Item Description Principle 4 Green Building Design and Sustainable Campus Operations – Strategies to address emissions associated with designing, building, maintaining, and operating campus buildings and grounds. Goal 4.1 Any new construction must meet the MA LEED Plus green building standards (LEED most current version) or other standards as identified in Goal 1.1 as being necessary to achieve…, Define the goal issue and provide background info to understand the goal in lay terms., In 2006, the Massachusetts Sustainable Design Roundtable was assembled consisting of a public-private collaboration of 54 state agencies, private firms and non-profit organizations to create An Action Plan for Green Building in Massachusetts State Construction Project.The Roundtable has recommended adoption of a new “Massachusetts LEED Plus” standard that specifically mandates certain LEED points…, Why is this goal important to highlight?, The Roundtable’s report found that in studying 33 green buildings that were already built, by spending an additional $3-5 per SF in building costs, a savings of $15 per SF in operational costs from lower energy, water and maintenance was observed., Where do the University/campuses currently stand in meeting this goal?, The University of Massachusetts Building Authority has established the Massachusetts LEED Plus and LEED Silver minimum standard for all new construction. Where applicable the campuses have been designing to the LEED Gold standard or higher., Are there other groups/departments who will be critical in meeting this goal?, There are numerous stakeholders associated with the success of this goal: DCAMM and UMBA, Campus Leadership, University’s Facility Management (Planning, Project Management, Operations & Maintenance), Sustainability and Energy Management, and EH&S., What has been done in the past to advance towards this goal?, The establishment of an energy and sustainability standard of LEED Plus & LEED Silver for the Facilities departments to use when considering the renovations and designs for new buildings., What does the University/campus need to do in order to reach this goal?, The design of new construction and renovations provides the opportunity to evaluate the impact of energy infrastructure from a financial and energy efficiency perspective. The diligent application of these standards on all projects, no matter how large or small, will continue to demonstrate progress towards our goal. The University must also examine opportunities to design beyond LEED standards…
Type: Book page
Item Description Principle 4 Green Building Design and Sustainable Campus Operations – Strategies to address emissions associated with designing, building, maintaining, and operating campus buildings and grounds. Goal 4.2 Reduce energy consumption and determine goals consistent with capital investments and annual programs implemented in support of energy consumption reduction, as identified in…, Define the goal issue and provide background info to understand the goal in lay terms., Energy reduction goals need to be met in a variety to ways that include green procurement, enhanced recycling, IT, enhanced tree planting, increasing recycled paper, transit and clean energy options, residential dorms, building complete streets or smart/livable/walkable cities, food sourcing, green construction etc. and thus involves system-level planning over and above physical plant…, Why is this goal important to highlight?, The importance of this goal stems from the need to identify strategies that reduce the energy consumption of existing campus infrastructure and align the planned capital investments with the goal of minimizing future energy usage. Progress in this goal area has the starkest impact on overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions., Where does the University/campuses currently stand in meeting this goal?, Most campuses provide annual tracking data to Department of Energy Resources and also to ACUPCC & STARS - and should continue to do so., Are there other groups/departments who will be critical in meeting this goal?, Students are the most critical group on each campus when considering sustainability issues. Outreach to students through more effective, campus-wide education such as on campus social media. University communications should be engaged to reflect these sustainability priorities for the campus and use their expertise in emerging media techniques., What has been done in the past to advance towards this goal?, Since 2013, The System has created the annual sustainability report which has become an annual feature for the Board and the public to learn about the efforts taking place at each campus., What does the University/campus need to do in order to reach this goal?, Most campuses are moving in this direction, however, a greater transparency, and integration with A&F goals and budgeting is needed. Accomplishing significant savings associated with energy consumption is achievable through undergoing master planning exercises. Management of energy systems with a focus on conservation is a crucial part of reaching this benchmark.
