University's Eco-Focus Is Both Global and Local
I was encouraged to read the concern for the environment expressed by your editorial staff ("UConn Needs To Focus On Local Environment," April 2). This is another indication that environmental awareness is on the rise at UConn. On the other hand, several of the points made in your commentary are misleading or inaccurate. I can assure you that UConn is very focused on local environmental issues, and President Hogan's recent pledge for UConn to comply with the requirements of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (PCC) can only serve to sharpen this focus.
In 2004, UConn adopted an Environmental Policy clearly stating our commitment to protecting the local environment. Since then, numerous UConn workgroups, organized under the auspices of the nearly 30-member Environmental Policy Advisory Council (EPAC) and consisting of interested UConn students, faculty and staff, have driven many campus environmental sustainability initiatives that substantiate this policy. Rather than list those initiatives, which are well-documented on our Web site ecohusky.uconn.edu, I'll address a few of the specific claims in your editorial.
First, because UConn is the water supplier for the Storrs campus, we are keenly aware of the impacts our system can have on natural resources and have made water conservation a top priority. It's true that UConn's pumping of our drinking water supply wells near the Fenton River had an adverse impact on the Fenton and its aquatic life during the 2005 drought. But since then, we've learned a lot about the relationship between our use of those wells and streamflow, and have made good progress in reducing those impacts. UConn now monitors flow rate in the Fenton using an automatic stream gauge installed in the river. When the flow rate drops below specified levels, we ratchet down pumping from those wells, and even stop pumping them altogether. For example, during the drought last summer and fall, UConn did not pump from the Fenton wells from late July until the winter months, when we were assured that flows in the river had returned to normal. Over the past two years, the University has also made substantial investments in improvements to the water supply system and distribution infrastructure, which, along with a stronger leak detection and repair program, have further reduced our demand for water by about 150,000 gallons a day.
Meanwhile, UConn has raised individual awareness and promoted behavioral changes that are essential to overall water conservation efforts. During last semester's EcoMadness inter-dorm energy and water conservation competition, residents of Hanks Hall reduced their water use by 50 percent and "Stop the Drop" signs posted in residence halls make it easy for students to report leaky faucets, showers and toilets. Looking to the future, UConn has just completed a study that identifies a number of promising ways to reduce water usage through fixture retrofits, installations and maintenance practices in buildings across campus. We're even considering an innovative water reclamation project that could save 400,000 gallons of drinking water a day. The plan is to reuse effluent from UConn's sewage treatment plant at the cogeneration facility or for athletic field irrigation, where potable water is not needed.
Second, UConn is committed to responsible growth. We've set aside areas to be left undeveloped such as the 64-acre preservation area north of the former UConn landfill, which is unofficially named the Hillside Environmental Education Park. One might also review UConn's Sustainable Design Guidelines for a laudable set of environmentally responsible goals and strategies for development. Or check out the University's East Campus Master Plan of Conservation & Development for specific land preservation objectives. These planning standards protect natural resources throughout the 886-acres of farmland around Horsebarn Hill and the woodlands in the Fenton Tract of the UConn forest. These documents are posted on our Web site.
In addition, UConn is committed to low-impact development (LID) designs such as rain gardens like those currently in place at Hilltop apartments and Towers, and the green roof to be installed later this spring on the Gant Plaza. LID designs will mitigate the effects of impervious cover (i.e., streets, parking lots, sidewalks and rooftops) and reduce stormwater runoff and the associated pollution of rivers, streams and ponds on our campus. UConn was also among the first public universities in the nation to adopt a green building policy that requires certification at the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Silver rating level as a minimum performance standard for new construction and major renovation projects. This will ensure not only more LID installations but also buildings that are as much as 40 percent more energy and water-efficient than is required by conventional construction codes.
Lastly, while the signing of the PCC is aimed at the issue of global warming, the most notable environmental benefits from reducing UConn's greenhouse gas emissions will be realized locally. This is because greenhouse gas emissions and other local environmental issues are closely linked. For example, conserving water and more efficiently heating and cooling our buildings cuts our energy use (and costs) and results in reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The PCC gives UConn even more reason to conserve water and improve the efficiency of our utilities and buildings. And how about local air quality and personal health? Fewer cars on the roads, more bicycles, buses running on vegetable oil, and more local food all would be beneficial to the local environment while also helping UConn meet the obligations of the PCC. In fact, President Hogan's signing of the PCC is a perfect example of thinking globally and acting locally.
- Richard Miller,
Director,
Office of Environmental Policy
© Copyright 2008 The Daily Campus
