UCA Cost Containment

In the summer of 2010, a group was assembled to examine the policies and practices of the campus in order to identify cost savings. Further, the committee is charged with examining and encouraging ways to involve the campus and the greater Conway community in this effort.

In addition to cost savings, the team is encouraged to examine policies and practices to identify ways the campus can be more responsible in terms of environmental responsibility and sustainability. These can range from litter control to LEED certified buildings and beyond.

UCA Savings

Below is a list of savings methods that the UCA Cost Containment Team has approved and/or reviewed, along information about some of the realized savings.  If you have suggestions about other ways we can save, please use this form to send us your suggestions for review.

1.  Energy Efficiency (These items generally lower utility bills and require upfront costs that have significant payback amounts/periods)

a. Occupancy sensors - $40 annual savings per unit for a total estimated savings of 3% – 5% on a building’s utility cost

b. HVAC replacements – 10%-12% annual return

c. UCA has saved $987,187 over the last 10 years by purchasing gas on the open market (gas transportation) versus traditional purchasing methods.

d. Roof replacements, weatherproofing and window replacements – can save from ½% to 2% annually on that building’s utility cost

e. Turning off the Harding Fountain at night - savings of over $3,800 per year

f. High efficiency washing machines – saving over 2 million gallons per year, which translates into about $22,500 annual savings

g. Energy Star clothes dryers are about 25% more efficient and create an annual savings of $11,500

h. Utilizing more golf carts on campus rather than vehicles for Physical Plant

i. Replacing one 2.2 gallon faucet aerator with a 1/2 gallon aerator can save $25 per aerator installed in gas and water savings annually

2.  Contract negotiations (most of these reduce cost at the department level, which allows them to use their budgets for more mission-critical items)

a. Telephone service – savings of $148,000 annually, which stays within the departmental budgets

b. Shredding – estimated annual savings of over $6,900, which stays within the departmental budgets

c. Copy machines – estimated annual savings of $400,000 - $500,000, much of which is being realized within the departmental budgets

d. Paper towels – annual savings of $7,400

e. Utilizing a capital lease for replacement of networking equipment rather than buying outright or buying over time and paying maintenance costs – this is a savings to IT.  Savings have totaled over $691,000 over 7 years.

f. Alternative delivery method of construction of Bear Hall

3. Other savings

a. Switching from paper bills to E-bills - $20,000 annual savings

b. Direct Deposit of payroll and reimbursement checks

c. Direct Deposit of student refund checks at an estimated annual savings of $5,400

d. Replacement of grass with turf on softball, baseball and football fields - $101,000 annual savings. Underwriting the cost ourselves saves over $250,000 in interest.

e. Utilizing document imaging vs. paper shows significant savings.  One department saved over 80% in postage and 29% in copying costs.

f. Carrying higher deductible yet providing self-funded GAP insurance saves money for UCA and its employees

g. Town Gown Partnerships – example Nursing Building collaboration

h. Fundraising emphasis for scholarships and construction

i. Revenue generation – GEP