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Publication UMass Amherst Solar Energy Plan(2013-01-01) Small, EzraThe Campus Sustainability Manager has drafted a solar energy plan for the core campus area. The plan looks at multiple types of solar installations such as ground mounted, roof mounted, and parking lot canopies as opportunities for helping the university in increasing it's renewable energy portfolio and meeting state mandates for renewable electricity generation.Publication UMass Amherst Climate Action Plan(2010-01-01) Stoffel, Josh; Parkin, BruceThe University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMA) recognizes that global climate change and other environmental challenges have become defining issues of our time. UMA continuously pursues research and education with a goal of providing a sustainable and climate neutral environment. We provide our students with groundbreaking courses and educational opportunities, our faculty with state-of-the-art research and development facilities and funding, and continually strive to reach out to other campuses and communities to develop collaborative solutions to sustainability issues. By discussing and examining the newest technologies, the latest environmental controversies, and potential solutions to the world’s environmental issues we are determined to achieve the goals set out in the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). In the classroom, through participation in experiential learning opportunities, and with an environmentally conscience staff, UMA actively pursues the tenants set forth in this Climate Action Plan (CAP).Publication UMass Amherst Climate Action Plan 2.0(2012-01-01) Small, EzraThe University of Massachusetts Amherst is committed to reducing the environmental impact of campus life and operations. The UMass Amherst Climate Action Plan (CAP), approved in 2010, was the first campus document to identify strategies to help the campus reach carbon neutrality by 2050, a goal to which former UMass President Jack M. Wilson committed the five UMass campuses in 2007 when he signed the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). In order to put this commitment into action, Former Chancellor Thomas Cole appointed the Environmental Performance Advisory Committee (EPAC) and charged the committee to implement campus sustainability projects and develop a Climate Action Plan (Chancellor Cole’s Letter: Appendix I). Having been guided by this initial plan for two years and having accomplished many of its initial objectives, EPAC began in February 2012 to prepare an updated CAP: this current document reviews those accomplishments, and presents a comprehensive plan for future sustainability efforts across all aspects of the Campus.Publication AASHE STARS Gold Report 2.0(2015-01-01) Small, Ezra; Nicolson, CraigPublication Progress Report for University of Massachusetts Amherst(2012-01-01) ACUPCC, American College & University Presidents Climate CommittmentThe Progress Report is intended to help signatories assess and track progress toward the goals outlined in their Climate Action Plans and to share that progress with their stakeholders and the general public.Publication STARS Report: Benchmarking Our Progress on Sustainability(2012-01-01) Nicolson, Craig; Sharnoff, Elena HarrietUMass Amherst is ranked in the top 10 research universities nationwide for its commitment to innovation and leadership in sustainability. The campus received a gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)’s Sustainability Tracking Assessment Rating System (STARS). Only 16 U.S. universities have received this distinction as of January 2012. The STARS rating recognizes the multifaceted accomplishments and initiatives on campus, ranging from curriculum and education to energy use, food services, and campus planning. This executive summary of UMass Amherst’s standing using the national standards set by AASHE demonstrates the breadth and scope of UMass strengths and indicates potential areas of growth.Publication Five College Blue Sky Report(2012-01-01) Hooker, Beth; Small, Ezra; Dizard, Jan; Darlington, Sue; Farnham, Tim; Benkley, JoanneThis report includes all of the proposals gathered as part of the Five College Directors’ sustainability initiative, “Blue Sky Brainstorm: Envisioning Sustainability for the Five Colleges and Beyond.” The proposals are arranged in the same order as the March 7, 2012 report, and each idea is linked to a full proposal. The Five College working committee includes Jan Dizard (Amherst College), Sue Darlington (Hampshire College), Tim Farnham (Mount Holyoke College), Joanne Benkley (Smith College), Ezra Small (UMass Amherst), and Beth Hooker (Five Colleges).Publication Bicycle Friendly University Feedback Report(2012-01-01) Small, EzraIn 2012 UMass Amherst applied to the Bicycle Friendly University rating system. The review committee was impressed with the growing commitment to make the University of Massachusetts at Amherst a great place for bicyclists. The Honorable Mention given by the reviewers reflects their view that some of the key building blocks of creating a Bicycle Friendly University are in place, but that some measures remain to be done. Highlights of the application includes the Bike Share program; the bike parking policy; students are allowed to park their bikes in their dorm rooms; on and off road cycling facilities; Share the Road signs; annual cyclocross tournament; bike rental; and the bike co-op. Reviewers were very pleased to see the current efforts and dedication to promote cycling for transportation and recreation. In this feedback report, reviewers provided key recommendations to further promote bicycling at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a menu of additional pro-cycling measures that can be implemented in the short and long term. BFU strongly encourage UMass Amherst to use this feedback to build on your momentum and improve your campus for cyclists. There may also be initiatives, programs, and facilities that are not mentioned here that would benefit your bicycling culture, so please continue to try new things to increase your ridership, safety, and awareness!Publication AASHE STARS Gold Report 2.2(2020-01-01) Small, Ezra; Connor Maresca, Darci; Schildbach, NatePublication 2023 Sustainability Report(2023-01-01) Rawson, MadelineBased on the Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS) Report (Rated Gold) published February 17, 2023, this report breaks sustainability down into twelve categories and articulates recommended next steps for each topic. Along with these detailed recommendations, there are three overarching steps that UMass Amherst can take to advance sustainability on campus quickly and efficiently. This report was designed and written by Madeline Rawson at GreenerU.Publication Sustainability Integration