Trustees Review Presidential Goals, Approve Energy Efficiency Measures

By Ohio State NewsThe Ohio State University Board of Trustees today approved five presidential goals for the current fiscal year. President Kristina M. Johnson and the board outlined five priorities: academic excellence, knowledge enterprise excellence, talent and culture, resource management and service.The board also approved the continuation of the university’s energy efficiency and management measures. The latest phase involves spending $44 million in energy system improvements in 40 buildings. So far, more than 100 buildings on the Columbus campus have undergone energy conservation measures, and in the fifth and final phase, another 50 to 60 will be optimized.During board meetings this week, Office of Business and Finance leadership reported that the university’s financial performance in fiscal year 2021, which spanned from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, outperformed the previous fiscal year, allowing for the resumption of the Annual Merit Compensation Process (AMCP) for faculty and staff – budgeted at 3 percent. The university’s solid financial footing was attributed to a strong investment performance, more positive momentum at the health system and significant efficiency measures across the university, actions that helped offset revenue declines in key areas including tuition, housing and dining and athletics.Further actions taken during the board’s meeting include:Fiscal year 2022 Capital Investment Plan approvedThe board approved the Capital Investment Plan for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Capital expenditures are the result of the university’s comprehensive annual capital planning process.Fiscal year 2022 Ohio State Energy Partners (OSEP) capital plan approvedThe board approved the annual utility system capital improvement projects plan for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. The projects are:

• Utility System Life-Cycle Renovation, Repair and Replacement Projects
• Utility System Expansion and Extension Projects
• Energy Conservation Measure Projects

The board also approved a change in scope of the Combined Heat and Power Plant and Midwest Campus District heating and Cooling Network capital improvement project, which was previously approved in fiscal year 2020. A state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a delay of the state’s certification process, which caused a delay in construction of the process.Read the full article here