Sustain
Posted on July 7, 2008
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UM is in the preliminary design phase for the proposed south campus facility of the College of Technology. The existing east campus is 35 years old and is inadequate for existing and new programs in both space and physical comfort.
A sustainable strategies charrette was hosted by Mark Headley from StudioFORMA Architects on June 26th to establish sustainability goals for the new campus. Mark and Kath Williams, a green building consultant, outlined design and construction requirements necessary for LEED certification that could be met with little additional project costs. The LEED certification standards are flexible to fit the goals and budget constraints of a building and include sustainability design options like; energy and water efficiency; regional, safe, or recycled materials; and options that encourage sustainable transportation.
Besides the decision to aim for LEED certification, the question of whether to make the building carbon neutral is on the table. This would mean that the COT would use geothermal cooling, and would use a heat pump for heating, powered by renewable energy credits from Northwestern Energy, rather than a natural gas boiler. Additional electricity could be supplied by photovoltaics.
Sounds great right? We could reduce energy costs, get publicity for the campus for LEED certification, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. The funding for the new facility is in the hands of legislators to be voted on in the 2009 legislative session. Faculty at the COT are concerned that pushing for extra funding for “green” design could reduce their chances of getting the project funded and may compromise classroom space so are hesitant to incorporate sustainability into the design and budget request.
Proponents of LEED certification and carbon neutrality argue that these are just the costs of building, that the Univerisity has a responsibility to use resources efficiently and build not only for the current users but for building occupants well into the future. Energy costs are already through the roof and will most likely increase as fossil fuel supplies diminish. There are some buildings on campus that were built 100 years ago and are still livable and even the ones we cherish most. The existing COT facility is only 35 years old and was basically built to be disposable. What will the legacy of this design committee be?
Posted on June 10, 2008
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The design of the Green Griz green building certification is being designed by the sculpture department here at UM. When I inquired about whether they would like to do the project, Brad Allen, Assistant Professor in Sculpture, responded by saying that they would love to do the project but would like to explore processing options other than their convential coke burning firing process- not very sustainable, and suggested rather that they acquire equipment that made them in some way “greener.”
“Things on my green radar include a steam unit for the lost wax process which allows 100% recycling instead of burning wax, a resin sand recycling system (my design), and ultimately an electric induction furnace for clean melting of all metals.”
This is just one example of how people on campus are personally motivated to become more sustainable in their departments or fields of influence. Keep up the good work UM!
Posted on June 5, 2008
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After a long pursuit by Hugh Jessie, Director of Facilities Services, to purchase the methane currently flared off from the Missoula landfill, BFI has conclusively stated that they have a pending agreement to sell the gas to another buyer.
BFI was initially contacted with a proposal to pipeline the methane to UM to burn and use on campus. Logistically that couldn’t happen due to easement complications, the freeway, etc. When the technology to generate electricity from the methane gas on site became available, Facilities Services approached BFI again to propose our interest to purchase the electricity potentially available. BFI informed us that they are not interested in pursuing the generation of electricity from the methane source because they have an arrangement with another interested buyer.
Facilities Services was interested in the purchase of this electricity as a renewable source so that it wasn’t wasted being burned off. Great to hear that the energy will be used!
The University of Montana intends to purchase renewable energy for the proposed COT, and has goals to make the COT campus carbon neutral.
Facilities Services has purchased an electric vehicle, www.milesev.com, and has also purchased an electric lawn mower for trial, and has several hybrids in the fleet.
Good looks Facilities Services and UM!
Posted on May 22, 2008
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The entire campus is blossoming- the graduates missed the height of the lilacs and plums by about a week. Folks seem easy and refocused on tasks pushed aside. So much materialized this last year regarding UM Sustainability. Just to name a few….
The ASUM Office of Sustainability was created and Jessie Davie was hired with the help of former ASUM Pres- the fantastic Dustin Leftridge. Jessie is on the cusp of completing a campus wide greenhouse gas inventory, organized Focus the Nation and several other great events, and just generally brought her energy and professionalism to UM sustainability efforts.
Think Tank- Dining Services is in the works to build a new Think Tank facility- the building will be as green as the budget permits and the menu is local, healthy, and awesome!
