From Living Buildings to Living Campuses

This is a recent article from Planning for Higher Education. If you are a SCUP member, you have the print version of this. At the moment, anyone can read the online version here. However, very soon the journal contents will be a member-only benefit of joining the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP). The authors, Tony Alfieri, David Damon, and Z Smith, conclude:

There are four key steps that can help institutions define a clear plan for their future. These steps focus on both efficiency improvements in existing campus assets and future strategic development. Develop a comprehensive sustainable master plan [that] integrate[s] sustainable initiatives with the institutional mission . . . Install energy retrofits in existing buildings . . . Establish high-performance guidelines for future buildings . . . includ[ing] policies for procurement and for approval of future development . . . Commit to the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC).

We would note that this article focuses on energy and climate aspects of sustainability. A fifth item now needs to be added to that list: Ensure that your campus engages with the Sustainability Assessment, Rating & Tracking System (STARS), which is formally launches this month, with more than 115 campuses already signed up.

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Regional SCUP Events! Enjoy the F2F company of your colleagues and peers at one of three SCUP regional conferences this spring:

• March 14–16: Baltimore, MD
• March 24–26: Cambridge, MA
• April 5–7, San Diego, CA