The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs recently hired the first sustainability officer in the University of Colorado System.
David E. Schnabel, director of services at UCCS, announced Linda Kogan as the new sustainability officer at UCCS. Kogan, a UCCS alumna holding a master’s in geography and environmental studies, joins the Facilities Services Department with the mission of guiding the university’s sustainability initiatives and promoting the university as a leader in sustainable development.
This summer, UCCS is starting more than $70 million in new construction and renovation projects. Kogan will play in integral role in the development of the UCCS campus.
Among the items she will direct:
Work with faculty, staff, and students to integrate sustainable leadership, curriculum, and operations to achieve the goals of the UCCS Chancellor’s Sustainability Taskforce Final Report of June 2005.
Project management of $1.3 million in energy conservation funding provided by the UCCS administration.
Create campus-wide sustainability committees to address energy management, landscape design, waste and recycling programs, transportation and green procurement.
Participate on the design committee of several construction projects including the largest single construction project the $45 million first phase of the Science/Engineering Buildings, and the new Student Recreation Center. UCCS is seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, (LEED ) certification for both buildings.
Inspire student interest in the environment by working with the university’s Students for Environmental Awareness and Sustainability. (SEAS).
Design a comprehensive recycling program for the campus.
“Linda Kogan and sustainability are vital to UCCS. She brings the knowledge and experience we need now to ensure our historic growth becomes a model for sustainable development,” said Brian Burnett, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance.
UCCS, located on Austin Bluffs Parkway in northeast Colorado Springs, is the fastest growing university in Colorado and one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. The university offers 25 bachelor’s degrees, 18 master’s and two doctoral degrees. The campus enrolls about 7,800 students annually. For more information, visit http://www.uccs.edu.