Green Dorm Competition- the students in Jesse and Aber dorms did a great job reducing energy and water consumption. Jesse reduced their total electricity consumption by 12.8% and Aber reduced their total electricity consumption by 9.1%, based on the previous three year average. Total water consumption was reduced by 8.8% and 14.7%, respectively. Way to go residents and thanks for the support of Dining Services, Residence Life, Aubree Durfey, Lyndsey Homme, Patrick Coatarpeter, Ashley Norris and others!
Native American Building- Going for LEED Silver certification
Green Cleaning Product Conversion- Robin Saha’s EVST students helped Facilities Services switch to many Green Seal Certified cleaning products.
Green Griz- Bob Duringer, Facilities Services, and the SCC have almost finalized a UM specific green building certification and building and construction standard.
20 x 10 Energy Reduction Initiative- Governor Schweitzer’s initiative spurred a campus wide energy audit and legislative budget proposal that will drastically reduce UM energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Recycling Coordinator position was created based on the need for expansion of the recycling program- Thanks to Paul Kerman, Dustin Leftridge, Vicki Watson, Frenchie Michaud, Carey Lemer, and the ROC.
Climate Change Lecture Series- Nicki Phear did such a tremendous job drawing students and community members to this educational lecture series that offered current science, advocacy, and solutions to the climate change effort.
Green Thread Curriculum Funding- The Administration is offering financial support to the Green Thread Initiative thanks to the work of Lisa Swallow, Curtis Noonan and others.
Earth Week- Lots of great events materialized between the community of Missoula and the University.
Trayless- Dining Services rolled out the pilot program to negate the use of trays in the Food Zoo to reduce food waste and are reporting success.
Office of Sustainability- Bob Duringer, VP of Administration and Finance, has created the new UM Office of Sustainability. It will fund two student sustainability coordinator positions, one housed in Facilities Services, and the other will be the shared funding of the existing ASUM Sustainability Center coordinator position. The Office will be supervised by a newly created full time professional sustainability coordinator.
What’s to Come-
COT- The planning and design of the new College of Technology facility- located south of the main campus is in the works. UM intends to make the new satellite campus as “green” as possible- please stay tuned or get involved- KrebsbachKA@mso.umt.edu.
Hiring of Campus Sustainability Coordinator- This newly created position will be advertised in the next few weeks- it should draw some excellent candidates who will provide leadership in unifying existing sustainability efforts and move UM toward even greater sustainability.
Electric Vehicles and lawn mower- Facilities Services has purchased an electric lawn mower, is in the process of buying an electric vehicle, and has several hybrids.
UM Green Flat- Derek Kanwischer is leading a sustainable housing project on campus. It is in the initial planning stages to gain administrative and academic support and will hold a charrette in the fall to gain student support and involvement.
Freshman Orientation- Jessie Davie, Laura Howe, and I are preparing for the Freshman Orientation. We will be hosting a UM Sustainability table and offer information about all of the sustainability resources on campus, what is going on regarding sustainability at UM, and how students can get involved with curriculum, campaigns, and internships.
Posted on May 5, 2008
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Spurred by Governor Schweitzer’s 20 x 10 Energy Conservation Initiative, a campus-wide lighting inventory has been completed. THANKS to the students and Facilities Services Staff who made this happen in a big hurry! This audit has been completed in order to prepare a budget estimate to replace or retrofit inefficient fixtures and to install lighting controls.
Additionally, a budget is being drafted to request funds to complete an efficiency evaluation of the mechanical heating and cooling systems on campus to determine energy saving opportunities and payback.
This two-part energy reduction proposal will be submitted to the Board of Regents for review, and will then be submitted to Governor Schweitzer’s office. This LRBP (Long Range Building Plan) request will hit the MT Legislature in January 2009. MSU is drafting a similar request.
The 20 x 10 Initiative has been characterized as “ambitious” to say the least. It is making people move and shake, even if we cannot realize this goal, it is pushing UM to make positive change.
