Approved by the:	University Senate May 15, 1997

WHEREAS, the University has established a tradition of energy conservation and a concern for the environmental impact of its actions, and

WHEREAS, the issue of energy conservation has become of critical importance in decisions on the purchase and operation of University properties, and

WHEREAS, the issue of global climatic change has emerged as an issue of paramount concern in the scientific community, and

WHEREAS, President Clinton has pledged that the USA should stabilize its emission of greenhouse gases at 1990 levels by the year 2000, and

WHEREAS, the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Urban CO₂ Project Plan offers a framework for substantially reducing metropolitan CO₂ emissions,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE UNIVERSITY SENATE RECOMMENDS:

That the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota adopt as University policy the consideration of conservation of energy resources in the purchase and operation of University properties, and

That the Board of Regents should reaffirm the University's commitment to conserve natural resources in the construction, renovation, and maintenance of University structures for the optimal utilization of space in all future buildings and building site plans, and

That the Board of Regents should reaffirm the University's commitments to pollution reduction and waste abatement programs.

• I. Guidelines for Internal Energy Use
  • A. Reduce energy loss in all University -owned and leased buildings
    • a. inventory current energy use
    • b. initiate retrofit programs on existing buildings
    • c. continue participation in EPA's 'Green Lights' and 'Energy Star Buildings' and Demand Side Management programs
    • d. evaluate energy and environmental costs of renovation versus rebuilding

  • B. Expand installation of centralized cooling systems serving multiple University buildings (they offer increased operating efficiencies and economies of scale)

  • C. Reduce energy use in other University operations through investment and purchasing decisions:
    • a. by introduction of new energy technologies (establish partnerships with utilities, businesses, and other governmental agencies to research and make available information on the latest technologies)
    • b. by creation of an Energy Investment Fund, to help implement funding for energy-saving programs

  • D. Promote solid waste reduction and recycling programs at the University

  • E. Reduce energy use and emissions in University's fleet of vehicles
    • a. encourage increased efficiency and use of alternative fuels
    • b. promote the purchase of vehicles with low CO₂ emissions
    • c. reevaluate current fuel efficiency standards for all University vehicles; increase standards where necessary

  • F. Increase public transit ridership
    • a. support municipal and other initiatives for increasing public ridership by University faculty, staff and students living in nearby urban areas
    • b. support U-Pass program

  • G. Increase multiple occupancy vehicle commuting
    • a. continue and expand incentives for car-pooling by staff and students
    • b. lower the parking fees for multiple occupancy vehicles

  • H. Support and extend Campus Connector and Campus Circulator bus services.

  • I. Aggressively promote bicycling as a major transportation mode
    • a. augment bicycle user-friendly policies, such as increased bicycle racks
    • b. introduce lockable racks
    • c. expand sheltered bike parking areas
    • d. introduce restricted campus bicycle lanes and paths.

  • J. Provide still more local energy-efficient housing for off-campus students
    • a. support low rent incentives
    • b. modernize amenities

• II. Guidelines for External Energy Use

  The University Board of Regents should encourage expanded use of renewable and low-carbon sources of energy production by its suppliers:

  • A. Encourage use of natural gas in addition to coal and oil in steam plant operations

  • B. Maximize steam plant efficiency by including cogeneration of electricity in steam plant operations

  • C. Encourage expansion of wind power as an energy source in NSP's and other supplier's service areas

  • D. Encourage implementation of biomass as an energy source
    • a. support and encourage the joint NSP/University biomass project
    • b. support implementation of biomass processing for energy production