SCUP
 

Learning Resources

Your Higher Education Planning Library

Combine search terms, filters, institution names, and tags to find the vital resources to help you and your team tackle today’s challenges and plan for the future. Get started below, or learn how the library works.

FOUND 106 RESOURCES

REFINED BY:

  • Tags: Mixed-UsexZero Net Energy (ZNE)xOriginal Researchx

Clear All
ABSTRACT:  | 
SORT BY:  | 
Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
June 17, 2025

Featured Image

Planning for ‘Passivhaus’

The University of Cambridge, King’s College Addresses Student Well-Being with Energy-Efficient Graduate Housing

By: Laurie Hallows, MSc, and Matthew Traub, MArch

King’s College, Cambridge required new postgraduate housing to support its growth plans.

From Volume 53 Number 3 | April–June 2025

Abstract: King’s College, Cambridge required new postgraduate housing to support its growth plans. The design team collaborated closely with college stakeholders, including the prospective residents, to research all aspects of the proposals—brief, spaces, structure, and services—early in the process. That research provided a comparison of environmental methods that ranged from a regulatory baseline to a certified Passivhaus approach. The holistic “fabric-first” standard delivers highly efficient, low-energy buildings with high-quality construction and occupant comfort. The metrics fed into a cost-benefit analysis of capital cost vis-a-vis energy reduction to determine the long-term value of each approach.

Member Price:
Free  | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Conference Presentations,Conference Recordings

Published
June 4, 2025

Featured Image

Achieving Net-zero Emissions With No Capital and No Debt

By: Matt Milovick, Vice-President, Thompson Rivers University | Samson Tam, Director of Development, Creative Energy

The reduction of campus carbon emissions requires large investments in infrastructure, which is challenged by the realities of budgetary pressures.
Abstract: The reduction of campus carbon emissions requires large investments in infrastructure, which is challenged by the realities of budgetary pressures. However, climate action doesn't have to come at the expense of an institution's core mission. Thompson Rivers University is transforming their campus infrastructure for net-zero emissions and a healthier environment without expending capital or taking on debt. This session will cover a novel procurement model along with a pathway to net-zero emissions that you can replicate on your own campus, providing you with the tools you need to take climate action now.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Report

Published
May 23, 2025

Featured Image

The Future of University Planning in 2040 (and Beyond)

I Used Foresight Analysis to Help SCUP Look Ahead, Adapt, and Innovate

By: Lisa Jasinski, PhD, President, Associated Colleges of the Midwest

This is a SCUP FellowResearch Project Final Report for the 2023–2024 program. This report explores how foresight analysis can be used to prepare and plan for uncertain futures in higher education.
Abstract: In this SCUP fellowship project, Lisa Jasinski applies strategic foresight methods to explore what university planning could look like in 2040—and how we can better prepare for it today.

Informed by environmental scanning, futures thinking, and stakeholder engagement with SCUP members and campus leaders, she developed four plausible scenarios grounded in current trends such as AI, climate change, political polarization, and declining public trust. These scenarios aren’t predictions; they are planning tools that help teams and organizations stress-test strategies, surface assumptions, and engage in meaningful future-focused conversations.

Member Price:
Free

Non-Member Price:
Free

Conference Presentations

Published
April 7, 2025

Going All Electric: Creating A Catalyst for Campus Decarbonization

Abstract: The development of campus facilities, particularly research buildings, conflicts with the rise of decarbonization requirements to support a safe, healthy environment. We'll showcase a project that achieved balance by incorporating electric heating while enabling a campuswide transformation. Columbia University's sustainability plan aims for net-zero emissions and stands committed to responsible design and construction. The team behind the Vagelos Innovation Labs created a framework for the 2030 decarbonization plan, leading to New York City's first all-electric lab. Come learn how to navigate the visioning and execution of complex decarbonization projects, including the importance of an integrated approach from procurement through design.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Presentations

Published
April 3, 2025

Achieving Net-zero Emissions With No Capital and No Debt

Abstract: The reduction of campus carbon emissions requires large investments in infrastructure, which is challenged by the realities of budgetary pressures. However, climate action doesn't have to come at the expense of an institution's core mission. Thompson Rivers University is transforming their campus infrastructure for net-zero emissions and a healthier environment without expending capital or taking on debt. This session will cover a novel procurement model along with a pathway to net-zero emissions that you can replicate on your own campus, providing you with the tools you need to take climate action now.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
March 4, 2025

Collaborative Planning Deepens Town-Gown Relationships

Carlow University Develops a Best-Practice Framework with the City of Pittsburgh

By: Lisa Witzig, PhD, EdD, Michelle Figlar, EdD, and Joy Pugh, EdD

Implementing a four-quadrant assessment of purposeful communication, participatory engagement, collaborative planning, and shared resources produced actionable, impactful, and relevant improvement recommendations for the urban university.

