| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 56.91 |
| Liaison | Natalie Hayes |
| Submission Date | July 9, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Bentley University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.33 / 4.00 |
Natalie
Hayes Associate Director of Sustainability Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution have current and formal plans to advance sustainability in the following areas? Do the plans include measurable objectives?:
| Current and Formal Plans (Yes or No) | Measurable Objectives (Yes or No) | |
| Curriculum |
No
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Date Revised: Aug. 26, 2014
|
No
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
|
| Research (or other scholarship) |
No
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
|
No |
| Campus Engagement |
Yes
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
|
Yes |
| Public Engagement | No | No |
| Air and Climate |
Yes
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
|
Yes |
| Buildings |
Yes
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
|
Yes |
| Dining Services/Food |
Yes
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
|
Yes |
| Energy |
Yes
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
|
Yes |
| Grounds |
Yes
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
|
Yes |
| Purchasing |
Yes
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
|
Yes
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
|
| Transportation |
Yes
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
|
Yes |
| Waste |
Yes
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
|
Yes |
| Water |
Yes
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
|
Yes |
| Diversity and Affordability | --- | --- |
| Health, Wellbeing and Work | --- | --- |
| Investment | No | No |
| Other | --- | --- |
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
n/a
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
n/a
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
Natural and Applied Sciences
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
The Valente Center is currently working to increase sustainability research on campus by searching for applicable grants and engaging faculty outside of Natural and Applied Sciences to increase sustainability research.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):
N/A
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
The Valente Center.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
The 2010 Climate Action Plan written for our ACUPCC commitment lays out goals for engagement of the entire campus community (p.23-25). The Office of Sustainability has spent the last three years tackling short and medium-term sustainability engagement goals (outlined below).
Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
From 2010 Climate Action Plan
Short Term Goals (0-1 years)
Develop an institutional sustainability policy - COMPLETE
Involved students in sustainability via creation of student groups to foster peer-to-peer sustainability education - COMPLETE
Develop a visible and dynamic website - COMPLETE
Intermediate Term Goals (1-5 years)
Develop communication with alumni about sustainability - 50% complete
Develop energy competition for administrative buildings - 10% complete
Long Term Goals (5-10 years)
Achieve a change in campus behaviors toward the environment with ongoing methods to educate the community on reducing individual and collective environmental footprints. Become a leader in higher education with a recognized program on which other campuses model their sustainability programs. - 50% complete
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
Office of Sustainability
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
N/A
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
N/A
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
N/A
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:
The 2010 Climate Action Plan outlines goals and strategies to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions campus-wide (P. 1-2). This has been a top priority for the Office of Sustainability since its inception in 2009. The Climate Action Plan outlines its GHG reduction plans via three strategies:
(1) Continue with energy efficiency projects (high efficiency mechanical equipment change-outs, high-efficiency lighting upgrades, new roof, insulation and window projects) including the expansion and proper use of a campus-wide energy management system.
(2) Pursue an aggressive campus-wide building retro-commissioning project
(3) Purchase off-site wind power via green-e certified renewable energy certificates.
Energy efficiency and EMS project goals are outlined in the "energy measurable objectives" section.
Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
Per the 2010 Climate Action Plan, Bentley is committed to the following GHG reduction targets:
50% by 2015 - on track to achieve this goal
70% by 2020
100% by 2030
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):
Office of Sustainability, Facilities Management
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:
The 2010 Climate Action Plan outlines several objectives for sustainability in buildings (p.71-74):
(1) Provide the university with a well-maintained campus infrastructure, creating a living and working environment that is functional, safe, and comfortable.
(2) Create a sustainable campus where the built environment helps reduce the University’s carbon and ecological footprints.
Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
Short Term Goals (1-5 years)
Increase use of sustainable carpeting - 75% complete
Develop a sustainable purchasing policy for building renovations - not yet started
Develop a written green cleaning policy - COMPLETE
Develop a written construction waste policy - COMPLETE
Install hand dryers in high-use bathrooms - 50% complete
Intermediate Term Goals (1-5 years)
Attain LEED Existing Building Certification for 6 buildings - not yet started
Long Term Goals (5-10 years)
Attain LEED Existing Building certification for 10 buildings - not yet started
Install green roofs on flat-roofed buildings - not yet started
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):
Office of Sustainability, Facilities Management
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
The 2010 Climate Action plan outlines the plan to advance sustainability within Dining Services on campus (p.56-59). Bentley contracts with Sodexo for dining services across campus.
Sodexo aims to be "the benchmark for sustainability, health and wellness, and community development."
Goals: to increase sustainability in dining services including: increasing recycling in dining and kitchen areas, creating a compost program, upgrading kitchen equipment to higher-efficiency models, purchasing local and organic foods, educating faculty, staff and students about green dining initiatives (including labeling local/organic food), and banning Styrofoam container use.
These goals are outlined in our 2010 Climate Action plan which can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Short Term (0-1 years)
Purchase sustainable seafood - COMPLETE
Bulk condiments - 50% complete
Increase signage and education - COMPLETE
Intermediate Term (1-5 years)
Reduce/replace take-out containers - 50% complete
Offer fair trade and/or organic coffee - COMPLETE
Ban sale of single-use bottles of water - not yet started
Provide more locally-sources and organic products - 30% complete
Ban use of Styrofoam from campus dining and take-out areas - COMPLETE
Long Term (5-10 years)
Purchase energy-efficient equipment - 30% complete
Increase fleet efficiency - not yet started
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Sodexo, Office of Sustainability
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:
An effective energy management and conservation strategy is an integral component of the 2010 Climate Action Plan (p. 63-70), as decreasing or eliminating energy consumption is the most direct method of reducing Bentley’s carbon footprint. It is Bentley's goal to improve the efficiency of existing building utility systems by upgrading to the newest technology, while adopting conservation measures such as metering and incentives for better energy performance.
The Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
Short Term Goals (0-1 years)
Develop a temperature policy - COMPLETE
Increase building occupancy scheduling - COMPLETE
Create hot water demand-control strategy - 20% complete
Create chiller demand-control strategy - 20% complete
Assess building energy performance and apply for Energy STAR ratings - COMPLETE
Medium Term Goals (1-5 years)
Install demand-control HVAC - 20% complete
Install instantaneous hot water units in Residence Director Apts - 80% complete
Long Term Goals (5-10 years)
Systematically implement campus-wide energy management system - 90% complete
Eliminate use of heating oil on campus - not yet started
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):
Facilities Management, Office of Sustainability
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:
The 2010 Climate Action plan outlines measureable goals for the landscaping on campus (p. 28-30) Goals: Bentley Grounds Management has embarked on a long-term landscape renovation plan with a goal of creating a university landscape that is both attractive and sustainable.
Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):
Short Term – Recycle bedding trays and Plant Containers from Annuals
Keep Leaf Litter in Place in Natural Planting Areas
Intermediate – Low Maintenance Native Plantings
Identify Areas of the Campus for Tree Planting
Develop a Food Waste Composting Program
Rainwater Collection Systems
Long Term – Rainwater Collection Systems.
Grey Water Collection Systems
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):
Facilities Management, Office of Sustainability
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
Bentley University is committed to reducing the environmental impact of the institution by identifying and implementing sustainable purchasing initiatives and effective contract management for purchased services. Bentley will integrate environmental, economic, social and ethical considerations into the procurement process and with all managed service providers. These and other measureable goals are outlined in the 2010 Climate Action Plan (p. 50-52)
Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
Short Term (0-1 year)
Educate University Employees of Policies and Best Practices
Initiate "Cradle-to-Grave" Purchasing
Review existing contracts and amend to incorporate the use of sustainable products and services where it is possible and economically feasible
Intermediate Term (1-5 years)
Develop strategies to identify and maintain a policy for the acquisition of sustainable goods and services and environmentally preferred products (EPPs).
Leverage existing vendor and supplier partnerships in creating awareness of Bentley’s desire to purchase sustainable goods and services, and identify methods of integrating these good and services.
