| Title: | The University of Connecticut Sustainable Design and Construction Policy |
|---|---|
| Policy Owner: | Office of Sustainability |
| Applies to: | Any building construction or renovation project entering the predesign phase, whenever estimated project cost exceeds $5 million |
| Campus Applicability: | All Campuses |
| Effective Date: | June 29, 2016 |
| For More Information, Contact | Director of the Office of Sustainability |
| Contact Information: | (860) 486-8741 |
| Official Website: | http://ecohusky.uconn.edu |
The University of Connecticut shall plan, design, construct, renovate and maintain sustainable, energy- and water-efficient buildings that:
- Yield cost savings through lowered lifetime costs,
- Provide enhanced learning atmospheres for students and healthier environments for all building occupants and visitors, and
- Realize the University’s commitment to responsible growth and environmental stewardship.
Accordingly, for any building construction or renovation project entering the pre-design planning phase, and whenever the estimated total project cost exceeds $5 million, excluding the cost of equipment other than building systems, the University shall establish the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Gold rating as a minimum performance requirement.
The University shall comply with all applicable LEED protocols, including registering the project with the US Green Building Council at the beginning of the design phase and applying for LEED certification at project completion. Provided, however, if the administrative costs of LEED certification, including project registration fees, and documentation and monitoring costs, incurred exclusively for the purpose of achieving certification, are reasonably expected to exceed $50,000 for any project, the University shall inform the University’s Board of Trustees (acting through its Building, Grounds & Environment Committee) and seek approval to pursue certification.
The University may exempt a project from the minimum performance requirements of this policy only with the approval of the University’s Board of Trustees (acting through its Building, Grounds & Environment Committee). To attain such exemption, and in addition to complying with procedures specified for a similar exemption pursuant to any applicable state law or regulation, the University shall prepare a written analysis substantiating that the costs of achieving LEED certification would significantly outweigh the benefits.
Policy Created: March 13, 2007*
Policy Revised: June 29, 2016*
*Approved by the Board of Trustees