Usustain

[The following was provided by UMKC’s Office of Community and Public Affairs.]

On Dec. 2, the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) paid tribute to UMKC during MARC’s Sustainable Success Stories program at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center. The event highlighted area projects that advance energy-efficiency and conservation objectives within a “broad sustainability framework”.

Recognized among seven successful projects in the region for policies and practices in sustainability, the university was honored in the “Sustainability in Action” category. (more…)

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) is pleased to announce that the UMKC Student Union has officially been certified as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design [LEED] Gold project. The new building, which opened in August 2010 and has received several architectural and environmental awards, features public transportation access, storm water control, natural lighting, skylights, high ceilings, a central stairway and a 6,300-square-foot multi-purpose area that is divisible into four rooms.

Other features of the Student Union include:

• A food court with four dining venues chosen by students — Chick-fil-A Express, Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, SubConnection and Jazzman’s Cafe & Bakery with a performance stage area
• A two-story bookstore
• 10,000 square-feet of space dedicated to student organizations
• 329-seat theater
• Open three-story skylit central stairway

In recognition of Earth Day 2011 and as part of the University’s ongoing commitment to promote sustainability and environmental awareness, UMKC hosted two Local Food Fairs on campus this week. The first Food Fair was held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Wednesday April 20, 2011 at the UMKC Health Sciences Campus at Hospital Hill. The second event was held on Earth Day, Friday April 22, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Quad on the Volker Campus. (more…)

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) received honorable mention as a “Bicycle Friendly University” for its Clean Commute initiative at the National Bike Summit held this month in Washington, DC. Sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, the Bicycle Friendly designation recognizes colleges and universities that create exceptional environments where bicycling can thrive and provides a roadmap and technical assistance to create great campuses for bicycling. (more…)

As part of its growing commitment to sustainability, the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) has partnered with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) to provide an all-access transit pass to UMKC students. In a special referendum vote last month, UMKC students approved an increase in student fees that will provide every student with an annual pass for the city’s Metro and MAX bus services.

Beginning with the 2011 fall semester, UMKC students will be assessed a $14 fee per semester to fund the universal pass. The new student transportation fee will be presented to the University’s Board of Curators for final approval. (more…)