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With the publication of the College Sustainability Report Card 2010, more than 1,100 school survey responses from over 300 institutions are now available online. In total, these surveys offer more than 10,000 pages of data collected from colleges and universities during the summer of 2009. To access surveys from other schools, go to the surveys section of the website. To see grades, or to access additional surveys submitted by this school, please click the "Back to Report Card" link at the beginning or end of the survey.
Name: Laura Zullo
Title: Sr. Manager, Capital and Special Projects
Date survey submitted: 7/20/09
ADMINISTRATION
SUSTAINABILITY POLICIES
1) Does your school have its own formal sustainability policy?
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please describe and provide URL, if available: The Faculty Assembly and Senate Council approved a “Statement on Sustainability” in April, 2008. A copy of the statement has been provided below.
2) Has the president of your institution signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC)?
[x] No
[ ] Yes. If completed, please provide the date the GHG Report was submitted to the ACUPCC:
3) Has your institution signed the Talloires Declaration?
[ ] No
[x] Yes, the University was an original signatory.
4) Is there a sustainability component in your institution's master plan and/or strategic plan (check all that apply)?
[ ] No
[x] Yes, in the master plan. Please describe and provide URL, if available: The University’s Energy Master Plan addresses energy conservation issues. In addition, all new construction and renovation projects included in the 12-year Facilities Plan address sustainability by adhering to design standards that incorporate many sustainable initiatives and features.
[ ] Yes, in the strategic plan. Please describe and provide URL, if available:
ADVISORY COUNCIL
5) Does your school have a council or committee that advises on and/or implements policies and programs related to sustainability?
[ ] No
[x] Yes
If you answered "No" to question 5, please proceed directly to question 11.
6) Please provide the name of the committee and list the number of meetings held since August 2008.
Name: Sustainability Subcommittee of the Faculty Senate Plant Utilization and Planning Committee
Number of meetings: 6
7) Please provide number of stakeholder representatives on the committee.
[# 4 ] Administrators
[# 6 ] Faculty
[# 6 ] Staff
[# 8 ] Students
[# ] Other. Please describe:
8) Please provide the name of the chair(s) of the committee for the 2009-2010 academic year, and indicate which stakeholder group the chair(s) represents.
If 2009-2010 academic year information is not yet available, please provide information for 2008-2009 instead.
Name of chair(s): Attilio (Buck) Favorini
Position(s) (e.g., administrator, faculty, staff, student): Faculty
9) To whom does the committee report (e.g., president, vice president)? Faculty Senate Plant Utilization and Planning Committee
10) Please list key issues/programs that the committee has addressed or implemented since August 2008.
Key issues/programs that the group has addressed/implemented since August 2008:
Development of a campus sustainability website, a “Blue, Gold, and Green” event, RecycleMania, expansion of the University’s recycling program, planning of a Faculty Senate Plenary session.
Progress made on each of these issues since August 2008:
Website – the site has been developed and is now live (http://www.pitt.edu/green.html). The site will be further developed and updated, but the goal is to provide a central location where University departments can provide information about sustainability in their areas and where site visitors can learn about the many sustainability initiatives at the University. The site can be linked via the University’s home page.
Blue, Gold, and Green Event – This event was organized by the University’s Purchasing department, and was originally slated to be a vendor fair where vendors could showcase their sustainable products or services. As the planning progressed, many University departments got involved (Facilities Management, Parking and Transportation, Environmental Health and Safety, etc.), and the event grew into a celebration of sustainability, with supplier exhibits, sustainable space displays, speaker symposium, “I Made It” market, entertainment, prizes, organic food samples, student exhibits, and student contests. The event was held on April 22, 2009 and was advertised to the campus community, other local Universities and businesses, and the general public (see http://www.bluegoldandgreen.pitt.edu).
RecycleMania – Facilities Management partnered with the departments of Housing, Food Services, Residence Life, and student group Free the Planet to participate for the first time in the national RecycleMania competition. Recycling statistics were kept for all residence hall facilities for a 10 week period. The University set and internal goal to recycle 15 pounds per resident student. After all results were tallied, the final per capita recycled was over 24 pounds per resident student.
Expansion of the University’s Recycling Program – After discussion at a Sustainability Committee meeting, Facilities Management determined that it was feasible to expand plastic recycling to plastics 1 through 5 (previously 1 through 3). This change was implemented and is currently being advertised to the University community.
Planning of a Faculty Senate Plenary Session on Sustainability - This session is being planned for March, 2010.