Type: Book page
Item Description Principle 5 Sustainable Transportation - Integrating sustainable best practice for the use and maintenance of campus fleets, student/employee commuters, and public transportation options. Goal 5.1 Reduce vehicle fuel consumption of the University vehicle fleet through promoting the use of public transportation, reducing the number of single occupancy vehicles, and increasing the…, Define the goal issue and provide background info to understand the goal in lay terms., Transportation is a topic which impacts every individual at the University and there are various opportunities to be more environmentally friendly. This goal recognizes the move towards purchasing and utilizing fuel efficient vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles will assist in the need to reduce overall vehicle fuel consumption. It also encourages the implementation of strategies to encourage…, Why is this goal important to highlight?, This goal is crucial due to the fact that everyone has transportation needs on a college campus and the strategies used to get people to where they need to go should be considering the environmental impacts. Adjusting transit habits within the campus community can have significant environmental impacts as well as addressing other regional transportation priorities., Where do the University/campuses currently stand in meeting this goal?, The campuses are undertaking projects that align to the outlined goal. Many of the initiatives are highlighted in the annual Sustainability Report. For example, Lowell has instituted a “Park Once Policy”, a carpool program, bike share program, and offers Zipcars. The campus has drawn attention to local public transit options and organized educational campaigns on transit issues. The highlighted…, Are there other groups/departments who will be critical in meeting this goal?, The campuses will have to continue to engage their campus communities in this process. The involvement of regional transit authorities and local government could provide an arena to align goals with regional planning efforts around transportation., What has been done in the past to advance towards this goal?, The University has demonstrated a commitment to providing alternative methods of transportation, such as shuttle services, to students, faculty, and staff at each campus., What does the University/campus need to do in order to reach this goal?, Each of the campuses will have to evaluate what programs and initiatives are on-going that seek to move forward in this goal area and develop plans for the areas where programs do not exist. The planning process should include transportation alternatives as a priority and consider guidance from complete streets, climate resilience strategies, clean fuels, EV charging stations, and green parking…
Type: Book page
Item Description Principle 6 Waste Reduction and Recycling – Promote strategies to encourage waste reduction and re-use and acknowledges the importance of preventative measures. Goal 6.1 Employ strategies around preventative measures in waste diversion to promote source reduction, re-use and recycling of used materials. Metric Annually report on materials recycled, reused, composted, and disposed, Define the goal issue and provide background info to understand the goal in lay terms., This STARS reporting standards recognizes institutions that are diverting materials from landfills and incinerators and conserving resources by recycling and composting. Further, the University must be focused on minimizing the production of waste. While the benefits of recycling and composting cannot be overstated, the importance of preventative measures to avoid the waste should be a primary…, Why is this goal important to highlight?, The reduction of waste disposed and enhanced recycling efforts can dramatically impact the carbon footprint of the University. These efforts are highly visible and require some educational context. In order to be successful, people must adjust their habits to help produce the desired results., Where does the University/campuses currently stand in meeting this goal?, Each campus has been consistently involved in notable recycling and waste reduction efforts helping to involve students, faculty, and staff while educating the entire campus community about the benefits to recycling and reducing waste. The campuses track their progress and achievements in this area in their own ways., Are there other groups/departments who will be critical in meeting this goal?, The University will need to be actively engaging students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the general public in this goal. Additionally, the University should evaluate if there are current vendors or other parties that could assist with programs or other infrastructure to assist in accomplishing this goal., What has been done in the past to advance towards this goal?, The campuses can point to marked progress in this area through the substantial programing taking place around this issue. The University’s annual Sustainability Report highlights many of the initiatives underway across UMass., What does the University/campus need to do in order to reach this goal?, UMass must sustain the progress achieved by the campuses and capitalize on the enthusiasm for this issue, thereby generating more programs and strategies such as: the University’s total annual waste generation (materials diverted and disposed).
