“As we look to a future where higher energy costs seem certain, UCM is taking a proactive stance on energy use and sustainability.”
Aaron Podolefsky, Ph.D.
President, University of Central Missouri
American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment
UCM President Aaron Podolefsky first revealed his vision for the physical future of the university at his State of the University address in August 2008. In it he stressed energy efficiency measures are among “sustainability” issues facing the campus. To address growing energy concerns, in 2007 he became one of the founding signers of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. As a group, these university leaders have pledged that the design, construction, operation and maintenance of all new buildings on their campuses will follow the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system guidelines, with an emphasis on energy and water conservation. More information »
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System and Certification is a nationally recognized standard for facility design. The university seeks LEED standard certification with the renovation of its Morrow-Garrison complex and construction of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
Learn more about the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system »
President’s Commission on Sustainability
President Podolefsky, along with Betty Roberts, vice president for administration and finance, has established a President’s Commission on Sustainability comprised of select faculty, staff and students who support the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment signed by the president 2007. To achieve the objectives of the commitment, the commissions’ charge was to devise a plan that helps identify, evaluate and prioritize measures that UCM will employ to minimize global warming emissions directed toward achieving climate neutrality. Members include:
- Manny Abarca, Undergraduate Student
- Aaron Baker, Graduate Student
- Amber Clifford, Department of Anthropology
- Larry Creel, Office of the CIO
- Dan Duhamell, Residence Life Administration
- Wally Dzula, Facilities, Planning and Operations
- Beth Erickson, Graduate Student
- Zach Greenlee, Graduate Assistant
- Alice Greife, (Chair) College of Science and Technology
- Ashley Guyer, Office of Student Life
- Ursula Harris, Undergraduate Student
- Candace Hill, Undergraduate Student
- Mark Hillon, Department of Management and Business Communication
- Matt Knickman, Graduate Student
- Halie Lefman, Undergraduate Student
- Zach Lewis, Office of Career Services
- Matthew Link, User Services
- Lee Liu, Department of Geography
- Tara Napoleone, Department of History and Anthropology
- Kaitlyn Roach, Undergraduate Student
- John Slobaszewski, University Housing
- Mike Smith, Procurement
- Stephen Walker, Technical Services
- Christine Wright, Department of Management and Business Communication
Energy Savings Initiative
The President’s Commission on Sustainability, as part of its role in identifying and implementing energy efficient measures, has developed the Energy Savings Initiative. This $36.1 million program will enable the university to address many of the its deferred maintenance projects, while simultaneously improving energy efficiency.
Core elements of the upgrade program at UCM include efforts such as the installation of new energy efficient HVAC systems; new hot water distribution systems; installation of more energy-efficient lighting; replacing heating and cooling controls; new roofs and windows on some buildings; efforts to improve indoor air quality in classrooms; improved air handling systems; and reduction of noise in certain areas.
See a complete list of building renovations »
Recycling on Campus
An important part of UCM's commitment to sustainability is the main campus recycling program intiated during the summer of 2009 by UCM students Nick McDaniels and Manny Abarca. Recognizing the need for a such a program, the two students approached Betty Roberts, UCM's vice president for Administration and Finance, with a plan to launch a pilot program during the summer. As a result of their efforts and the cooperative spirit of UCM's staff and students, more than 41 tons of materials were recycled rather than sent to the landfill during the three-month period. The recycling program remains an important element of the UCM commitment.
Learn more about the origins and future of UCM's recycling initiative »