Project(2017-01-01) Small, EzraIn 2017 UMass Amherst Chancellor's Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC) identified 6 top strategic priorities for advancing sustainability through a planning process called the Sustainability Integration Project (SIP). The outcome of this plan has laid the foundation for strategic sustainability projects and planning initiatives at UMass Amherst over the last 3 years and will continue to do so beyond 2020.Publication AASHE STARS Gold Report(2011-01-01)Publication AASHE STARS Gold Report 2.1(2017-12-31) Small, Ezra; Nicolson, CraigPublication UMass System Policy on Sustainability (Board of Trustees Policy Statement)(2016-01-01) Small, EzraThe Sustainability Policy exemplifies the long-term commitment of the five campuses of UMass to be good stewards of fiscal and environmental resources. Our environmental responsibility is rooted in the University’s founding as a land-grant institution, designed to bolster good stewardship of land and industry as well as to serve the greater public good. With stewardship in mind, the efforts and achievements of each campus are celebrated while striving to be sustainability leaders, fulfilling our mission of advancing knowledge, and improving the lives of the people of the Commonwealth, nation, and world.Publication Campus Waste System Evaluation(2020-01-01)UMass contracted with DSM Environmental Services (DSM), with sub-contractors MSW Consultants (MSW) and Kessler Consulting, Inc. (KCI), together the Project Team, to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the UMass Amherst campus waste management and materials diversion system. The Project Team were required to conduct nine tasks as part of the comprehensive analysis, as summarized below: • Map the existing UMass waste and materials collection system; • Review the characteristics, procedures, schedules, and roles; • Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the current system; • Review existing waste generation and composition data, and conduct a campus-wide waste audit if the review indicated that additional data were necessary; • Evaluate the effectiveness of the current food waste diversion program and analyze the potential cost and effectiveness of expanding food diversion to residential life, academic and management buildings; • Evaluate the quality, message, and audience penetration of current UMass information efforts; • Develop a financial profile of the current system; and, • Assess the feasibility and cost associated with achieving a 70 or 90 percent diversion goal. This Summary Report reviews the major findings associated with each of these tasks. Detailed memorandums for each task have been provided to OWM in support of this summary report.Publication Sustainable UMass ADQUAD External Review Final Report(2014-01-01) Bentzin, Bonny; Koester, Robert; St. Clair, MattThrough the breadth and excellence of its operational and academic activities, the Sustainable UMass program has had considerable success in the past five years; achieving a position of prominence and leadership in the sustainability arena as reflected in national higher education awards. Remarkably, this has been spearheaded by a relatively small group of dedicated people working together as an informal, ad hoc coalition of personnel in Physical Plant, Campus Planning, Auxiliary Services, Transportation Services, the College of Natural Sciences, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the Isenberg School of Management, the Library, and University Relations, among others. However, as currently configured, this coalition alone will likely NOT be able to deliver the next level of necessary sustainability initiatives. For Sustainable UMass to maintain its front‐running status, a more supportive set of emergent organization practices and operational arrangements must be set in place along with a public commitment to sustainability to be made by the Chancellor and his leadership team. As noted in the Findings, Observations and Recommendations of this report, such transformation must be integrated with the university’s current planning process; specifically, the recommendations include: 1) structural reconfigurations; 2) new operational tactics; and 3) models of best practice (used at other campuses) which can assist in the development of the next steps in the Sustainable UMass program. Findings: The current successes of the Sustainable UMass program provide a platform from which to build; these include: Early leadership and commitments from pioneers within the organization in the areas of research, academic program development, and support departments. Investment in strengthening core campus facilities such as installation of the new Co‐Gen plant. Extensive student and cross‐departmental involvement. Forward thinking programs in food systems, permaculture and dining. A campus culture which values experiential learning, A nationally‐recognized Eco‐Rep program. An innovative sustainability program in library services.Publication Sustainable UMass ADQUAD External Review Final Presentation(2014-01-01) Bentzin, Bonny; Koester, Robert; St. Clair, MattPublication Feasibility Study for Siting Anaerobic Digestion Facility at UMass Amherst Campus(2013-01-01) Smith, CDM; Protection, Massachusetts Department of EnvironmentalFeasibility Study for possible AD facility at UMass Amherst: Includes Assessment of Proposed Site, Potential Organic Materials Quanitities and Characteristics, Conceptual Organics Processing Facilities, Project Pro Forma Financial Analysis and Conclusions.Publication Regional Bike Share in the Pioneer Valley Feasibility Study(2015-01-01) Planning Commission, Pioneer Valley; Feasibility Study Advisory Committee, Bike ShareThe Pioneer Valley region and its member communities are committed to creating more livable communities and downtowns, as well as reducing single occupancy vehicle trips and the resulting air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The region is working to increase alternative modes of transportation, including expanding infrastructure for biking, walking, bus and rail service. The region is also seeking to establish commuter rail service along the north-south Amtrak rail line serving Springfield, Holyoke and Northampton, and a bike share program could provide a complementary “last mile” component to this service.Publication UMass Amherst Comprehensive Campus Energy Master Plan(2015-01-01) Engineering, RMFThe following Comprehensive Campus Energy Plan is intended to provide the University of Massachusetts (UMass), Amherst Campus with a long range vision for efficient and reliable utility generation and delivery as well as effective energy conservation measures. While the plan is based upon a 50-year period, specific recommendations and upgrades are presented to address the short term needs associated with the 10-year capital plan.