Type: Book page
Item Description Principle 7 Environmentally Preferable Purchasing – Implement a procurement approach to access environmentally-conscious products whenever applicable and available. Goal 7.1 Establish Environmentally-Preferable Products Procurement Program (EPP) and continue to implement annual procurement goals to move toward alignment with the standards of the Environmental Purchasing Advisory…, Define the goal issue and provide background info to understand the goal in lay terms., As part of the Commonwealth's overall goals of conserving natural resources, reducing waste, protecting public health and the environment, and promoting the use of clean technologies, recycled materials, and less toxic products, this policy committed to reducing State Agency impact on the environment and enhancing public health by procuring Environmentally Preferable Products (EPP) and services…, Why is this goal important to highlight?, This goal is important since it complements the other goals surrounding sustainability and will help support those goals through the use of environmentally preferable products wherever possible., Where does the University/campuses currently stand in meeting this goal?, The Director for Enterprise Wide Procurement currently meets regularly with State procurement leaders and will follow-up on the implementation of this program and any changes that the University should be made aware of., Are there other groups/departments who will be critical in meeting this goal?, Working closely with the Procurement Council to ensure that EPP products are available on BuyWays and are competitively priced would be an important step to continue., What has been done in the past to advance towards this goal?, To date, specific products have been researched and launched but not a full scale EPP program. (i.e. Paper, ink cartridges) The Director of Enterprise Wide Procurement has been meeting regularly as the University’s designee with the State’s Procurement Directors., What does the University/campus need to do in order to reach this goal?, The University must continue to work together to develop the best and most cost effective EPP program for the University and ensure that all information is effectively communicated to the necessary stakeholders using the products. The UMass Sustainability Council will provide recommendations to the Procurement office and collaborate on a regular basis. Goals developed should continue to be met…
Type: Book page
Item Description Principle 8 Sustainable Food Services – Supporting sustainable food systems through food and beverage purchases. Goal 8.1 Strive for each campus food service operation to procure sustainable food products while maintaining accessibility and affordability for all students and campus patrons. Metric Annually report on the percentage of dining service food products that are third-…, Define the goal issue and provide background info to understand the goal in lay terms., The STARS standards recognizes institutions that are supporting sustainable food through the purchase of their food and beverages. Institutions can do this by prioritizing the purchase of sustainably produced food and beverage items. These actions reduce the social and environmental impacts of food production and help foster robust local economies and food security; improved conditions for farm…, Why is this goal important to highlight?, This goal is important since food and beverages are a part of everyday life on a college campus and impacting the manner in which food is produced, transported, and consumed can have a systemic impact., Where does the University/campuses currently stand in meeting this goal?, Each of the campus have employed individual strategies or programs to address the theme of this goal. One example has been the commitment to local food options in various ways, including the sponsorship of a weekly farmer’s market at the Medical School., Are there other groups/departments who will be critical in meeting this goal?, To achieve progress in meeting this goal the campuses will have to continue to partner with their food service providers to identify products and other available options to accomplish this goal., What has been done in the past to advance towards this goal?, Each campus has been promoting sustainability-minded programs to encourage locally sourced food products and reduce food waste. The Amherst campus has committed to the Real Food Challenge, which requires that 20% of the University food and beverage purchases be local / community-based, fair, ecologically sound and humane by 2020. The Medical School hosts a weekly Farmers Market from June to…, What does the University/campus need to do in order to reach this goal?, The University’s dining services purchase food and beverages that meet at least one of the following criteria: a local or community-based producer and/or third party verified to be ecologically sound, fair and or humane. The University must also work to ensure that all vending operations, convenience stores, or concessions abide by the same standards as the campus food service if different.
Type: Book page
Item Description Principle 9 Sustainable Water Systems – Reducing campus water withdrawals can reduce pressures on local aquifers, streams, rivers, lakes, and aquatic wildlife. Goal 9.1 Reduce potable water usage and determine goals consistent with capital investments and annual programs implemented in support of reducing potable water. Metric Annually report the potable water use per weighted…, Define the goal issue and provide background info to understand the goal in lay terms., In 2007, the Leading By Example Executive Order 484 which required state agencies to address resource use at state facilities and established the Leading by Example (LBE) Program to oversee the coordinated efforts state agencies, including UMass campuses and state and community colleges, to reduce their environmental impact., Why is this goal important to highlight?, Water efficiency is important as fresh water supplies are limited and the current systems of treating, pumping, and disposing of water is energy intensive, wasteful, and can be disruptive to downstream ecosystems. As Executive Order 484 states, buildings account for 13% of potable water use. Potable water is defined as water that meets drinking water standards and is safe for human consumption.