From Volume 53 Number 2 | January–March 2025

Abstract: The president of Carlow University identified the university’s town-gown relationships as needing assessment as the institution embarked on a significant campus revitalization that required close coordination with the City of Pittsburgh. We developed a four-quadrant framework of best practices based on an extensive literature review. To assess town-gown interactions against the framework, we interviewed city and higher education leaders, reviewed the City of Pittsburgh’s and university documents, and analyzed the university’s social media presence. Our process generated specific, actionable recommendations that resulted in the university reorganizing senior leadership position descriptions and responsibilities, revamping its social media strategy, and aligning organizational efforts to increase its visibility.

Member Price:
Free  | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Conference Presentations,Conference Recordings

Published
July 23, 2024

Complexity and Contradiction: Integrating Decarbonization Planning and Actions

By: Jennifer Garman, Architect | Jeffrey Mandyck, Principal | Marc Partridge, University Architect, Capital Project Management | Shane Stennes, Chief Sustainability Officer

Campus decarbonization requires flexible and adaptable approaches at all scales. Determining the appropriate mix of action plans helps campuses prepare for an increasing number of existing building performance and carbon reduction policies.
Abstract: Campus decarbonization requires flexible and adaptable approaches at all scales. Determining the appropriate mix of action plans helps campuses prepare for an increasing number of existing building performance and carbon reduction policies. The University of Minnesota's (U of M) multi-campus system, one of the largest in the U.S., is planning and taking actions to become net zero. This unconventional approach addresses decarbonization across regional climates, campus-systems, and building scales. In this session, we'll provide transferrable decarbonization planning processes, best practices, and lessons learned from actions across geographical regions, diverse campus-wide energy systems, and existing facilities net zero strategies.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Recordings

Published
July 23, 2024

Planning, Designing, and Delivering a Fully-electric Dormitory in Toronto

By: Jennifer Adams Peffer, Campus Architect/Director of Architecture, Planning & Project Development | Steve Donnelly, Associate Principal | Michael Faustini, Project Director | Deborah Moelis, Principal

Buildings are a major source of carbon emissions.
Abstract: Buildings are a major source of carbon emissions. Campuses need solutions for meeting rigorous energy goals while capturing programmatic needs, improving occupant health and wellness, and meeting bottom-line financial requirements. What are the key steps in planning and delivering a fully-electric, highly-sustainable student residence, dining, and services building? Using the Harmony Commons at the University of Toronto-Scarborough (UTSC) as a case study, we'll share planning perspectives from administrative, financial, design, and construction standpoints. This session will raise awareness of available solutions for planning and building an all-electric building and provide a pathway for success through integrated planning.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Presentations

Published
July 23, 2024

Finding Innovation in the ‘Space Between’

By: Jim Taylor, University Architect | Chip Trageser, Partner | Mrinalini Verma, Associate, Sustainability

As the University of Houston (UH) plans for its second century, the campus is looking to the 'space between' buildings, such as landscape and public space, for innovative opportunities to expand cross-disciplinary discovery.
Abstract: As the University of Houston (UH) plans for its second century, the campus is looking to the 'space between' buildings, such as landscape and public space, for innovative opportunities to expand cross-disciplinary discovery. This session will share how and why UH is remaking its arrival experience, central quad, and campus woodlands to foster social, physical, and mental wellbeing for the campus community. We'll discuss how to balance a 100-year stewardship planning framework with the pace of accelerated research and new buildings, demonstrating how both frames of reference can contribute to a campus's strategic objectives and an innovation mindset.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Presentations

Published
July 22, 2024

Transforming Streets into Bustling Places for Campus Life

By: Adriana Akers, Associate | Aaron Olsen, Assistant Director | Lara Rose, Principal

Many institutions are rethinking the presence of vehicles on campus and facing a need for more sustainable and multi-purpose circulation spaces.
Abstract: Many institutions are rethinking the presence of vehicles on campus and facing a need for more sustainable and multi-purpose circulation spaces. Once a traditional city street running through the University of Oregon campus, this session will examine Thirteenth Avenue's re-imagining as a multi-modal open space that supports student life. This is a transformative concept grounded in rigorous analysis and integrated planning. We'll encourage you to think critically about existing campus corridors, renew circulation systems and residual open spaces to support student life, and inform design approaches to your unique campus development challenges.

Member Price:
Free  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

  • Page    of 11