University of Wisconsin’s Green Master Plan (2003)
In 2003, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh announced an ambitious Green Master Plan as part of its evolution as a green campus.
The Green Master Plan of 2003 is composed of six principles.
- applying Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) principles in construction
- promoting a pedestrian and bicycle friendly environment
- conserving and enhancing natural areas of the campus landscape
- emphasizing re-use rather than building new
- maximizing energy conservation and promoting the use of Green Power
- minimizing all forms of pollution and conserving resources.
Applying LEED principles in construction may include the construction of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center as well as the renovations that are planned for Taylor Hall.
In order to promote a pedestrian and bicycle friendly environment, we may close Algoma and reroute of traffic onto Pearl, close a section of Elmwood to create Residence Life pedestrian quad, and create of a Campus Parking Plan, which would emphasize on maximizing green space by removing small parking lots and constructing two parking ramps.
Some proposed ideas that would help conserve and enhance the natural areas of the campus landscape include the purchase of the 12.3 acre Allen Marsh, the establishment of a native prairie, and the purchase of the Axle-Tech property. This would open up the Fox River waterfront and result in additional green space.
The Halsey Science Renovation is a good example of re-use rather than building things new. This includes $16.6 million versus new construction costing $40.1 million. Another idea is a $686,000 renovation of the old Field Studies Building in order to create the Center for Aquatic Studies. This would result in a $240,000 savings over new construction as well as avoiding extensive demolition that would add to landfill contribution. The proposed Campus Exterior Lighting Renovation would involve reusing and refurbishing existing light poles resulting in a savings of $312,200. New fixtures used would also have night sky shields to prevent light pollution and they are more energy efficient than the old fixtures.
Implementing Green Master Plan would continue our effort to maximize energy conservation in all facilities and promote the use of green power. Current energy saving techniques have saved approximately 563,017 kilowatt hours at a cost of approximately $27,587 of electricity annually. This has resulted in reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 844,526 pounds per year, reduced sulfur dioxide emissions by 3,265,499 grams per year, as well as reduced nitrous oxide emissions by 1,407,543. In 2003, UW Oshkosh agreed to purchase 3% of its annual energy expenditure from wind and biomass resources in Wisconsin, making this university the largest purchaser of Green Power in Wisconsin. The construction of a heat plant stack emission control system may help to minimize all forms of pollution and conserve resources. The $2.8 million system will filter particulates expelled from the boilers. Construction is planned for the Summer 2004.
The Plan calls for a campus water conservation program, which involves the replacement of 1,006 old toilets that use 3.24 to 4.50 gallons per flush with modern 1.6 gpf toilets. The installation of 1,181 low flow restrictors and applicable adaptors onto threaded faucets would also help with water conservation. Water consumption would be reduced by 24,483,298 gallons per year. At $5.35 per 1000 gallons, that translates to $130,985.64 per year savings, plus $4,594 in hot water heating fuel savings.
The Plan also calls for Green Partnerships with both internal and external organizations. Some internal partnerships include UW Oshkosh Foundation, the System Administration, and the Department of Administration. Some external partnerships include Wisconsin Public Service (WPS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the City of Oshkosh, numerous contractors, and several architects and engineers. However, our most important partnership is the partnerships created with faculty and students. Academically, a new Environmental Studies Major was approved by the Board of Regents June 7, 2002. In terms of campus facilities, students have an ongoing campus environmental audit of facilities.
