Learning Resources

Financial Planning for Central Utility Plant Decarbonization

Divide and Conquer the Lift Across Different Funding Options

By: Andrew Honeyman, BSME, and Paul Graves, BSME

Vital stakeholder feedback and consensus from various university departments reveal the proper approach to building issues. Institutions such as the University of North Dakota used technical planning to produce well-informed financial modeling and right-sized financial plans.

From Volume 52 Number 2 | January–March 2024

Abstract: Implementing central utility plant (CUP) decarbonization projects requires strategic financial planning, collaboration, and consensus-building from the entire university community. This article describes gathering support from facilities management, executive staff, and lawmakers through technical and financial charrettes. Learn how technical planning produces well-informed financial modeling and right-sized financial plans, and how shared planning between design teams and facility planners creates tailored funding options, including IRA incentives, to fund decarbonization.

Institutions Mentioned: University of North Dakota, Kentucky State University
Tags: Alignment, Carbon Neutral, Energy Infrastructure, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Funding, Facilities Planning, Public-Private Partnerships (P3), Sustainability (Environmental)

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 5, 2024

Planning and Implementing the Sustainable Campus of the Future

By: Nicole Holmes, Nitsch Engineering | Thomas Nyquist, Princeton University | Daniel O’Shaughnessy, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP | Natalie Shivers, Princeton University

Integrated planning and design that optimizes development capacity and leverages campus growth can help institutions achieve ambitious resilience goals for net-zero energy and resource conservation for a healthier, more sustainable environment. This session will discuss Princeton University’s ongoing efforts to support an ambitious capital plan, address deferred maintenance, advance climate solutions, and maximize use of campus lands. The path to a sustainable campus future will require institutions to go beyond business-as-usual planning to rethink campus infrastructure—particularly energy, stormwater, and landscapes—and activate high-performance sites and buildings.

Abstract: Integrated planning and design that optimizes development capacity and leverages campus growth can help institutions achieve ambitious resilience goals for net-zero energy and resource conservation for a healthier, more sustainable environment. This session will discuss Princeton University’s ongoing efforts to support an ambitious capital plan, address deferred maintenance, advance climate solutions, and maximize use of campus lands. The path to a sustainable campus future will require institutions to go beyond business-as-usual planning to rethink campus infrastructure—particularly energy, stormwater, and landscapes—and activate high-performance sites and buildings.

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Overcoming a $90M Budget Overage in Vanderbilt University’s Residential Colleges

A Multifaceted Team Worked Collaboratively to Stem Overruns

By: David Bailey, BA, AIA, LEED AP, and Walt Massey, BA

The University, architects, engineers, strategic planning consultants, and contractor teams worked hand in hand to peel back the onion to stem the overruns.

From Volume 52 Number 1 | October–December 2023

Abstract: When Vanderbilt University began seeing signs that cost escalation, scope additions, campus requirements, and authentic Collegiate Gothic architecture for their proposed new residence halls were all pressuring the budget, a multifaceted team worked collaboratively and arduously to stem the overruns.

Institutions Mentioned: Vanderbilt University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Academic Facility, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Implementation, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Mixed-Use, Modifying the Plan, Project Management, Project Management / Delivery, Student Housing

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Example Plans

Published
November 13, 2023

Example Plan

Private Doctoral/Research University (Maryland, United States)

The research university’s 2023 strategic plan.

Planning Types: Strategic Planning
Tags: Academic Planning, Academic Program Review, Alignment, Community Engagement, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Faculty, Goals, Graduate Degree Program, Learning Environments, Strategies and Tactics, Sustainability (Environmental), Town and Gown

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Blog Post

Published
November 10, 2023

Integrated Planning at Nicolet College

Two Attendees Share Their Perspectives on the SCUP North Central 2023 Conference Presentation

By: Mai Sleem, MBA, Qatar University | Janet Lebeda, EdD, Wayne State College

During “Horizons 2025: Integrated Planning at Nicolet College,” presented at SCUP North Central 2023 Regional Conference, presenters Christin Van Kauwenberg, director of business intelligence, and Erika Warning-Meyer, chief of staff, described how the community college implemented integrated planning. Two conference attendees share the insights and ideas that resonated with them.

Institutions Mentioned: Nicolet Area Technical College
Planning Types: Strategic Planning, Academic Planning
Tags: Alignment, Community College, Educational Master Plan, Implementation, Planning Processes

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Webinar Recordings

Published
October 25, 2023

Achieving Big Carbon Reduction Goals With Small Targeted Building Actions

By: Rebecca Berry, AIA, LEED AP, Finegold Alexander Architects | Lara Pfadt, AIA, LEED AP, CPHC, Finegold Alexander Architects | Michelle Maheu, Wellesley College | Jess Farber, PE, WELL AP, CMTA

This session will provide insight on useful data types for existing building stock and a process for existing conditions exploration to address carbon neutral goals and deferred maintenance within time and budget constraints.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Carbon Neutral, Deferred Maintenance, Facilities Planning, Sustainability (Environmental)

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Decarb Buy-in: Creating a Culture of Decarbonization

By: Lilian Asperin, WRNS | Lisa Dulude, University of Washington | Debra Smith, University of California Davis | Lindsey Rowell, California State University

Decarbonization requires thinking big and working together. Universities are uniquely positioned to model innovative planning approaches to decarbonization, revealing what’s possible at different scales, from individuals to broader organizations.