…, Where does the University/campuses currently stand in meeting this goal?, While the LBE program faced challenges in tracking water usage at state facilities, the University of Massachusetts campuses are achieving LEED certification for new building projects, which helps to meet reduction goals for potable water usage. LEED establishes prerequisite and credit options for the adoption of water use reduction strategies. Currently, all LEED certified buildings are required…, Are there other groups/departments who will be critical in meeting this goal?, Grounds, Facilities, Engineering and Construction, Planning, and Power Plant Operations will all be critical department to include in the discussion of potable water usage at the university., What has been done in the past to advance towards this goal?, Water use is to be considered early in the construction process for new buildings and renovations, irrigation requirements for landscaping and the use of non-potable water, and opportunities to improve efficiency and the use of non-potable water for cooling towers., What does the University/campus need to do in order to reach this goal?, A challenge in meeting this goal will be that UMass campuses continue to grow and that the reduction goals for potable water established by Executive Order 484 are not normalized. Sources of water need to be metered so that tracking of water use can be effective. Continuing to achieve LEED requirements and credits for installation of low flow fixtures, efficient irrigation, and cooling processes…
Type: Book page
Item Description Principle 10 Academic and Research Programming and Community Engagement – Ensuring Sustainability is part of Academic and Research programming and part of community engagement efforts. Goal 10.1 Comprehensively integrate sustainability and climate neutrality into the core academic curriculum and research programs to create a means to enable students to enable students to use…, Define the goal issue and provide background info to understand the goal in lay terms., This is in concert with the mission of the University “to provide an affordable and accessible education of high quality and to conduct programs of research and public service that advance knowledge and improve the lives of the people of the Commonwealth, the nation and the world.” Currently, the University offers a range of academic offering and research opportunities that provide students with…, Why is this goal important to highlight?, This directly aligns with a major part of the University’s mission to “advance knowledge and improve the lives of the people of the Commonwealth, the nation and the world.” As an institution of higher education the University is positioned to train and educate future leaders, scholars, workers, and professionals to understand and address climate change and sustainability challenges. Moreover, the…, Where does the University/campuses currently stand in meeting this goal?, This goal has been addressed on a campus-by-campus level and the robustness of the integration of sustainability into academic programs on each campus varies widely across the University., Are there other groups/departments who will be critical in meeting this goal?, There is a wide range of stakeholders involved in achieving this goal such as Chancellors and Vice Chancellors; Provosts; Deans and Associate Deans; Department Chairs; Faculty Senates on each campus; centers or faculty organizations focused on climate change and sustainability challenges, like the Climate Change Initiative at UMass Lowell; and students., What has been done in the past to advance towards this goal?, At this time, each campus has been undertaking the work of evaluating where general education requirements are to the identified goal and exploring the feasibility of integrating sustainability topics on a department-by-department basis., What does the University/campus need to do in order to reach this goal?, Evaluate where general education requirements currently align to sustainability topics and determine the best practices to integrate key topics related to sustainability into student learning outcomes.
Type: Book page
Doc. T18-026, Passed by the Board of Trustees on September 19, 2018, Purpose, To establish a policy that governs University reserve funds, the purposes for which they can be used, and associated reporting requirements., I. Introduction, University of Massachusetts’ ability to fulfill its mission for the benefit of current and future students depends on sound fiscal management and the maintenance of adequate University reserves. Reserves are critical to the financial health of the University, preserving future flexibility, and maintaining strong credit ratings. This policy establishes the framework for reserves including size,…, II. Policy Statement, The University of Massachusetts will establish targets to maintain sufficient financial reserves in order to ensure responsible long-term fiscal management, advance University priorities, and mitigate current and future risk. The University of Massachusetts will define, build, maintain, use, and replenish reserves in accordance with campus strategic plans and the University’s Reserve Policy and…, III. Compliance/Reporting, The President or his/her designee will annually review this policy. Consistent with the University’s Five-year Forecast and upon the release of the University’s annual audited financial statements, the Board of Trustees will be provided a report regarding the University’s reserve levels. The Board Chair shall be notified by the President when funds are drawn from the Stabilization Fund., IV. Administrative Standards, The President, in consultation with the Vice President(s) and Chancellors, shall promulgate administrative standards to define reserve targets, funding sources, and designations, and to otherwise implement this policy.
