalt … Structural Steel at Shenkman 90% RecycledOn-Site Dumpsters for Recyclables

Sustainable Building Features “Rapidly Renewable” & Durable Dining Rm. Floor Lockers: Recycled Content and Locally-Made Green-Label Carpet Low VOC Paints and Entry Walk-Off Mats & Grills Improve Indoor Air Quality

Energy Savings 35% Energy Savings Over 1999 Industry (ASHRAE) Standard (saves $35,000 – $40,000 per year) 35% Energy Savings Over 1999 Industry (ASHRAE) Standard (saves $35,000 – $40,000 per year) Occupancy / Demand Controlled Ventilation Occupancy / Demand Controlled Ventilation Infrared Radiant Heating Energy / Heat Recovery Unit

Water Conservation 35% Water Savings Over EPA Standards: 35% Water Savings Over EPA Standards: Low-Flow Showerheads, Urinals & Faucets, Dual-Flush Toilets, Water-Efficient, Front-Loading Laundry MachinesLow-Flow Showerheads, Urinals & Faucets, Dual-Flush Toilets, Water-Efficient, Front-Loading Laundry Machines No Irrigation – Native & Adaptive Landscaping No Irrigation – Native & Adaptive Landscaping Dual-Flush Toilet & Low-Flow Showers Drought -Tolerant Plants

UConn Water Pollution Control Facility Team Proactively evaluating “grey water” utility -- effluent re-use to conserve water Proactively evaluating “grey water” utility -- effluent re-use to conserve water Active members of Compost Facility Task Force advocating composting of bio-solids Active members of Compost Facility Task Force advocating composting of bio-solids Nitrogen removal program earns “credits” from DEP and ensures clean discharge Nitrogen removal program earns “credits” from DEP and ensures clean discharge Special Recognition UConn-Affiliated Group

Hosted public tours, including stop on Willimantic River Alliance’s anniversary event Hosted public tours, including stop on Willimantic River Alliance’s anniversary event Extended chlorine treatment period for recreational users of Willimantic River Extended chlorine treatment period for recreational users of Willimantic River UConn Water Pollution Control Facility Team Special Recognition UConn-Affiliated Group

Willimantic Waste Paper Company ~Active in EPAC Recycling Workgroup to develop new campus-wide recycling plan ~Guide numerous UConn group tours of Willimantic transfer station to raise public awareness ~ Supply outreach materials, collection bins, dumpsters and more for Sneaker recycling since 2005 Winner: External Organization

Willimantic Waste – UConn’s Sneaker Recycling Partner UConn Mt. Sneaker Collection boxes at 22 residential halls, athletic facilities, academic buildings, Co-Op & Library Willi Waste expands pick-ups to include regional campuses in 2007 Collection from March – May Earth Day – Mt. Sneaker Expo Collecting > 1 Ton (2,000 lbs)

Other Campus Environmental Initiatives at UConn

Environmental Policy Advisory Council (EPAC) FacultyStaffStudents Sr. Admin. NRMEFacilities, Motor Pool Undergrad Dean CANR EEBAthleticsGraduateCOO EngineeringPurchasingAlumni Univ Relations Geography Dining Services President’s Office Economics Construction Mngmt Extension Health & Safety Members Advisory to President & Provost Recommends Policies & Sustainability Initiatives

UConn Green Campus Tour “Green Hotspots” Eco-friendly initiatives walking tour of campus Tour maps at Lodewick Visitors’ Center – virtual tour on-line

CFL Giveaway Partnership between OEP, the UConn Co-Op, and Connecticut Light & Power 3000 bulbs distributed! Did you know? CFLs have an average life of 10,000 hours CFLs use 20% of the electricity for the equivalent light output of standard incandescent lights

An inconvenient truth -Free showing for students and members of the campus community on September 15, Extremely well attended (500+) with balcony seating needing to be opened in the SU Theater -Informational displays in the lobby of the SU attracted much attention

Environmental Expressions Contest “More eloquent than Emerson? Wittier than Whitman?” Fall 2006 – entries through Nov. 17 Fall 2006 – entries through Nov. 17 Students invited to participate in this fun competition! Students invited to participate in this fun competition! Students submit their own environmental essays, poems, digital photos, favorite quotations OR song lyrics to adorn the EcoHusky website Students submit their own environmental essays, poems, digital photos, favorite quotations OR song lyrics to adorn the EcoHusky website Prizes and eternal glory to winners Prizes and eternal glory to winners Expert judges Expert judges

2 nd Annual EcoHusky 5K April 1, 2007 Over 80 runners participated Over $500 raised for campus environmental causes

Recycling Roll-out Properly color-coded & labeled containers Properly color-coded & labeled containers Restrictive lids to reduce trash contamination 98% Restrictive lids to reduce trash contamination 98% Custodians pick-up only recycling on Wednesdays Custodians pick-up only recycling on Wednesdays A mixed paper bin at every desk side A mixed paper bin at every desk side Campus-Wide by May 2007!