In addition to this committee, the University is an active member of the Higher Education Climate Consortium (HECC), which was established as a result of the Pittsburgh Climate Initiative (a collaborative effort spearheaded by Pittsburgh’s mayor and city council to lead Pittsburgh’s residents, businesses, government, and institutions of higher learning in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions). HECC members meet quarterly to discuss initiatives and share experiences with a goal of working together to reduce the impact of higher education on the environment. The June 2009 HECC meeting was hosted by the University of Pittsburgh.
SUSTAINABILITY STAFF
11) Does your school employ sustainability staff (excluding student employees and interns)?
[x] No While no staff members are dedicated solely to sustainability, many staff members make significant contributions to sustainability and energy conservation efforts. A LEED Certified Senior Project Architect was recently hired to monitor and promote the incorporation of sustainable design standards into our construction and renovation projects. A senior manager in Facilities Management is deeply involved with promoting, coordinating, and reporting on sustainability initiatives. Other key positions include the Sr. Manager of Systems and Energy Management, a Utility Analyst, two Energy Management System Coordinators, and a Recycling Coordinator. Sustainability initiatives are also routinely incorporated into the efforts of University engineers, architects, project managers, operations staff, and transportation and purchasing professionals.
[ ] Yes. Please provide titles and number of sustainability staff.
[# ] Number of full-time staff (in FTE). Titles: [ ]
[# ] Number of part-time staff (in FTE). Titles: [ ]
12) Does the head of the sustainability staff report directly to the president or another high-level administrator (e.g., vice president, vice chancellor)?
[x] N/A Facilities Management’s Senior Manager involved with promoting, coordinating, and reporting on sustainability initiatives reports directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management.
[ ] No
[ ] Yes. Please describe:
OFFICE OR DEPARTMENT
13) Does your school have an office or department specifically dedicated to furthering sustainability on campus?
[ x] No Facilities Management typically takes the lead in many sustainable initiatives, but works closely with other University departments to coordinate efforts.
[ ] Yes. Please describe (including name of office or department and year created):
WEBSITE
14) Does your school have a website detailing its sustainability initiatives?
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please provide URL: http://www.pitt.edu/green.html, http://www.facmgmt.pitt.edu/Sustainability.pdf
GREEN PURCHASING
15) Does your school have a formal green purchasing policy?
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please describe policy and provide URL to full policy, if available:
http://www.bc.pitt.edu/purchasing/sustainability/index.html
16) Does your school purchase ENERGY STAR qualified products?
[ ] No
[x] Some. Please describe: The University of Pittsburgh buys some Energy Star products including air conditioning units, ballasts, lamps, motors and blowers.
[ ] All
17) Does your school purchase environmentally preferable paper products (e.g., 100 percent post-consumer recycled content, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council)?
[ ] No
[x] Some. Please describe: For the period spanning 7/1/08 to 6/30/09 (fiscal year 2009), the University of Pittsburgh increased usage of recycled content paper to a total 16% of all cut sheet paper purchased by the University. To further facilitate and encourage the use and purchase of recycled content paper, in particular 100% post-consumer recycled content, the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Supplier Management has established Commodity Specific Guidelines for paper, which provides specific tools, tips and guidelines that are based on a variety of recognized sources such as the EPA, Green Seal and the Forest Stewardship Council. http://www.bc.pitt.edu/purchasing/sustainability/comguide.htm
Facilities Management’s line of restroom course paper (hand towels and toilet tissue) consists of 100% recycled content with a guaranteed minimum of 20% post-consumer content and is an Environmental Choice certified product.
[ ] All. Please describe:
18) Does your school purchase Green Seal, Environmental Choice certified, or biorenewable cleaning products?
[ ] No
[x] Some. Please describe: The University of Pittsburgh does purchase some Green Seal cleaning products. We expect our spend on these products to increase in fiscal year 2010 due to initiatives with Housing and Food Services and Facilities Management. We also expect overall spend on green certified products to increase in fiscal year 2010 due to the addition of new green cleaning product supplier, Native Green, to our contracted supplier list, as well as other university-wide initiatives. Two buildings (Sennott Square and the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine) use exclusively green certified products.
[ ] All. Please describe:
19) Are your school's computer/electronics purchase decisions made in accordance with standards such as the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)?