Posted on April 23, 2008
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The recognition of Earth Day and Earth Week has prompted incredible activities in Missoula and at UM which may not have been otherwise realized. Folks across campus have rallied to increase awareness of global environmental issues in really fun and meaningful ways. The ASUM Sustainability office and students conducted a dumpster dive to determine how much recyclable material is trashed, and are giving away compact florescent bulbs and cookies in exchange for survey feedback about wind energy. Dining Services has provided local and organic grub this week and also introduced their “trayless” move to reduce food waste. The Wildlife Film Fest winning films were on campus. The Bookstore purchased and displayed enviro products and funded ASUM Sustainability’s bulb purchasing. ASUM Transportation is rewarding commuters and getting students involved during a crazy week.
We are all beginning to be personally affected by our level of resource consumption. A paradigm shift in our thinking is needed to change the course of environmental degradation occuring. But the shift is happening. Trash should be considered resources in a particular processed form. We can buy less stuff and actually be happier. We have to keep pushing the envelop to what is possible and move forward living by example. Something that struck me about lifestyle changes that are possible was when I heard that two students on campus actually moved all of their belongings from one apt to another on their bikes. It definitely made me think twice about the allowance I have given myself to drive to the grocery.
Happy Earth Week! Keep up the good work UM!
Posted on April 18, 2008
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UM’s first LEED certified building is in the design process and is setting an important precedent. UM’s main webpage provides the following information about the building;
“The first of its kind on a U.S. university campus, the center will house UM’s Native American Studies Department and American Indian Student Services offices, as well as related campus programming, under one roof.
The 19,900-square-foot facility also will create a gathering space for tribal leaders from across the state, the region and the nation to address common challenges and will provide a bridge for those of both American Indian and other cultures to explore the best that each has to offer.
Construction will begin this summer, with completion expected in fall 2009. The center will be the first UM campus building constructed in accordance with the Leadership in Energy Efficient Design’s green building standards.”
The Administration, Sustainable Campus Committee, and Facilities Services have considered whether to pursue LEED certification for all new construction. After much debate, it was decided to develop a green building certification standard specific to UM, Griz Green. This certification is based on LEED standards but will allow UM to invest the money that would have been spent on certification costs, ranging between $12, 000-$100,000, in other “green” building aspects.
The process of having one building on campus LEED certified will provide Facilities Services (FS) with formal LEED experience. Three professionals working within FS are working to become LEED Accredited Professionals. This process is very rigorous and requires demonstrated mastery of LEED standards.
The LEED certification of the Native American building also demonstrates that the University of Montana is savvy about national sustainability standards and is engaged and active in this global sustainability movement.
Posted on April 14, 2008
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Thanks to Gordy Pace, Nick Shontz, and Jamie Robinson for creating this blog site for the SIT group and Facilities Services’ sustainability efforts! Like many departments on campus, IT is working to further sustainability at UM, i.e. e-recycling issues and how to promote energy reduction behavior from computer users.
Tons of sustainability news to update campus about.
Earth Week is quickly approaching- there are a lot of great events to check out- http://www.umt.edu/greeningum/earth_week.htm
Jessie Davie, ASUM Sustainability Coordinator, has almost completed UM’s first Greenhouse Gas Inventory, with the help of Kendra Kallevig and Sky Orndoff. It is a massive undertaking and they completed it in a remarkably short time. This inventory will give us a baseline to determine where UM needs to go to reduce carbon emissions in compliance with the American University President’s Climate Commitment, signed last year by President Dennison.
In order to meet Governor Schweitzer’s 20 x 10 Energy Conservation Initiative, Bob Duringer, V.P. of Administration and Finance, has taken the initiative to create a full-time professional Sustainability Coordinator position. This position will head a Sustainability Office on campus and manage the newly created Recylcing Coordinator position, and the two existing part-time graduate student Sustainability Coordinator positions. This office will work with faculty, staff, and students to facilitate change. There are sooooo many folks already working to improve energy efficiency, reduced resource consumption, and recycling efforts on campus. It will be great to unify the efforts here through one central office so that we can create goals, assess what is alreadying being done, and delagate what needs to be accomplished.
Enjoy the sunshine! Great time to turn down the thermostats, use natural lighting in bldgs, put up a clothes line, and bike, walk, or skate.