Regents Meeting Roundup: Regents approve resolution on sustainability practices

Arend

The University of Colorado Board of Regents on Thursday, Nov. 12, approved a resolution that will require the university to seek cost and resource savings through greater sustainability efforts, including the implementation of green building standards when possible.

The resolution, introduced by Regent Michael Carrigan and approved by a 5-1 vote, encourages sustainability practices on a universitywide basis, and recognizes that CU already is an acknowledged national leader on environmental and sustainability efforts. Two regents were absent during the vote and one abstained.

Among other efforts, the resolution directs the president and chancellors to seek Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for campus buildings when possible.

CU has nine LEED-certified buildings, and at least a dozen more projects on all four campuses are on track to receive gold or platinum certification. The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program is the nation's benchmark for green construction.

The resolution also encourages the university's commitment to the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, and directs the president to ensure that the campuses complete the development of their respective plans to achieve climate neutrality by June 30. It also directs the president to work with the chancellors to incorporate their plans into the Governor's Colorado Climate Action Plan and the Greening of State Government Executive Orders.

Cambier

In other business, the regents on Wednesday, Nov. 11, received an annual financial aid report from Kelly Fox, vice president and chief financial officer, as part of an overall budget status report. On Thursday, they recognized new School of Medicine Distinguished Professors William P. Arend, M.D., and John Cambier, Ph.D., and Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance Teresa Berryman, who is retiring after many years of service.

Before their regular meeting Thursday, President Bruce D. Benson, board members and other university officials attended a breakfast presentation by the Aurora Public School Board. Superintendent John L. Barry, board President Matt Cook and other board members shared their vision for the future of Aurora Public Schools, and touched on partnership opportunities with CU, including efforts to implement a health-care track for elementary through high school students.

Among other items, the regents this week approved:

• A resolution calling for the addition of a new section under regent policy that guides tuition, fees, scholarships and loans; the section will require a majority vote by students to approve any new fees to finance long-term debt for construction or remodeling of academic and/or athletic buildings. Next month, the regents are scheduled to receive a comprehensive analysis of student fee structures on all four campuses.
• A resolution exempting the university from state travel policies, as provided by state law; the resolution will enable CU to achieve greater administrative efficiency and cost savings by setting its own travel policies.
• Ongoing discussion of a draft of the university's mission statement is scheduled for the Nov. 18 meeting of the laws and policies committee.