[ ] No
[x] Some. Please describe: The University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Supplier Management has actively promoted and featured computer and electronic suppliers on the Contracted Suppliers web page who they themselves promote and encourage the purchase of environmentally responsible products. Supplier Management actively encourages these same suppliers (Dell, Hewlett Packard, Apple, etc.) to offer more environmentally responsible products to the University which meet Energy Star and EPEAT standards. In addition, some suppliers have recently expanded their efforts to being more sustainably responsible by offering recycling / return programs for spent hardware and peripherals. Supplier Management has clearly identified these same suppliers on the Contracted Suppliers web page under a column titled “Supplier Sustainability Program”, with each supplier’s individual sustainability programs available for viewing by clicking on the “Green Leaf” logo. http://www.bc.pitt.edu/purchasing/ContractedSuppliersApril05.html
Going forward, as part of the University’s continuing efforts to promote and encourage the procurement and use of more environmentally friendly and responsible electronic products, Supplier Management will be adding a specific web page to the Commodity Specific Guidelines, similar in content to the Paper commodity guidelines, which will provide a site whereby the University purchasing community can reference various tools, tips and resources, from sources such as EPEAT and Energy Star, as they apply to the purchase of sustainable electronic and computer products.
[ ] All
20) Does your school use only pesticides that meet the standards for organic crop production set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or Canadian Organic Standards (excluding on-campus farms)?
[ ] No
[ ] Some. Please describe:
[ ] All
CLIMATE CHANGE & ENERGY
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY
21) Has your school completed a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory?
Please check all that apply.
[ ] No.
[x] In progress. Please describe status and provide estimated completion date: Facilities Management is working with the Swanson School of Engineering’s Mascaro Institute for Sustainable Innovation to complete a greenhouse gas inventory. The inventory is expected to be completed during the 2009/2010 fiscal year.
[ ] Yes. Please provide total annual GHG emissions (in metric tons of CO2e). Also, include the start date for each year as well as the URL to each inventory, if available online, or attach the document.
2008:
2007:
2006:
2005:
COMMITMENT TO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTION
The purchase of carbon offsets does not count toward greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions for this indicator. They are counted in a subsequent indicator.
22) Has your school made a commitment to reducing GHG emissions by a specific amount?
[ x] No, however, the planned operation of the University’s and UPMC’s new steam plant, currently in the commissioning phase, is expected to reduce steam-related GHG emissions by 47%, or 48,000 metric tons per year (for both Pitt and UPMC facilities). The plant is expected to begin operation in September, 2009.
[ ] Yes. Please list details.
Reduction level:
Baseline year:
Target date:
If you answered only "No" or "In progress" to question 21, please now skip to question 27.
REALIZED GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
23) Has your school achieved a reduction in GHG emissions?
[ ] No
[ ] Yes. Please list details.
Percentage reduced:
Baseline year:
Date achieved:
24) Please provide the total heating and cooling degree days averaged over the past three years.
Data on total degree heating and cooling days is available at: http://www.degreedays.net/. This information will be used to help reduce bias between schools in different climates.
Cooling degree days average over the past three years:
Heating degree days average over the past three years:
25) Please provide GHG emissions figures on a per-thousand-square-foot basis for the past three years.
Per-Thousand-Square-Foot Emissions = Total CO2e in metric tons / Total maintained building space in thousands of square feet.
2008:
2007:
2006:
26) Please provide GHG emissions figures on a per-full-time-student basis for the past three years.
Per-Student Emissions = Total CO2e in metric tons / Total number of full-time enrolled students.
2008:
2007:
2006:
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
27) What programs or technologies has your school implemented to improve energy efficiency (e.g., cogeneration plant, retrocommissioning of HVAC systems, performing system tune-ups, temperature setbacks)? University of Pittsburgh has retrofitted light fixtures, uses energy efficient control schemes, and has installed motion sensor lights in public spaces.
Pitt’s efforts in energy conservation have been very successful in reducing energy usage and containing costs. Leading these initiatives was the implementation of a comprehensive building automation system which now controls building temperatures and operating schedules in most University buildings. The automation system, combined with other conservation initiatives, has resulted in cost avoidance of nearly $28 million over the past 13 years. Projects contributing to this progress include extensive lighting upgrades, installation of occupancy sensors in most common areas and many renovated areas (this is required for construction and renovation projects), expansion of the central chilled water and steam systems to eliminate stand-alone chillers and boilers, sub-metering of electric, steam, and chilled water usage, retrocommissioning of HVAC systems, and energy/heat recovery in mechanical upgrades. Design standards dictate only energy efficient lighting (electronic ballasts & fixtures – no incandescent lighting permitted unless required for research), premium efficiency motors, low temperature transformers, DDC controls, and energy efficient control schemes. All building exit signs have been replaced with LED signs, resulting in a savings of 256,000 kilowatt hours each year.
