Facilities Management

The second of three Belk Plaza forums is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 22, in the Cone University Center, Lucas Room. Attendees, comprised of the campus community, alumni and others, can participate in this event that will, in part, influence the conceptual plans for the transformation of Belk Plaza.

Sebastian Cobarrubias, an assistant professor in the Department of Global, International and Area Studies, will discuss international migration as the first talk in the 2016 Great Decisions Lecture Series sponsored by the Office of International Programs. The presentation will be at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 27, at UNC Charlotte Center City, Room 204.

Michael Lizotte, University sustainability officer, was appointed a technical advisor by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

A nonprofit membership organization, AASHE empowers higher education faculty, administrators, staff and students to be effective change agents and drivers of sustainability innovation. AASHE enables its more than 900 members to translate information into action by offering essential resources and professional development to a diverse, engaged community of sustainability leaders.

McKim & Creed Inc. has received an Engineering Excellence Grand Award for its work on the PORTAL Building. The honor was presented by the American Council of Engineering Companies of North Carolina at its annual Engineering Excellence Awards Gala in Raleigh.

PORTAL, which stands for Partnership, Outreach and Research to Accelerate Learning, is a business incubator and corporate innovation center that offers a unique and flexible environment for emerging enterprises.

UNC Charlotte is ranked 24th among the best government green motor fleets in the United States, according to the website 100 Best Fleets, which recognizes peak-performing fleet operations in North America.

Chris Facente, automotive supervisor in the Facilities Management Department, said creating a sustainable motor fleet supports the University’s commitment to be an excellent steward of the environment and saves money on fuel costs.

The biannual campus cleanup, tree banding, a transportation fair and a social are among the events planned for the University’s Sustainability Week Oct. 5-9.

In the past fiscal year, UNC Charlotte’s energy consumption has decreased by about 5 percent, resulting in a 1 percent reduction in total utility costs. Yet, gross square footage on campus increased by 4 percent during the same time frame.

Tony Schallert, energy manager in facilities management, noted the reductions are a result of the University’s performance contract that replaced inefficient lighting in older buildings and the more proficient energy-saving initiatives employed in new construction.

The start of the fall 2015 semester is approaching, and University officials advise students and returning faculty to pay close attention to several transportation and construction upgrades, that, until completed, could result in disruptions navigating the UNC Charlotte campus.

Nearly 5,700 students will move into residence halls starting Friday, Aug. 21.  Students, faculty and staff members should anticipate more traffic and plan accordingly when entering or exiting campus, especially on Friday. Campus police will direct traffic on Friday and Saturday.

The Charlotte Area Transit Authority’s Blue Line Extension construction team continues efforts to prepare the campus for light area.

Major changes have occurred along North Tryon Street and along the path to the UNC Charlotte Main Station, and crews have started to build the ramp for the underpass that approaches campus. Workers also have advanced the bridge construction across Toby Creek toward the station.

The UNC Charlotte Staff Community Garden, an initiative of the Advisory Committee to the Chancellor for Employee Health and Wellness, was relocated from behind the Facilities Management/PPS Building to the backyard of the Niner House, near the Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts.

With funding from facilities management, and a little sweat equity from staff and student employees, the 14 new, raised-bed plots were constructed and readied for planting. After some initial setup, plants at the new location are taking off.