Office of Sustainability Update | |
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- Creek Cleanup
- We partnered with UCCSlead, Reisher Scholars, and a GPS class to pick up litter along the Tempelton Gap Floodway near Portal Park. The cleanup was one of five service projects as part of UCCSlead's Day of Service and Activism. We had 65 students pick up 54 bags of trash and 21 shopping carts. The cleanup was also connected with the Fountain Creek Watershed District's 10th Anniversary Creek Week.
- Hiring a Building Performance Principal Professional
- UCCS has hired Lenny Ortman as the Building Performance Principal Profession. Lenny offers over 21 years of experience, most of which was working at Colorado College. In this new position, Lenny will monitor and improve energy, water, and thermal comfort using meters, software, and building automation systems. This position will be housed under Facilities Management and report to Executive Director Jeff Reed.
- STARS Assessment
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We are conducting a comprehensive sustainability assessment this fall and spring. We will be assessing sustainability efforts in the following areas: academics, engagement, operations, innovation, and planning and administration. To learn about the assessment tool and our past performance, visit https://reports.aashe.org/institutions/university-of-colorado-at-colorado-springs-co/report/. Update: We are working on culture and transportation surveys that are part of this assessment.
- Energy Performance Contract
- Campus and system leadership is finalizing a 16.6-million-dollar investment in energy and water conservation measures that collectively pay for themselves over 20 years. The regents have approved the funding. Update: We are negotiating the details of the contract with Iconergy.
- Sustainability Culture Survey
- This survey will assess students, faculty, and staff's sustainability values, beliefs, and behaviors. We will use the information we glean from this assessment to track our collective efforts to foster a culture of sustainability at UCCS. Update: Due to changes in the Energy Performance Contract, we lost funding for consultant services to conduct this survey. We are evaluating the feasibility of moving forward on this survey.
- Transportation Survey
- We are working with Parking and Transportation Services and representatives from CU Boulder and CSU Fort Collins on developing a transportation survey that assesses our campus community's commuting behaviors, support for alternative transportation modes, and feedback on related services. Update: We are scheduling a time to meet and discuss what data we want to collect across our campuses consistently.
- State and Federal Tax Credits and Grants for Energy Efficiency
- We partnered with University Advancement to explore ways the university can take advantage of the many state and federal incentive programs for improving the energy efficiency of our buildings. Update: We found opportunities and are figuring out how to pursue them as part of current and future projects.
- Sustainability Demonstration House Tours
- The Office of Sustainability is located in the Sustainability Demonstration House at 12 Cragmor Village Road near The Lookout at Cragmor Apartments. The house features sustainability products and practices that students, faculty, and staff can consider for their current and future homes. Please take a look at the event section below to sign up for a tour of the house.
- UCCS Sustainability Minor
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Explore the interconnections between the environment, economy, and equity. Earn a credential that could give you a competitive advantage when applying for jobs. Receive course credit towards both your minor and major. Be sure to meet with an academic advisor before pursuing this minor. For more information, visit: https://sustainabilityminor.uccs.edu/requirements.
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Green Action Fund (GAF) Update | |
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Green Action Fund (GAF)
The Green Action Fund is the primary driver of sustainability on campus. The organization is supported by a fee of $5 per student per semester. GAF is managed by students and advised by a staff and faculty representative. The GAF Committee evaluates and awards funding to students, faculty, and staff sustainability projects based on these five pillars: Reduction of Ecological Footprint, Increased Student Involvement, Education and Outreach, Long-term feasibility, and Scope of Impact. Over the past ten years, GAF has awarded $1.6 million to over 160 infrastructure, research, and engagement projects.
Here are four ways to engage with us:
- Learn more about the Green Action Fund.
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Follow us on Instagram.
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Join us on Mountain Lion Connect.
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Visit our website.
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Attend a Green Action Fund General Meeting. The meetings are scheduled on the third Wednesday of the month from 8-10 a.m. at the Sustainability Demonstration House or on Teams. See the Events and Activities section below for more information.
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Join the Green Action Fund Committee. You will be able to learn about various sustainability projects and use GAF's five pillars to determine if they receive funding. You must be able to attend the monthly meetings on the third Wednesday from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Sustainability Demonstration House. Please complete this application to join the committee.
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Join a Green Action Fund Subcommittee. We have two subcommittees, one on improving our student outreach efforts and the other on preparing for the 2024 Student Government Elections. Please reach out to Kayla Williams to learn more about these subcommittees.