ENERGY CONSERVATION
28) Do you facilitate programs that encourage members of the campus community to reduce energy use (e.g., cash incentives, signs reminding individuals to turn off lights and appliances)?
[ ] No
[ x] Yes. Please describe: The University was nationally recognized with a 2004 EPA Energy Star Award for its “Computer to Sleep” program, which encouraged the campus community to enable the sleep function on their computers and trained computer lab managers to enable the function on campus computers. New computers are now purchased with this feature pre-enabled.
In addition to electronic control of thermostats and lighting in many areas, Facilities Management advertises in campus publications and via broadcast phone messages to remind the campus community to turn off all unnecessary appliances, computers, lights, etc. prior to University holidays and recesses.
RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION
29) Does your school generate renewable electricity?
[x] No
[ ] Yes. Please specify percentage of overall electricity generated from each of the following sources and describe details below.
[ %] B100 biodiesel
[ %] Clean biomass
[ %] Concentrating solar power (CSP)
[ %] Geothermal
[ %] Low-impact hydropower
[ %] Solar photovoltaics
[ %] Wind
[ %] Other
Description:
30) Does your school have solar hot water systems?
[x] No
[ ] Yes. Please specify number of systems and total BTUs generated annually, if available:
RENEWABLE ENERGY PURCHASE
31) Has your school purchased electric energy from renewable sources or renewable energy credits (RECs)?
RECs and electricity from renewable sources must be Green-e certified or meet the requirements of the Green-e standard.
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please describe. 6.2% of our purchased electricity is generated via alternative energy sources.
Date of most recent contract:
Quantity (kWh):
Percentage of your total electric energy use that it represents: 6.2%
32) Has your school purchased non-electric energy from renewable sources?
[x] No
[ ] Yes. Please describe.
Date of most recent contract:
Quantity (BTUs):
Percentage of your total non-electric energy use that it represents:
ON-SITE COMBUSTION
33) Please provide total BTUs of energy for heating and cooling from on-site combustion:
The University currently receives the majority of its heating energy (approximately 840,000 mbtu) from the Bellefield Boiler Plant, which is owned by a consortium of owners including the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Carnegie Mellon University, Carnegie Museums and Library, and other owners. The University of Pittsburgh/UPMC recently constructed and is currently commissioning a new state-of-the-art, ultra-low NOx steam plant. The new natural gas-fired plant is projected to ultimately reduce steam-related greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 47% when production is transferred to the new plant. For University buildings, this translates to a projected emissions reduction of over 39,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide. The new plant will also serve UPMC. When combined, the emissions reduction for both Pitt and UPMC facilities is projected to be over 48,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide. To our knowledge, the facility is the only University plant in the nation to be permitted at the ultra-low NOx level of 9 parts per million (ppm). Compliance testing has been completed on the boilers, and all have successfully met the 9 ppm NOx limit. Regular operation is expected to begin in September, 2009. This project contributed recently to the University being recognized by the Allegheny County Health Department as an Enviro-Star Award recipient for its efforts in emissions reduction, energy conservation, and recycling. Pitt was the only award recipient to be recognized with the highest level Three-Star award.
34) Please list each fuel source (e.g., coal, natural gas, oil) and the percent of overall BTUs derived from that source:
As mentioned above, the Bellefield Boiler plant is currently the University’s main source of heating energy. In fiscal year 2009, the plant’s sources of fuel were coal and natural gas. As of July 1, 2009, the plant switched to all natural gas operation, but will no longer have sufficient capacity to serve all owners during winter operation. The University/UPMC will thus rely on the newly constructed steam plant to meet their steam needs. The new plant will not only greatly reduce emissions, but the new boilers are more energy efficient than those at the Bellefield plant.
35) Is any on-site combustion for heating and cooling derived from renewable sources?
[x] No
[ ] Yes. Please describe.
Percentage on-site combustion derived from renewable sources: [ %]
Total BTUs of energy generated from renewable sources: [# ]
Description of renewable energy sources used for on-site combustion for heating and cooling:
FOOD & RECYCLING
The food portion of this category is covered in a separate dining survey.
RECYCLING OF TRADITIONAL MATERIALS
36) Please indicate which traditional materials your institution recycles (check all that apply).
[ ] None
[x] Aluminum
[x] Cardboard
[x] Glass
[x] Paper
[x] Plastics (all) The University has recently expanded its recycling program to accept plastics 1 through 5.
