Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 73.41
Liaison Jillian Leach
Submission Date Feb. 28, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

California State University, Chico
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00 Fletcher Alexander
Sustainability Programs Manager
Institute for Sustainable Development
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
Yes

A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:

CSU, Chico's 6th Strategic Priority:

Believing that each generation owes something to those which follow, we will create environmentally literate citizens who embrace sustainability as a way of living. We will be wise stewards of scarce resources and, in seeking to develop the whole person, be aware that our individual and collective actions have economic, social, and environmental consequences locally, regionally, and globally.

A hallmark of Chico State is the beautiful and inviting physical environment of our campus. We will become an environmentally engaged university, seeking to elevate our collective consciousness about the environment, recognizing our responsibilities to steward the inherited and created assets of our region, while articulating these values for the wider audiences we reach. We will make Chico State the distinctive “green” campus in California and become a national leader in environmental education, science, and public policy analysis; the building of environmentally responsible facilities; and practicing sustainability principles.


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)? :
Yes

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)? :
Yes

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)? :
Yes

A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:

1. The CSU will seek to further integrate sustainability into the academic curriculum working within the normal campus consultative process. (14-New)

-California State University Sustainability Policy, CSU Board of Trustees (2014)


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:

We Will:

Expand our research efforts through the work of the Bidwell Environmental Institute (Center for Water & Environment).

- CSU, Chico Strategic Plan, Priority #6


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:

We Will:

Introduce outside experts and mentors on sustainability to the campus, while seeking to
deliver our own powerful story of environmental engagement.

Connect the campus and the ecological reserves to Native American practices and
values.

Host an annual or biannual conference on sustainability focusing on sustainability and
conservation, business practices, civic engagement, social policy, and the curriculum.

- CSU, Chico Strategic Plan, Priority #6


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:

We Will:

Connect with the local community and civic organizations and agencies to educate
and assist in the preservation of natural resources, and help to protect the quality of life
that has drawn people to our community.

Seek partners throughout the North State who share our values and who are willing to
share their expertise.

Host an annual or biannual conference on sustainability focusing on sustainability and
conservation, business practices, civic engagement, social policy, and the curriculum.

- CSU, Chico Strategic Plan, Priority #6


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Climate Action Plan

1. The CSU will strive to reduce systemwide facility greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels, or below, by 2020 consistent with AB 32, California’s Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (HSC §38550). Emissions will include both state and auxiliary organization
purchases of electricity and natural gas; fleet, marine vessel usage; and other emissions the university or self-support entity has direct control over. The Chancellor’s Office staff will
provide the baseline 1990 facility emission levels (for purchased electricity and natural gas) for the campuses that existed at that time and assist campuses added to the CSU after 1990 to determine their appropriate baseline. (14-New)

2. The CSU will strive to reduce facility GHG emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by
2040. Campus tracking and reporting of their GHG inventory will be grounded in the
American College and University President’s Climate Commitment guidelines or equivalent,
with consideration to campus requested improvements. Metrics will include GHG emissions
per FTE. (14-New)

3. The CSU will encourage and promote the use of alternative transportation and/or alternative fuels to reduce GHG emissions related to university associated transportation, including commuter and business travel. (14-New)

-California State University Sustainability Policy, CSU Board of Trustees (2014)


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Sustainable Building Practices

1. All future CSU new construction, remodeling, renovation, and repair projects will be
designed with consideration of optimum energy utilization, low life cycle operating costs,
compliance with all applicable energy codes (enhanced Title 24 energy codes) and
regulations. In the areas of specialized construction that are not regulated through the current energy codes, such as historical buildings, museums, and auditoriums, the CSU will ensure that these facilities are designed to consider energy efficiency. Energy efficient and
sustainable design features in the project plans and specifications will be considered in
balance with the academic program needs of the project within the available project budget. (78-Adopt; 88-Revise; 01-Revise; 04-Revise; 14-Revise)

2. Capital Planning, Design and Construction in the Chancellor’s Office shall monitor building sustainability/energy performance and maintain information on design best practices to support the energy efficiency goals and guidelines of this policy. The sustainability performance shall be based on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) principles with consideration to the physical diversity and microclimates within the CSU. (05-New; 14-Revise)

3. The CSU shall design and build all new buildings and major renovations to meet or exceed the minimum requirements equivalent to LEED “Silver.” Each campus shall strive to achieve a higher standard equivalent to LEED “Gold” or “Platinum” within project budget
constraints. Each campus may pursue external certification through the LEED process. (05-New; 14-Revise)

