| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 60.78 |
| Liaison | Jessica Bowen |
| Submission Date | March 4, 2019 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Aquinas College
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.75 / 4.00 |
Jessica
Eimer Bowen Director of Sustainability Center for Sustainability |
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
A copy of the strategic plan:
The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
A copy of the sustainability plan:
The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
A copy of the climate action plan:
The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have other published plans that address sustainability or include measurable sustainability objectives (e.g. campus master plan, physical campus plan, diversity plan, human resources plan)? :
A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
Academic Master Plan. Campus Master Plan.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Climate Action Plan commits to the following Phase 2 strategy: Build on the Faculty Sustainability Fellows program to foster research and curricular development projects related to sustainability across the curriculum. It also includes the phase 3 strategy of: establish an endowment fund to support sustainability across the curriculum activities and develop demonstration projects which can be used to both educate students and the community.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Climate Action Plan commits to the following Phase 2 strategy: Build on the Faculty Sustainability Fellows program to foster research and curricular development projects related to sustainability across the curriculum.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
A few objectives include:
Phase Two Strategies:
• Supply every student room and apartment with "Bye Bye Standby Energy Saving Starter Kits" to reduce standby energy draws from electronics.
• Provide training to campus members on energy management technologies currently in place.
• Coordinate yearly energy competitions between buildings.
Phase Three Strategy:
• Upon completion of individual metering of all buildings, provide real-time energy information to building occupants.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
1. Continue sustainability and climate-change related programming for the AQ campus
community as well as the public (e.g. Recyclemania, Green Chemistry Clearinghouse,
Economicology Forums)
2. Further develop the Economicology Google site as a platform for exploration in
sustainability.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:
100% reduction in Total scopes 1,2,3 Emissions by 2040 (Climate neutrality, 2009 as base year).
40% reduction in Total scopes 1,2,3 Emissions by 2020
60% reduction in Total scopes 1,2,3 Emissions by 2025
80% reduction in Total scopes 1,2,3 Emissions by 2030
95% reduction in Total scopes 1,2,3 Emissions by 2035
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
We keep track of the proportion of LEED buildings on campus compared to the total building number. Several other objectives and strategies for buildings are incorporated into our climate action plan with deadlines.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
2 categories related specifically to Power Management and Procurement and the Built Environment. Measurable strategies and objectives were organized around a reduced carbon footprint through information analysis and sourcing of low-carbon or “zero-carbon” energy, as well as energy efficiency through mechanical retrofitting and deferred maintenance programs, design, renovation, and construction of efficient buildings.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Climate Action Plan commits to the following phase 3 strategies: (2020)
• Purchase LEFE or Electric Vehicles for campus owned vehicles;
• Electric lawn and snow removal equipment
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Yes. For example the Climate Action Plan include the following Phase 3 strategies:
• 100% faculty participation in paper-free classes
• 100% of conferencing staff promotes paper-free events
• Require a Take-Back program for all electronics and equipment not currently on leasing program
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Transportation is Key Action Arena in the Climate Action Plan and outlines the following:
Phase Two Strategies:
• Continue subsidization of the Rapid bus system
• Increased promotion of alternative transportation options and resources
• On-line academic courses & educational programming
Phase Three Strategies:
• Purchase LEFE or Electric Vehicles for campus owned vehicles;
• Electric lawn and snow removal equipment
Phase Four Strategy:
• Purchase offsets for remaining travel emissions
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The college is aiming for a 90% diversion, the industry accepted definition of zero waste. Our current diversion rate is calculated every week using actual weights of all waste streams on campus. These streams are monitored carefully to assure they are bringing us closer to our zero waste goals.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body (e.g. a mission statement that specifically includes sustainability and is endorsed by the Board of Trustees)? :
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
| Yes or No | |
| The Earth Charter | --- |
| The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) | --- |
| ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter | --- |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | --- |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | --- |
| UN Global Compact | --- |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | --- |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.