[x] Plastics (some) Might be “all plastics” — no more specific information found online.
[x] Other. Please list:
Scrap metal
Iron
Stainless Steel
Bulk Aluminum
Copper, Brass, Tin
Lead
Appliances
Construction & Demolition Debris
Fluorescent Lamps
Yard waste
Batteries
Electronics
Carpet (selected projects)
37) Diversion rate: [ 60.3%] (Includes C&D recycling from two major construction projects. If these materials are excluded, diversion rate is 42%.)
RECYCLING OF ELECTRONIC WASTE
38) Does your institution have an electronics recycling program?
[ ] No
[x] Yes. If available, please indicate the total annual weight or volume of each material collected for recycling or reuse.
[x ] Batteries (Yes) 2,800 lbs. or 1.4 tons
[ ] Cell phones
[x ] Computers (Yes) 11,367 lbs. or 5.68 tons
[x ] Lightbulbs 12,259 lbs. or 6.13 tons
[x ] Printer cartridges
[ ] Other E-waste. Please list: Printers.
COMPOSTING (ASIDE FROM DINING FACILITIES)
39) What percentage of your campus's landscaping waste is composted or mulched?
[ 100 %]
40) Do you provide composting receptacles around campus in locations other than dining halls (e.g., in residence halls, offices, academic buildings)?
[x] No The University is considering off-site composting with collection points near dining halls. City ordinances prohibit composting on site.
[ ] Yes. Please describe:
SOURCE REDUCTION
41) Do you have any source-reduction initiatives (e.g., end-of-semester furniture or clothing swaps and collections)?
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please describe: The University has a surplus property warehouse that collects and resells used furnishings and equipment to the University community and others. The University also sometimes donates material and equipment to a local resale facility – Construction Junction. Local community organizations also organize periodic sales where students and others can purchase donated furnishings and other items. Free the Planet (student environmental group) holds an annual clothing swap.
GREEN BUILDING
GREEN BUILDING POLICY
42) Does your school have a formal green building policy?
[x] No. Construction projects are evaluated on a case by case basis to determine whether LEED certification will be sought. However, University design standards extensively dictate many sustainable features for all renovation and construction projects. Four major projects, currently in design or construction, are seeking LEED Silver certification or better.
[ ] Yes. Please describe policy and provide URL to the full policy, if available:
GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS
43) Please indicate LEED-certified buildings.
[# 1 ] Total number of LEED-certified buildings. (Additional projects are in progress)
[ sq ft] Certified-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Silver-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names: Seeking LEED Silver certification for Benedum Hall renovation and addition (two projects), Chevron Science Center addition, and Salk Hall addition, all currently in design or construction.
[ 45,000 sq ft] Gold-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names: McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine
[ sq ft] Platinum-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
44) Please indicate buildings that meet LEED certification criteria but are not certified.
[# ] Total number of buildings that meet LEED criteria
[ sq ft] Certified-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Silver-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Gold-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Platinum-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
45) Please indicate buildings that are ENERGY STAR labeled.
[# ] Total number of ENERGY STAR buildings. Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Combined gross square footage.
RENOVATIONS AND RETROFITS
46) Please indicate LEED-EB certified buildings.
[# ] Total number of LEED-EB certified buildings. Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Combined gross square footage.
47) Please indicate buildings that meet LEED-EB certification criteria but are not certified.
[# ] Total number of buildings that meet LEED-EB criteria but are not certified. Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Combined gross square footage.
48) Please indicate renovated buildings that are ENERGY STAR labeled.
[# ] Total number of renovated buildings that are ENERGY STAR labeled. Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Combined gross square footage.
49) What energy-efficiency technologies have you installed in existing buildings (e.g., HVAC systems, motion sensors, ambient light sensors, T5 lighting, LED lighting, timers, laundry technology)?
For each technology, please indicate the number and type of fixtures installed, and the number of buildings in which those fixtures are installed. If possible, include either the percentage of the overall campus fixtures each type represents or the percentage of overall maintained building space that has been renovated with the technology (e.g., 20 buildings representing 10 percent of maintained building space have been retrofitted with motion sensors; thus, 10 percent of the total maintained building space in square feet would be the desired data).