Earth Kindness Day Outreach event in coordination with the “Month of Kindness” Informational displays from: EcoHusky Soil & Water Conservation Society EPA P3 Student Grant Project Earth to UConn Biofuels Consortium

Fall 2005 – Focus on Fenton River & UConn’s Water Supply System UConn Study: Effects of Pumping Wells Near Fenton River on Stream Flow and Aquatic Habitat ( ) UConn Study: Effects of Pumping Wells Near Fenton River on Stream Flow and Aquatic Habitat ( ) Findings: During drought periods, pumping nearby wells can further reduce river flow Findings: During drought periods, pumping nearby wells can further reduce river flow Water Conservation helps! Voluntary measures after September 9 reduced campus water consumption by 100,000 GPD Water Conservation helps! Voluntary measures after September 9 reduced campus water consumption by 100,000 GPD Fenton River September 9-15, 2005 Please conserve! October 22, 2005

2006 – A River Restored & Improved Sustainability of UConn Water Supply System UConn’s Actions: Re-Stocks 1,000 Trout Re-Stocks 1,000 Trout Studies Successful Re-Colonization of Macro-Invertebrates Studies Successful Re-Colonization of Macro-Invertebrates Invests $700K to Replace Faulty Water Supply Main & Increase Reliance on Wells Near Larger Willimantic River (.300+ MGD Invests $700K to Replace Faulty Water Supply Main & Increase Reliance on Wells Near Larger Willimantic River (.300+ MGD Improves System Management: Improves System Management: Leak Detection & RepairLeak Detection & Repair Stream Flow-Based PumpingStream Flow-Based Pumping Professional Operator HiredProfessional Operator Hired Water Advisory Board FormedWater Advisory Board Formed Studying Demand-Side Water Conservation Opportunities Studying Demand-Side Water Conservation Opportunities More Conservation Outreach! More Conservation Outreach!

UConn Energy and Water Conservation Dormitory Contest Which dorm can do it better in the dark?

Competing to Conserve Student residents in Alumni and South (Fall 2006) and Northwest (Spring 2007) competing against each other to conserve the most water and energy. Winning dorm receives their choice of prize. Student residents in Alumni and South (Fall 2006) and Northwest (Spring 2007) competing against each other to conserve the most water and energy. Winning dorm receives their choice of prize. Contest details and REAL TIME DATA available at

Current Standings for Eco- Madness 2007 Water & Energy Conservation Contest in Northwest 1)Hanks 2)Russell 3)Terry 4)Rogers 5)Batterson 6)Goodyear

Water Conservation Outreach Leak Reporting & Repair DRL installed signs in most dorms Signs located in bathrooms

Stormwater “Rain Gardens” Low Impact Design Projects Rain Gardens & Bio-Retention Swales: Retain Site Stormwater Runoff Reduce Erosion & Sedimentation Minimize Downstream Impacts Remove Stormwater Pollutants Naturally Through Soil and Plants

Proposed UConn Compost Facility Building – 10,000 SF concrete pad, plus design and site development costs Building – 10,000 SF concrete pad, plus design and site development costs Hoop Barn Hoop Barn Machinery - windrow turner, mixer, Machinery - windrow turner, mixer, screener, bulldozer or backhoe Total construction & equipment : ~$500,000 Total construction & equipment : ~$500,000 5-acre site at Spring Manor Farm 

Sneaker Recycling A Multi-Campus Effort with EcoHusky, SAAC & Division of Athletics! University of Connecticut, Storrs University of Connecticut, Avery Point University of Connecticut, Hartford Diverted from the solid waste stream, recycled sneakers are used for: Synthetic tracks Playground surfaces Tennis courts Field turfs

CT DEP Commissioner Gina McArthy and UConn President Phil Austin speak at 2006 Avery Point meeting to explore DEP/UConn partnership opportunities

Thanks OEP Interns

EPAC Sneaker Recyclers Scenes from Summer ‘06 OEP Intern Meeting in China