Office of Environmental Policy

The University of Connecticut Sustainable Design and Construction (LEED Policy)

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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

Environmental Policy Statement

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Title: Environmental Policy Statement
Policy Owner: Office of Sustainability
Applies to: Faculty, Staff, Students, Senior Administrators
Campus Applicability:  Storrs based system
Effective Date: January 2007
For More Information, Contact Office of Sustainability
Contact Information: (860) 486-8741
Official Website: http://ecohusky.uconn.edu

In fulfilling its mission as Connecticut’s land grant, public research university and its corresponding obligation to protect and preserve natural resources for an environmentally sustainable future, the University of Connecticut commits to the following principles of environmental leadership:

Performance: The University will institutionalize best practices, comply with environmental laws, regulations and standards, and continually monitor, report on and improve its environmental performance.

Responsible management and growth: The University will endeavor to design, construct and maintain its buildings, infrastructure and grounds in a manner that ensures environmental sustainability and protects public health and safety.

Outreach: The University will promote environmental stewardship in Connecticut and embrace environmental initiatives in partnership with its surrounding communities.

Academics: The University will advance understanding of the environment through its curriculum, research and other academic programs, and will employ an ethic of environmental stewardship in all intellectual pursuits.

Conservation: The University will conserve natural resources, increase its use of environmentally sustainable products, materials and services, including renewable resources, and prevent pollution and minimize wastes through reduction, reuse and recycling.

Teamwork: The University will encourage teamwork and provide groups and individuals with support, guidance and recognition for achieving shared environmental goals.
Adopted April 22, 2004 (rev. Jan. 2007)