Long Term (5-10 years)
Green Procurement Policy - explore new vendors and opportunities for sustainable goods and services, and educate these vendors them about the University’s sustainable objectives and goals.
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
Office of Sustainability, Purchasing, Administrative and Campus Services
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:
The 2010 Climate Action plan outlines goals for the reduction of vehicle miles traveled caused by University Business (p. 39-43).
It is also the vision of the university to be a pedestrian-friendly campus with better community health and interaction due to incentives to seek alternative forms transportation (walking, biking, and public transportation) and decreased personal vehicle use.
Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
Short Term (0-1 year)
Develop and Enforce a “No Idling” Policy - 50% complete
Advertise Biodiesel Shuttles - not started
Improve Communication of Free Shuttle Schedules and Stops - COMPLETE
Collect Data on Intra-Campus Driving - COMPLETE
Intermediate Term (1 - 5 years)
Analyze and Revise Campus Shuttle Schedule - COMPLETE
Conduct a Campus Community Session to Brainstorm Methods to Reduce Intra-Campus Driving - deemed unnecessary, objective dropped
Examine the Feasibility of Restricting Student Parking - 50% complete
Create Preferred Parking for Low-Emission and Hybrid Vehicles - not started
Implement Ride Sharing - COMPLETE
Change All University-Owned Vehicles and Equipment to Biodiesel - not started
Long Term (5-10 years)
Examine the Feasibility of Parking Fees - 30% complete
Extend the “No Cars on Campus” Policy - not started
Subsidize MBTA Passes - 30% complete
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):
Facilities Management, Office of Sustainability, Campus Police, Human Resources, Mass DEP
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:
Bentley University is committed to a continuing effort to reduce campus waste. The mission of the recycling and waste management program is to raise the environmental consciousness of the Bentley University community by achieving waste reduction and increased recycling on campus. The vision of this program is to promote material reuse and recycling and prevent waste generation. This pertains to solid waste, hazardous waste, toxics, and emissions to air, water, and/or soil. The measureable goals related to these initatives are outlined in the 2010 Climate action plan ( p.33-37)
Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
Bentley University is committed to a continuing effort to reduce campus waste. The mission of the recycling and waste management program is to raise the environmental consciousness of the Bentley University community by achieving waste reduction and increased recycling on campus. The vision of this program is to promote material reuse and recycling and prevent waste generation. This pertains to solid waste, hazardous waste, toxics, and emissions to air, water, and/or soil. The measureable goals related to these initatives are outlined in the 2010 Climate action plan ( p.33-37)
Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
Short Term (0-1 years)
Increase Transparency and Education about Recycling - COMPLETE
Train Custodial Team on Recycling Policy and Procedures - COMPLETE
Increase Number and Location of Recycling Receptacles - COMPLETE
Increase Collection Types (batteries, cell phones, etc) - COMPLETE
Develop a Visible Recycling Component of the Sustainability Website - COMPLETE
Intermediate Term (1-5 years)
Donation Stations – Move Out Day - COMPLETE
Focus Campus Community on Reduce and Reuse - COMPLETE
Increase Metrics Tracked - COMPLETE
Create a compost program - COMPLETE
Long Term (5-10 years)
Achieve Zero Waste Goal - 35% complete
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):
Office of Sustainability, Facilities Management
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:
The university has outlined a number of water conservation strategies. In the 2010 Climate Action plan these goals are related to landscaping (p. 29-30), Dining services (p. 58) and buildings (p.66-68)
Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
Short Term (0-1 Years)
Water Fixture Upgrades
Intermediate Term (1-5 Years)
Upgrade Rain Bird to limit unnecessary watering
Ban the sale of single-use bottles of water
Add Instantaneous Hot water units to Residence Life Staff Apartments
Install submetering for water on all campus buildings
Long Term (5-10 Years)
Upgrade all bathrooms to dual flush toilets, low flow shower heads and faucets
Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):
Facilities Management, Office of Sustainability
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
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.