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UW-River Falls recognized as top performer in 2016 Sustainable Campus Index

November 10, 2016 – The University of Wisconsin-River Fallshas been recognized as a top performer in the 2016 Sustainable Campus Index, achieving a top ranking in the area of Buildings among baccalaureate/master's institutions. The 2016 Sustainable Campus Index, a publication of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), highlights top-performing colleges and universities in 17 areas and overall by institution type, as measured by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS).

UW-River Falls achieved top performer status by earning a high score overall in the Buildings subcategory in STARS. This subcategory recognizes institutions that have any building space that is eligible for certification under a green building rating system for new construction and for which construction or major renovation was completed during the previous five years. Jesse H. Ames Suites opened in fall 2012 and is the newest residence hall on campus. In 2013, Ames Suites was awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for the way the building was planned and constructed as well as how the building is maintained and operated. LEED certified buildings such as Ames Suites are resource efficient. They use less water and energy and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"UW-River Falls is continually trying to improve our building operations and energy efficiency efforts," said Mark Klapatch, sustainability and custodial supervisor. "Previous projects which contribute to UWRF being identified as a top performer in the Buildings category of STARS include the construction of the Chilled Water Plant, the KFA HVAC Replacement Project, the Library Data Center project, and several window and lighting replacement projects. These efforts are the direct result of collaborative efforts by many staff and faculty, as well as partnerships with the River Falls community and participation in programs such as the State of Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program." 

"UW-River Falls strong performance in the area of Buildings demonstrates significant leadership and commitment to advancing sustainability," said AASHE's Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser. "We are pleased to recognize UW-River Falls for working to secure a thriving, equitable and ecologically healthy world by incorporating sustainability into campus operations, administration, engagement and academics."

UW-River Falls STARS report can be found at

https://stars.aashe.org/institutions/university-of-wisconsin-river-falls-wi/report/2016-02-26/


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