Campus Sustainability

Sustainability – UMKC Style

UMKC’s students, instructors and staff members are encouraged to be mindful of the economic and environmental impact of their lives, so we as planners must ask no less of ourselves. If UMKC is Kansas City’s major research university, it must also be Kansas City’s friend, ensuring a quality of life at the same time it educates a talented workforce.

Energy Management

In 2007, Burns & McDonnell Engineering entered into a performance contract with UMKC to design and build energy-saving features for existing and future buildings. This contract pays for itself with the savings from such measures as efficient lighting; better exhaust air and lab controls; plumbing that conserves water; and night set-backs for heating and cooling. This project also results in savings for the environment as about 11,706 tons of CO2 emissions are eliminated. This is equivalent to eliminating almost 2,000 SUV’s or planting 35,000 trees.

Building Design

UMKC adheres to new building energy standards developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc., the same standards practiced by the State of Missouri. Standards include efficient insulation and glazing; heat recovery; occupancy sensors for light and temperature control; and improved electric motors.

Designs for the New Student Union and Oak Street West Residence Hall are in line with the US Green Building Council LEED certification requirements.

At the Miller Nichols Library, Phase II of the new expansion adds an Interactive Learning Center to the existing building. Natural lighting will lessen the need for costly and heat-generating electric fixtures. The design makes possible 23% more classroom space in the core campus, therefore reducing student and faculty travel to classes.

During Phase I, a high-density system for storage and retrieval of material is being installed so books and other research materials are easily accessible at all times, yet stored in a climate controlled environment that is more efficient to operate than open stack space. The Library also serves as the location for a central heating plant for the east side of the campus and these systems will be upgraded to more energy efficient and lower polluting systems with the Phase II project.

Recycling

Since 2005, UMKC’s Volker campus has been recycling cardboard, paper, aluminum, plastic and scrap metal. The same program was instituted on the Hospital Hill campus in 2007. In total, 388 tons of materials have been recycled and air, water, trees and other plants spared harm. Assistance came from Bridging the Gap, a Kansas City environmental agency; the Missouri Department of Natural Resources; and the Mid-America Regional Council.

Green Cleaning Materials

Biodegradable and environmentally safe glass cleaner, disinfectant and general cleaners are used by housekeeping and other maintenance crews.

Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Electric carts have been purchased to replace two cars used on campus. When possible, UMKC will buy its own E-85 vehicles and provide the appropriate fuel for these flexible-fuel cars.

Bike Commute Program

UMKC took delivery of 26 brand-new bicycles on Aug. 6, 2008, as part of a bike commute initiative. The bikes will be loaned out and bike racks will be installed where needed most on campus. The Missouri Department of Transportation is supporting the effort with a 2-year grant; and Bridging the Gap is assisting UMKC.