Type: Book page
(Doc. T18-026), I. Introduction, This standards document provides additional detail related to the implementation of the Board of Trustees Reserves Policy (Doc. T18-026): The President will issue additional guidance specifying the accounting treatment for each reserve designation and its use., II. Definitions, In order to distinguish between unencumbered liquidity and reserves designated for a specific use, the University will account for and report unrestricted net assets in the designations defined below., Unexpended Plant & Facility Projects, – Designated to fund capital projects, equipment and the major renovation of all existing infrastructure and buildings including Research, Education & General (“E&G”), and Auxiliary., Auxiliary Enterprises, – Auxiliary enterprises are essentially self-supporting activities, which provide non-instructional support in the form of goods and services to students, faculty, and staff upon payment of a specific user charge or fee; this fund also includes the net position of Worcester City Campus Corporation (“WCCC”)., Education & General, – Maintained by departments to fund operational requirements, academic initiatives, research, faculty recruitment and University initiatives., Quasi Endowment, – Portion of unrestricted net assets invested in the Foundation’s pooled endowment fund, intended to be invested for the long term unless otherwise approved by the President or a designated authority. The President or designated authority will contemporaneously provide notification to the Board., Stabilization Fund, – Designated to provide budgetary stabilization for operations due to unforeseen and / or uncontrollable circumstances to ensure responsible long-term financial stability. Funds should be used for an unanticipated one-time disruption in funding or catastrophic event and shall not be used to cover operating shortfalls that could have been anticipated and managed., Other Unrestricted, – Undesignated for a specific use or purpose; however, it does include the net position for the Independent Business Lines of the Medical School (examples: Commonwealth Medicine and Mass Biologics)., III. Standards Statement, Reserves should be funded primarily through budgeted and surplus operating funds. Other receipts may be deposited into reserves on a case-by-case basis. Funds allocated to a reserve designation shall be used for the designated purpose. Unexpended Plant & Facility Projects Unexpended plant and facility funds are generally used for the construction, renovation and acquisition of the University’…, 1. Financial Ratios and Benchmarks, The University shall seek to maintain sufficient wealth and liquidity in order to ensure overall financial health, maintain strong credit ratings and withstand periods of volatility in its operating environment. The University will monitor the following financial ratios and benchmarks, in combination with ratios required in other policies and standards., Total Cash & Investments, – a direct measurement of absolute wealth and the assets that generate investment income. Calculation*: University Cash and Investments minus Debt Service Reserves plus Foundation Cash and Investments minus Assets held on the behalf of others. Aa2 Target Range: < 2,500,000,000 ≥ 100,000,000 *University Cash & Investments include the following lines from the Statement of Net Position: Cash…, Spendable Cash & Investments to Operating Expenditures, - indicates the extent to which the University can rely on wealth that can be accessed over time or for a specific purpose to operate without earning any additional revenue. This measure is of particular importance during periods of financial stress when revenue may be subject to volatility. Calculation: (University Cash and Investments minus Debt Service Reserves plus Foundation Cash and…, Spendable Cash & Investments to Total Debt, - highlights the ability of the University to repay bondholders from wealth that can be accessed over time or for a specific purpose. Calculation: (University Cash and Investments minus Debt Service Reserves plus Foundation Cash and Investments minus Assets held on the behalf of others plus Foundation Pledges Receivable Reported in Permanently Restricted Net Assets minus University Permanently…, Operating Margin, - indicates whether total operating activities resulted in either a surplus or deficit as a percentage of the budget. Calculation: (Operating Revenue plus Government Appropriations plus Gifts plus Endowment Income plus NonOperating Federal Grants plus Investment Income Net of Unrealized Gains and Losses) divided by (Total Operating Expenses plus Interest Expense) Aa2 Target Range: N/A, Operating Cash Flow Margin, - compares net income before non-cash expenses relative to operating revenue to indicate the amount of cash the University generates to support its strategic and capital investments. Calculation*: ((Operating Revenue minus Scholarship Expense plus Government Appropriations plus Normalized Investment Income plus NonOperating Federal Grants plus Gifts) minus (Operating Expenses minus Scholarship…, 2. Compliance/Reporting, The President or his/her designee shall annually review the University’s compliance with this policy. Consistent with the University’s Five-year Forecast and upon the release of the University’s annual audited financial statements, the Board of Trustees will be provided a report regarding the University’s reserve levels. The President shall notify the Board Chair when drawing funds from the…, 3. Roles & Responsibilities, The Board of Trustees shall establish a University Reserve policy. The President will issue standards and approve, where specified, the use of reserves. The President or his/her designee will annually review and report to the Board the University’s reserve level. Chancellors have the responsibility to implement and manage to the policy and standards., 4. Other Policies, This policy should be reviewed along with the following policies and reports: University Debt Policy – T09-050 Capital Planning, Land and Facility Use Policy – T93-122 Quasi Endowment Policy – T07-018 Report - Annual 5-year Financial Forecast Report - University’s Annual Operating Budget
Type: Book page