The most significant technology improvement was the implementation of a comprehensive building automation system which now controls building temperatures and operating schedules in most University buildings (approximately 85% of campus building area is controlled by this system) – far too many points to count. Other projects include extensive lighting upgrades (too many fixtures to count), installation of occupancy sensors in most common areas and many renovated areas (statistics not available, but this is now required for construction and renovation projects), expansion of the central chilled water and steam systems to eliminate stand-alone chillers and boilers, sub-metering of electric, steam, and chilled water usage, and energy/heat recovery in mechanical upgrades. Design standards dictate only energy efficient lighting (electronic ballasts & fixtures – no incandescent lighting permitted unless required for research), premium efficiency motors, low temperature transformers, DDC controls, and energy efficient control schemes. All building exit signs have been replaced with LED signs, resulting in a savings of 256,000 kilowatt hours each year. Green roofs are currently being installed on two buildings.
The renovation and addition to Benedum Hall, currently in construction, is expected to achieve a 17.5% reduction in energy consumption when compared with traditional construction. All windows are being replaced with an energy efficient double pane curtainwall system, and the project includes the installation of the University’s first green roof. Daylighting features will reduce the need for artificial light.
50) What water-conservation technologies have you installed in existing buildings (e.g., low-flow faucets, low-flow showerheads, waterless urinals, dual-flush toilets, gray water systems, laundry technology)?
For each technology, please indicate the number and type of fixtures installed, and the number of buildings in which those fixtures are installed. If possible, include either the percentage of the overall campus fixtures each type represents or the percentage of overall maintained building space that has been renovated with the technology (e.g., 20 buildings representing 10 percent of the maintained building space have been retrofitted with low-flow faucets; thus, 10 percent of the total maintained building space in square feet would be the desired data).
Low flow plumbing fixtures are being installed with the renovation/addition to Benedum Hall and are being incorporated into the design of two other major projects. These fixtures are expected to achieve a 20% reduction in water usage when compared with traditional fixtures. A natural aquifer was discovered with the construction of Sennott Square, one of the University’s newer buildings. The aquifer was incorporated into the construction of the facility and is now used to collect ground water used for landscape watering.
51) What percentage of your institution's non-hazardous construction and demolition waste is diverted from landfills?
[65-98%] Based on actual data from two major current construction projects. The Falk School renovation and construction project has documented a 65.8% diversion rate to date (913 tons), and the Benedum Hall MCSI Addition and Renovation has documented 98.86% diversion to date (748 tons).
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES
52) Are there any sustainability-themed residential communities or housing options at your school?
[x] No
[ ] Yes. Please provide details below.
Name of program:
Type of community (e.g., hall, building, house):
Number of students involved:
Additional details:
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
53) Does a portion of your new student orientation specifically cover sustainability?
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please describe how sustainability is incorporated (e.g., information sessions, green tour): “Shooting for the Top” orientation program highlighted sustainability initiatives at the University of Pittsburgh.
INTERNSHIPS/OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
54) Does your school offer on-campus office-based sustainability internships or jobs for students?
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please provide number of students and average number of hours worked weekly per student: Paid student positions are offered through the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation (Swanson School of Engineering). Number of positions and hours worked varies.
[# ] Paid positions. Average hours worked weekly per student:
[# ] Unpaid positions. Average hours worked weekly per student:
55) Does your school have residence hall Eco-Reps or other similar programs to promote behavioral change on campus?
[x] No
[ ] Yes. Please provide details below, and indicate URL if available:
[# ] Paid positions. Average hours worked weekly per student:
[# ] Positions that award academic credit. Average hours worked weekly per student:
[# ] Uncompensated positions. Average hours worked weekly per student:
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
56) Does your school have active student-run organizations devoted to sustainability efforts on campus?
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please provide total number of active organizations, names of organizations, a brief description of each, and URLs, if available: Free the Planet, Engineers Without Borders, Engineers for a Sustainable World
Free the Planet
The University has an active chapter of Free the Planet, sponsored by the Environmental Studies Department. The chapter’s recent activities include planning and promotion of RecycleMania (Pitt participated for the first time in 2009), an annual clothing swap (Swap-o-palooza), successfully lobbying for free trade coffee in campus kiosks, and educating students about global warming and sustainability.
