Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 65.14
Liaison Bremen Leak
Submission Date July 10, 2024

STARS v2.2

Brigham Young University
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Bremen Leak
Associate Director
Sustainability & Continuity
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Local advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:

With support from BYU's administration, including its sustainability officer and its administration vice president, BYU advocates for local sustainability as a member of Provo's Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee, which meets monthly at City Hall to discuss local policy, ordinances, and plans. Members of City Council often attend these meetings, and committee members are appointed by the mayor. Recently, BYU joined a municipal task force to develop Provo's Conservation and Resiliency Plan, Hillsides and Canyons Plan, and River and Lakeshore Plan. These plans are available on Provo City's website.


Regional advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:

BYU advocates for public transit to improve air quality, safety, and health. Thanks to negotiations between BYU's Government Relations Practice Group (under BYU's Office of General Counsel) and the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), as well as Provo City and other stakeholders, UTA ridership is free for BYU community members and their families and remains free, despite a new fare of $2.50 per ride for non-BYU riders starting in August 2024. Beyond participating in discussions to expand the Utah Valley Express (UVX) bus rapid transit system in Provo, BYU has also contributed significant funding and continues to do so on an annual basis, with support from BYU's administration and its sponsoring institution, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A fifth BYU station is being planned for 900 East that will shorten the mile-long gap between BYU's North Campus and South Campus stations. BYU has helped address neighbors' concerns.

As mentioned in other credits, BYU also works Provo City's Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Engineering, Public Safety, and City Council on zoning issues, conservation issues, and transportation and mobility issues—not only as partners but as advocates for sustainable policies. BYU also participates in the Utah County Sustainability Coalition, the Utah Sustainable Business Coalition, and the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce's natural resources subcommittee to influence decision-makers at the state and regional level. 


National advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
No

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
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International advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:

In May 2023, BYU's International Vice President launched an initiative to address poverty-related issues in the Andean Region, particularly around Lake Poopó in Bolivia and its surrounding communities. The initiative serves as a resource for indigenous populations like the Uru people, who have been affected by environmental changes, including droughts and increased evaporation rates. These changes threaten local livelihoods that rely heavily on agriculture and traditional practices tied to the lake ecosystem. Key stakeholders include governmental agencies, international organizations, local NGOs, and academic institutions, who rely on BYU as a technical advisor. This approach underscores BYU's commitment to making a tangible impact by bridging academic knowledge with grassroots initiatives and advocacy, ultimately aiming to improve the resilience and well-being of vulnerable populations in the Andean region.


Optional Fields 

A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
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None
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
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Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.