| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 47.67 |
| Liaison | Holly Andersen |
| Submission Date | Jan. 26, 2021 |
Bennington College
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 4.00 |
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in curriculum and/or research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to academics and the plan(s) in which they are published:
The Sustainability Committee is made up of staff, faculty, and students from all areas of the College. Their mission is to advance a shared sense of responsibility towards the social, economic, and environmental well being of the College and beyond in order to educate Bennington students and lead by example, and to build bridges between the College, the local community, and the world at large. The committee develops work plans and implements them.
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address student, employee, or community engagement for sustainability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to engagement and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Yes. To get to our sustainability goal of being carbon neutral by 2030, buildings and grounds has been looking at campus operations on how to get there. We have a capital expenditures list that is presented every year. This list contains lists of carbon saving projects that will ultimately get us to carbon neutral. B&G also partners with student life to provide student engagement and awareness through the student environmental group L.E.S.S. B&G also partners with the human resources office to implement sustainability training and awareness. And finally the Deans office to review the curriculum in and around sustainability.
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in operations?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to operations and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Now that policies are being development around procurement of materials-- from paper to building materials, to food containers to micro plastics, lists of sustainability objectives are being generated. A sample season this year is removing completely take away containers in dining services.
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address diversity, equity, and inclusion; sustainable investment/finance; or wellbeing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:
While lists are being generated, a sample measure that the business office is undergoing is divestment away from fossil fuels. There is a DEI group on campus, as there has always been, and they are working on policies and procedures that are more inclusive.
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
The institution’s highest guiding document (upload):
Website URL where the institution’s highest guiding document is publicly available:
Which of the following best describes the inclusion of sustainability in the highest guiding document?:
The institution's sustainability plan (upload):
Website URL where the institution's sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body?:
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
SUSTAINABILITY PLANNING IN SUPPORT OF SUSTAINABILITY POLICY
The Sustainability Committee is made up of staff, faculty, and students from all areas of the College. The Committee's mission is to advance Bennington’s commitment to sustainability and a shared sense of responsibility towards the social, economic, and environmental well being of the College and beyond. In order to educate Bennington students and lead by example, the Committee's goals are to advance the ethic of sustainability in College operations, academics, and campus life and to build bridges between the College, the local community, and the world at large. The Committee is chaired by the Associate Vice President for Facilities Management and Planning.
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
At Bennington College, sustainability refers to the set of institutional practices and collective efforts dedicated to ensure that the needs of future generations are met while fulfilling current necessities. We achieve this through practices ranging from efficient energy systems, energy saving saving practices, water conservation, waste reduction, food security programs, environmental courses, climate action, etc.
Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
| Yes or No | |
| The Earth Charter | No |
| The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) | No |
| ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter | No |
| Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability | No |
| SDG Accord | No |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | Yes |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | No |
| UN Global Compact | No |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | No |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above
Bennington College is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. A continuous effort has been put for creating efficient energy systems, reducing waste production, and expanding environmental and public action courses for sustainability and a generation of students ready for climate action.
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning efforts 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.