Engineers Without Borders
Selected as one of EWB-USA's Premier Chapters for 2008
The University of Pittsburgh chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB) was established in the spring of 2006 by a handful of students wishing to apply their skills and resources and give to those in great need. EWB-PITT was recognized as an official student organization and chapter of EWB-USA in the spring of 2007. Today the group continues to grow and expand their reach with the guidance of the local Pittsburgh Professional Chapter. The chapter is in the midst of their first major project in Mali, Africa. For more information, contact Ian Nettleship, faculty advisor, nettles+@pitt.edu
Engineers for a Sustainable World
Engineers for a Sustainable World's (ESW) vision is a world in which all people enjoy the basic resources to pursue healthy, productive lives, in harmony with each other, and with our Earth. ESW mobilizes engineers through education, training, and practical action, building collaborative partnerships to meet the needs of current and future generations. ESW's primary goals are to stimulate and foster an increased and more diverse community of engineers, and to infuse sustainability into the practice and studies of every engineer. For more information, contact Alexander Dale, atd8@pitt.edu
SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES AND COMPETITIONS
57) Does your school organize any sustainability challenges/competitions for your campus and/or with other colleges?
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please list details for all competitions.
Name of competition: Recyclemania
Year initiated: 2009
Frequency of competition: Annual
Participants: Resident Students (plan to expand to entire campus community)
Incentives: Internal goals, friendly competition with other schools
Goal of competition: Increase campus recycling rates, particularly with students.
Percent of energy/water/waste reduced: Recycled average of 24 lb/resident student (internal goal was 15 lb/person).
Lasting effects of competition: Increased visibility and participation with recycling program
Website: www.recyclemania.org
Name of competition: Project Lights-Out
Year initiated:
Frequency of competition:
Participants:
Incentives:
Goal of competition: Reduce wasted electricity from lights left on in unused classrooms
Percent of energy/water/waste reduced:
Lasting effects of competition:
Website:
Name of competition: Mascaro Center Energy-Efficiency Design Challenge
Year initiated: 2008
Frequency of competition: Annual
Participants: 29 proposals from 3 universities
Incentives: $5,000 grand prize for winning team
Goal of competition: The challenge asks undergraduate students from universities in Southwestern
Pennsylvania to create a technique for “greening” old buildings that would reduce electricity consumption and pay for itself within one year.
Percent of energy/water/waste reduced:
Lasting effects of competition: Several student teams are pursuing their product ideas
Website:
TRANSPORTATION
CAMPUS MOTOR FLEET
58) How many vehicles are in your institution's fleet?
[# 230 ] Note: does not include 21 biofueled shuttle buses owned and operated by an outside contractor.
59) Please list the number of alternative-fuel vehicles in each class.
[# 1 ] Hybrid. Please list makes and models: 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
[# ] Electric. Please describe type of vehicles:
[# 14 ] Biodiesel. Please describe type of vehicles and list biodiesel blend(s) used: All of the University of Pittsburgh’s shipping and moving vehicles use biodiesel. (Note – does not include 21 biofueled shuttle buses provided through a contracted service.)
[# 1 ] Other. Please describe: One (1) Food Services Vehicle (box truck) runs on Veggie Diesel. The truck was retrofitted through a student project. Students designed and installed the retrofit, and continue to collect and refine the oil from campus food venues and other local establishments for use in this vehicle.
60) What is the average GHG emission rate per passenger mile of your institution's motorized fleet?
[# ] pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per passenger mile traveled.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES
61) Does your school offer incentives for carpooling?
[ ] N/A. Please explain:
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please describe details of the program including the type of the incentive and eligible community members (e.g., faculty, staff, students): Carpoolers only need to purchase one parking pass for the entire group. Registered carpoolers receive $5.00 per month discount off of their parking permits for each rider. In addition, courtesy parking is available to each participant twice each term, up to six times per fiscal year without charge. The University’s regional ridesharing partner, CommuteInfo (a program of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission) offers an Emergency Ride Home program to all registered participants in both carpools and vanpools. Vanpool vehicles park without charge in designated spaces, and carpool only spaces exist in two University garages. Vanpool participants also receive courtesy parking as described above for carpoolers.
62) Does your school offer public transportation subsidies?
[ ] N/A. Please explain:
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please describe the program including the size of the discount (as a percent of full price) and eligible community members (e.g., faculty, staff, students): Community members (faculty, staff, and students) have access to free public transportation with a University of Pittsburgh ID.
63) Does your school provide free transportation around campus?
[ ] N/A. Please explain:
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please describe: The University offers a campus bus network that consists of 21 biodiesel fueled buses. These buses are not included in the fleet numbers in questions 58 and 59 because they are not owned or operated by the University. The shuttles are a contracted service and were converted to biodiesel in 2008.
64) Does your school operate a free transportation shuttle to local off-campus destinations?
[ ] N/A. Please explain:
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please describe: The campus bus network described in question 63 provides services to the surrounding neighborhoods within a 1.5 mile radius of campus.