Abstract: Decarbonization sits at the nexus of integrated planning. Gain buy-in by engaging students, faculty, staff, industry partners, and the broader community across all campus facets to create a culture of decarbonization that yields tangible outcomes. Decarbonization requires thinking big and working together. Universities are uniquely positioned to model innovative planning approaches to decarbonization, revealing what’s possible at different scales, from individuals to broader organizations. Attendees will gain tools for implementing decarbonization plans aligned with institutional missions. Develop strategies to build consensus, align on priorities, think big, and create a culture of decarbonization defined by new models of practice.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Carbon Neutral, Engaging Stakeholders, Sustainability (Environmental), Zero Net Energy (ZNE)

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Analyzing Existing Campus Space for Hybrid Teaching and Learning

A Step-by-Step Process Helps Planners Reconceptualize Classrooms

By: Aiman Khamitova, EdD, Luis R. Rojas-Solórzano, PhD, and Ines Russinho Mouga, MSc

In the aftermath of COVID-19, Nazarbayev University (Kazakhstan) rethought learning spaces, adapting them to the good practices that were used during the period of solely online teaching.

From Volume 51 Number 4 | July–September 2023

Abstract: This article describes the step-by-step process of campus space reconceptualization. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a need to rethink learning spaces and adapt them to some of the good practices used during the solely online teaching period. Through cross-functional collaboration and joint governance, a purposefully established task force audited all classrooms at Nazarbayev University (Kazakhstan). It came up with short-term and long-term recommendations. The audit results and recommendations outlined in this article might be useful to university administration and leadership interested in campus repurposing due to pandemic effects on teaching and new formats like hybrid learning that have influenced instruction.

Institutions Mentioned: Nazarbayev University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: COVID-19, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Hybrid Learning, Learning Environments, Online Learning, Renovation, Space Assessment, Teaching and Learning

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Integrated Planning Competencies

By: SCUP

This toolkit details the competencies—knowledge, dispositions, and skills—an individual needs to perform integrated planning in higher education.

Abstract: Build Capacity for Integrated Planning

Whether you’re preparing a committee for an upcoming planning process or simply looking for directions for your own professional development, the Integrated Planning Competencies can help you determine the knowledge, skills, and dispositions your institution needs to advance integrated planning.

Integrated planning requires building capacity in the people who do planning so they have the necessary knowledge and skills for success. But higher education institutions that focus only on developing planning-related expertise often face hurdles when they attempt integrated planning. Why? Because colleges and universities are complex environments and using an integrated planning approach in those environments requires a wide range of knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Some of the required expertise might seem obvious (like writing goals or analyzing information). But some of it may be less so—particularly expertise related to “soft” skills or human skills, like communication or collaboration.

To provide more clear and specific guidance, SCUP identified competencies—knowledge, skills, and dispositions—that individuals need for successful integrated planning. We analyzed the experiences and viewpoints of around 300 planners and higher education administrators in order to surface the competencies—both obvious and inconspicuous—that underpin integrated planning success.

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Tell Us What You Think

Smith College Drafted Its Master Landscape Plan Through Robust Stakeholder Engagement

By: Signe Nielsen, BS, BA, RLA, FASLA

More than 1,600 students and alumnae provided input through online mapping tools and in-person workshops. Staff and faculty were interviewed in person and via phone. And Instagram was used to reach 6,400 members of the campus community.

From Volume 51 Number 3 | April–June 2023

Abstract: Smith College commissioned MNLA to develop its 20-year Landscape Master Plan to address climate change impacts, inclusiveness, and pedagogy. The process was grounded in robust campus engagement over 18 months. More than 1,600 students and alumnae provided input through online mapping tools and in-person workshops that used cutouts and puzzles to reimagine the open spaces on campus. Staff and faculty were interviewed in person or via phone on ways to incorporate scholarship in the landscape, and 6,400 members of the campus community were reached through Instagram. An online magazine published by MNLA kept the campus community updated on findings, alternative plans, and conclusions.

Institutions Mentioned: Smith College
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Adaptable Plans, Campus Master Planning, COVID-19, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Landscape / Open Space, Placemaking, Planning Processes, Student Engagement, Sustainability (Environmental)

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Planning Types

Challenges