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Propose a Sustainability Project. The GAF Committee has decided to pause voting on new projects this semester to allow time to focus on recruiting members, obtain updates from active projects, and prepare for the Student Government Elections next spring. We are still accepting proposals to consider during the spring semester. You can send your proposals to our Grant Coordinator, Kayla Williams.
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Apply to become the next Green Action Fund Grant Coordinator. Well-qualified candidates are highly organized and have leadership and project management experience. The position pays $20 per hour for up to 25 hours per week and works at the Sustainability Demonstration House. The priority deadline to apply is October 23. To apply, log in to SEANS and search for this position.
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October Events And Activities | |
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Green Action Fund Committee General Meeting, Wednesday, October 18, 8 to 10 a.m., Sustainability Demonstration House and Microsoft Teams
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Join students as they decide what sustainability projects receive funding and how to increase awareness about the impact of these projects and opportunities for students to propose projects. To obtain the Microsoft Teams link, RSVP here: https://mlc.uccs.edu/event/9345049.
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DEI Inclusive Belonging Spotlight Series with the Office of Sustainability is Friday, October 13, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at University Center in Room 122. For more information, visit https://mlc.uccs.edu/event/9124120.
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The application deadline for the Green Action Fund Grant Coordinator is Monday, October 23, on SEANS.
- Please look at the Green Action Fund section above for more information.
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Sustainability Demonstration House Tour, Friday, October 27, 1 to 2 p.m., 12 Cragmor Village Road (near The Lookout at Cragmor Apartments)
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See all the sustainability products and practices featured at the UCCS' Sustainability Demonstration House. For example, learn about our solar energy, rubber shingles, and water-wise garden. RSVP by emailing sustain@uccs.edu.
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Featured Community Events | |
Creek Week Cleanup 10th Anniversary
Manitou Springs Indigenous Peoples’ Weekend 2023
- Who: All events are free to the community.
- What:
- Art Show and Gallery Opening
- Experience ‘Manitou—The Art of the Great Spirit’, an art show celebrating local artists from Manitou Springs. Join us for a FIRST FRIDAY ART EVENT showcasing the creative works of artists embedded in the Manitou community. Performance of 'Tada Tava—Planetary Pop Up Puppetry' with Kat Tudor & friends
- Ceremony & Presentation
- Laughing Waters Fountain Dedication with Celinda Kaelin, Kat Tudor, Buffalo Lodge Singers
- Food Offering, TeePee Room
- Tada Tava Puppet Presentation with Kat Tudor and friends
- Larry Cesspooch, Ute Creation Story followed by Bear and Round Dances
- Dancing & Drumming with Buffalo Lodge Singers
- Open Soak for Indigenous Peoples
- Ceremony: Planting of the Peace Tree
- Experience a profound 'Planting of the Peace Tree' ceremony led by Arrow Priest Joe David Osage—a symbolic gesture of unity and harmony.
- Potluck and Dance Performance
- Join us for the ‘Food from the Earth’ Potluck and Community event. Enjoy FREE Seven-Minute Stew and share in a heartfelt, vegan, gluten-free dish that embodies the spirit of the community. Purchase à la carte slow-cooked seasoned beef brisket, pulled pork, and chicken to compliment your meal. We also encourage you to bring a dish to share which embodies the spirit of togetherness. Larry Cesspooch will offer an opening blessing and share stories. Experience a performance by traditional Ute Host Nation Dancers.
- When: Friday, October 6th to Sunday, October 8th
- Where: Various locations in Manitou Springs
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For more information, visit https://fb.me/e/4ss3z0Ymz.
- Sponsored by the Manitou Springs Indigenous Peoples’ Day Committee. Made possible with a grant from the Manitou Springs MACH Committee, SunWater Spa, and Smokebrush Foundation for the Arts. Special thanks to the Manitou Cog Lodge.
October Sustainability in Progress Speaker Series: Colorado Clean Energy Legislation
Concrete Couch
- Who: Concrete Couch is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 with a mission to “work with kids and community groups to create public art, to build community, and to create environments and experiences that humanize our world.
- What: Concrete Couch offers fun, free, and fabulous programs for all ages throughout the month. Here is a list of their programs: Citizen Science, Tuesday Trails, Jam Band, Tree Care Program, Bike Program, Fab Lab, Grab Bag, and 2nd Saturday Sustainability Skill Share.
- When: Programs are offered throughout the month.
- Where: Concrete Coyote, 1100 South Royer Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
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For more information, visit http://www.concretecouch.org/.
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