BICYCLE PROGRAM
65) Does your school offer a bicycle-sharing/rental program or bicycle repair services?
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please provide details below.
Year created: 2008
Number of bikes available: six (6) bicycles are available for rent from the University’s two main fitness facilities.
Fees for participation: $5.00 for first hour, $2.00/hour after first hour, up to maximum of $20.00 per day.
Repair services provided: Yes, rental bikes are maintained and repaired as needed.
CAR-SHARING PROGRAM
66) Does your school partner with a car-sharing program?
[x] No, however, car sharing programs are present on city streets running through the heart of the Pitt campus.
[ ] Yes. Please provide details below.
Year created:
Total number of vehicles:
Number of hybrid vehicles:
Fee for membership:
PLANNING
67) Does your school have policies that support a pedestrian-friendly or bike-friendly campus (e.g., in the school's master plan, a policy prohibiting vehicles from the center of campus)?
[ ] N/A. Please explain:
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please describe:
The University partners with Oakland Transportation Management Association (OTMA) which is completing the second and final year of a project entitled “Hometown Streets/Enhancing Pedestrian Safety and Mobility”. The project is upgrading pedestrian safety at 11 crossings in the heart of Pittsburgh’s medical and educational district with improved pedestrian signals, crosswalks, bump outs, curb cuts and signage. The University is providing project management services for this project. Further information on this project can be found on the OTMA website at http://www.otma-pgh.org/project_hometown/default.aspx.
The University maintains 113 bike racks and 20 bike lockers on campus which are available to anyone regardless of University affiliation. There are also shower facilities available for members of the University community.
The University installed a safety railing along its property that adjoins a contra flow bus lane on Fifth Avenue.
68) What percentage of individuals commute to campus via environmentally preferable transportation (e.g., walking, bicycling, carpooling, using public transit)?
[ %] A percentage is not readily available, but as of 6/30/09, there are 127 vanpool participants (including drivers) in ten vanpools and 379 carpool participants in 177 carpools. In addition, University faculty, staff, and students registered nearly 5.8 million rides on Port Authority transit between June 2008 and May 2009.
STATISTICS
69) Campus setting:
[ ] Rural
[ ] Suburban
[x] Urban
[ ] Other. Please describe:
70) Total number of buildings: [# 128 ]
71) Combined gross square footage of all buildings: [# 12,133,283 ]
72) Full-time enrollment (undergraduate and graduate): [# 23,181]
73) Part-time enrollment (undergraduate and graduate): [# 4,381 ]
74) Part-time enrollment as a proportion to a full-time course load: [# 1,752 ]
75) Percent of full-time students that live on campus: [ 45 %]
Questions 76-87 are for informational purposes only; responses will NOT be included in the Report Card evaluation process.
OTHER AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGAGEMENT
Please mark an "X" next to each item that applies to your institution.
76) Outdoors club: [x]
77) Disposable water bottle ban: [ ]
78) Participation in Recyclemania: [x]
79) Student trustee position: [ ] Students are represented on Trustees’ committees.
80) Environmental science/studies major: [x]
81) Environmental science/studies minor or concentration: [x]
Sustainable Engineering Certificate
An undergraduate Certificate in Sustainable Engineering is available to all undergraduate engineering students. The certificate is housed in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and administered through the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation. The certificate provides interested students with an awareness and sensitivity to environmental issues and consequences of engineering systems consistent with their engineering major. The certificate builds upon an increasing number of courses being offered with an emphasis on sustainability and requires 12 credits to complete.
The Mascaro Center sponsors 12-week undergraduate summer research program aimed at providing talented undergraduate students (both Pitt and non-Pitt) with creative opportunities that go beyond the engineering classroom curriculum and enable them to develop their own ideas and work independently on hands-on research projects in sustainable engineering with advice and guidance from a faculty mentor.
82) Graduate-level environmental program: [x]
The Mascaro Center sponsors several programs which provide fellowship support to PhD students conducting research in the broad area of sustainable engineering.
In addition, the Mascaro Center hosts a bi-annual international conference, Engineering Sustainability. Taking place in 2005, 2007 and 2009 these events bring together engineers and scientists from academia, government, industry, and nonprofits to share results of cutting-edge research and practice directed at development of environmentally sustainable buildings and infrastructure.
83) Student green fee: [ ]
84) Alumni green fund: [ ]
85) Revolving loan fund for sustainability projects: [ ]
86) Campus garden or farm: [ ]
87) Single-stream recycling: [ ]
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