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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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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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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Why Do Most Institutional Presidents Look Roughly the Same?

Plan for Racial, Ethnic, and Gender Diversity in a Presidential Search

By: Dana Ainsworth, MA, and Jeffery L. Wilson, PhD

An institution’s governing board should determine how diversity initiatives will be prioritized during the search process.

From Volume 51 Number 4 | July–September 2023

Abstract: The presidential search process is an opportunity for the institution to plan for and vet potential leaders who will play a pivotal role in the success or failure of diversity initiatives. A key question to ask during searches is whether the growing student diversity on campus is present within the presidential search itself. We advocate for institutional governing boards to commit to creating lasting, cultural change and including DEI efforts in the presidential hiring process.

Planning Types: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning
Tags: Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Governance, Presidential Leadership, The Presidency

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Example Plans

Published
June 30, 2023

Strategic Plan, Strategic Planning Website

Multiple Locations

Strategic plan for the university system developed by the state’s board of higher education.

Planning Types: Strategic Planning, Academic Planning
Resource Types: Strategic Plan, Strategic Planning Website
Tags: Attracting and Retaining Underrepresented Students, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Faculty Productivity, Goals, Governance, Measuring the Plan, Metrics, Racial Equity, Strategies and Tactics, Student Success, Workforce Development

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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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Webinar Recordings

Published
October 12, 2022

Campus Sustainability

The Role of Integrated Planning

By: Mike Moss, Society for College and University Planning | Megan Fay Zahniser, Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)

At SCUP, we recognize that climate crisis, social justice, and sustainability are some of the biggest challenges facing higher education. And we believe that the practice of integrated planning will assist campuses develop the strong partnerships required to create durable solutions. Join us for a discussion that includes how you can start today.

Abstract: October is Campus Sustainability month! At SCUP, we recognize that climate crisis, social justice, and sustainability are some of the biggest challenges facing higher education. And we believe that the practice of integrated planning will assist campuses develop the strong partnerships required to create durable solutions. A few key questions to consider:

What are the top sustainability trends that my campus and higher education should be addressing?
What is the role of integrated planning in developing innovative solutions to critical sustainability issues?
In considering sustainability focused partnerships, where is the best place to start? Is it within the campus, or with outside partners?
What are ideas that attendees can move forward on their campus starting today?

Join us as we dive into these topics during an engaging conversation with Meghan Fay Zahniser, executive director of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. Hosted by Mike Moss, president of SCUP, we will spend time discussing sustainability trends across higher education as well addressing questions from attendees.

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Campus Historic Preservation and Adaptive Reuse

Leverage These Tools to Achieve Your Planning and Sustainability Goals

By: Meaghan Finney, MS, and Michael Patrick, M.Arch, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

By integrating historic buildings into your campus planning, their continued reuse can help solve some of the specific challenges facing university planners today.

From Volume 50 Number 4 | July–September 2022

Abstract: Historic campus buildings are often perceived as a burden, but by integrating them into your campus planning, their continued reuse can help solve some of the specific challenges facing university planners today, specifically in the context of sustainability. There are numerous case studies that demonstrate the successful adaptive reuse of varied campus buildings as well as an undeniable body of evidence showing the benefits of such an approach in working toward carbon neutrality. As long-term stewards of their built environments, colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to realize enduring savings from investing in the energy performance of existing buildings.

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Planning Types

Challenges