STRATEGIC RESOURCE PLANNING COUNCIL JANUARY 21, UTSA “Think Green”
CMO Assignment to Task Force (Spring 09) 2 To recommend a framework for sustainability efforts that is in alignment and support of UTSA 2016 plan We focused our efforts on energy and environmental arenas Task force organized into five areas: LeadershipCommunity Engagement and Outreach AcademicsCampus Operations Research Members Sonia Martinez- President’s Office, Chair Dave Riker - Business Affairs Mauli Agrawal - Research (ICARE) Julius Gribou - Academic Affairs Kevin Price - Student Affairs Lowa Mwilambwe -Student Affairs Dagoberto Rodriguez –Bus. Affairs
Aspirant Universities UTSA University policy or statement on sustainability University-wide committee which oversees campus sustainability efforts Leading universities have institutes w/hired staff Universities pursuing external support – ASU is leader Several schools are getting organized and developing a long- term plans Several signed the ACU Presidents Climate Commitment (*UT System decided not to sign this commitment) No public statement on sustainability message Exploratory Task Force Conversations taking place with community partners – Example: Community Sustainability – Dave Riker Campus Master Plan has a “green” focus 3 Leadership
Aspirant Universities UTSA Academic units dedicated to sustainability, departments and schools B.S., M.S.,M.A., and PhD degrees in sustainability or with focus on sustainability Sustainability certificates Sustainability specific courses and courses with a sustainability component On-line sustainability courses Student internships and fellowships Centers and Institutes Sustainability specific courses Courses with sustainability components Institute (although this is research based/I-CARE) Focus areas and certificates(in progress) 4 Academics
Aspirant Universities UTSA Research Centers/Institutes related to energy exist at almost all institutions Solar, Nuclear and Energy Economics Often water and energy research is combined under environment Schools like Arizona and Florida have long standing and strong programs in alternate energy Other schools seem to have more show than substance Research in energy area is usually scattered across colleges within each institution The vast majority of energy research is in engineering disciplines with some in sciences ICARE Director has been hired MOU developed for energy research consortia between UTSA, SwRI, CPS Energy and SAWS Federally funded research in Mechanical Engineering New energy research projects in Mechanical, Electrical, Architecture, Physics, and Biology: Better combustion, Smart grids, Solar, Biofuels and Efficient Architecture COE is filling 5 faculty positions related to energy Several faculty in water research - COE & COS 5 Research
Aspirant Universities UTSA Current website which highlights the university’s sustainability efforts Electronic newsletter is regularly issued to highlight the university’s efforts Annual conference is held at the institution to promote sustainability and discuss new sustainable strategies Community clean-up with the assistance of students and student organizations On-campus housing plays a key role in the implementation of sustainability initiatives Recycling link on the website for the office Environmental Health and Safety Institute for Conventional, Alternative and Renewable Energy (I-CARE) VOICES: Annual Babcock Road clean up Green Society – student organization Student Government Association – UA Chair focused on green efforts 6 Community Engagement and Outreach
Aspirant Universities UTSA Energy & Water Transportation Construction & Renovation Waste Dining, Housing, & On-Campus Vendors Grounds Purchasing Energy Performance Contracts OIT Efficiency Improvements LED Lighting Upgrades Carpooling Alternative Fuel Vehicles (E85, CNG, Hybrid, Electric) UTSA/VIA Partnership EBII Condensate Recovery CSRF Energy Recovery Wheel Recyclemania Recycling Program (93 tons per quarter) Tree Planting and Xeriscaping Native Landscapes KARST Site Preservation 7 Campus Operations
UTSA Sustainability - Potential 8 Sustainability area of excellence has ability to bring together many aspects of the university – more so than the other four From researchers to campus operations to student groups UTSA’s population can be an activate “green force” in the community Energy and Green sectors seen as the next emerging industry San Antonio community wants to establish a presence President Obama’s priority; former Mayor Hardberger’s Mission Verde Initiative; SWRI and CPS Energy are ready to partner with us Promote positive “green” image – important for our audiences Will require strategy and investment of resources
UTSA Sustainability Council - Proposed 9 Form the UTSA Sustainability Council Function as a University Standing Committee Advise the President and senior administrators regarding strategies for enhancing the University’s sustainability performance Make recommendations on initiatives and allocation of resources Help monitor campus sustainability programs and projects, and Provide assistance in fostering alliances with community partners Membership Members and chair appointed by the President Representatives to include faculty, students and staff Representatives from the three UTSA campuses
UTSA Sustainability Council - Proposed 10 The UTSA Sustainability Council would: Develop a five-year plan for approval by CMO Produce annual report and update campus plan Present to the CMO for approval, support and provision of resources Monitor and report on the development and implementation of the campus sustainability initiatives and programs Prepare the annual UT System Campus Sustainability report
Next Steps- Recommendations 11 CMO review and approve the UTSA Sustainability Policy (6/15/09) Received UT System approval for policy (1/12/10) Identify members for Sustainability Council Focus on six areas: LeadershipCommunications ResearchCampus Operations AcademicsCommunity Engagement and Outreach (Staff + Students) Appoint Sustainability Council
Next Steps- Recommendations 12 Identify executive champion for UTSA Sustainability efforts – John Frederick, Provost Support development of energy consortia with SWRI and CPS Energy Develop UTSA Sustainability website – to showcase UTSA activities and promote involvement Communicate President’s Statement and promote sustainability Consider allocation of seed funding for pilot programs Seed funding for research efforts Support more green campus operations efforts Expansion of academic offerings Help student organizations launch new initiatives