Physical Plant Management

1. Each campus shall operate and maintain a comprehensive energy management system that will provide centralized reporting and control of the campus energy related activities.
(78-Adopt; 88-Revise; 01-Revise; 04-No Change; 14-Revise)

2. To the extent possible, academic and non-academic programs will be consolidated in a
manner to achieve the highest building utilization. (78-; 88-Adopt; 01-No Change; 04-No Change; 14-Revise)

3. All CSU campuses will implement a utilities chargeback system to recover direct and
indirect costs of utilities provided to self-supporting and external organizations pursuant to
procedures in the Integrated California State University Administrative Manual (ICSUAM).
(78-; 88-Adopt; 01-No Change; 04-No Change; 14-Revise)

-California State University Sustainability Policy, CSU Board of Trustees (2014)


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Energy Independence and Procurement

1. The CSU shall pursue energy procurement and production to reduce energy capacity
requirements from fossil fuels, and promote energy independence using available
economically feasible technology for on-site and/or renewable generation. The CSU shall
endeavor to increase its self-generated energy capacity from 44 to 80 megawatts (MW) by
2020. (05-New; 14-Revise)

2. The CSU will endeavor to exceed the State of California and California Public Utilities
Commission Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) sooner than the established goal of
procuring 33 percent of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2020. (05-New; 14-Revise)

Energy Conservation and Utility Management

1. All CSU buildings and facilities, regardless of the source of funding for their operation, will be operated in the most energy efficient manner without endangering public health and safety and without diminishing the quality of education and the academic program. (78-Adopt; 88-Revise; 01-No Change; 04-No Change; 14-Revise)

2. All CSU campuses will continue to identify energy efficiency improvement measures to the greatest extent possible, undertake steps to seek funding for their implementation and, upon securing available funds, expeditiously implement the measures.
(78-Adopt; 88-Revise; 01-No Change; 04-No Change; 14-Revise)

3. The CSU will cooperate with federal, state, and local governments and other appropriate
organizations in accomplishing energy conservation and utilities management objectives
throughout the state; and inform students, faculty, staff and the general public of the need for and methods of energy conservation and utilities management. (78-Adopt; 88-Revise; 01-No Change, 04-No Change; 14-No Change)

4. Each CSU campus will designate an energy/utilities manager with the responsibility and the authority for carrying out energy conservation and utilities management programs. The
Chancellor’s Office will have the responsibility to coordinate the individual campus
programs into a systemwide program. (78-Adopt; 88-Revise; 01-No Change; 04-No Change;
14-No Change)

5. The CSU will monitor monthly energy and utility usage on all campuses and the
Chancellor’s Office, and will prepare a systemwide annual report on energy utilization and
greenhouse gas emissions. The Chancellor’s Office will maintain a systemwide energy
database in which monthly campus data will be compiled to produce systemwide energy
reporting. Campuses will provide the Chancellor’s Office the necessary energy and utility
data, such as electricity and natural gas consumption; water and sewer usage; fuel consumed by fleet vehicles, boats, and ships; waste disposal for the systemwide database in a timely manner. (78-; 88- Adopt; 01-Revise; 04-No Change; 14-Revise)

6. Each CSU campus is encouraged to develop and maintain a campuswide integrated strategic energy resource plan, which will include tactical recommendations in the areas of new construction, deferred maintenance, facility renewal, energy projects, water conservation, solid waste management, and an energy management plan. This plan will guide the overall energy program at each campus. (78-Adopt; 88-Revise; 01-Revise; 04-Revise; 14-Revise)

-California State University Sustainability Policy, CSU Board of Trustees (2014)


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Sustainable Food Service

1. All campus food service organizations should track their sustainable food purchases. Such tracking and reporting will be grounded in the Real Food Challenge guidelines, or equivalent, with consideration to campus requested improvements. Campuses shall strive to increase their sustainable food purchases to 20 percent of total food budget by 2020. (14-New)

2. Campuses and food service organizations shall collaborate to provide information and/or
training on sustainable food service operations to staff and patrons. (14-New)

-California State University Sustainability Policy, CSU Board of Trustees (2014)


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Water Conservation

1. All CSU campuses will pursue water resource conservation to reduce water consumption by 10 percent by 2016, and 20 percent by 2020 including such steps to develop sustainable landscaping, install controls to optimize irrigation water use, reduce water usage in restrooms and showers, and promote the use of reclaimed/recycled water. In the event of a declaration of drought, the CSU will cooperate with the state, city, and county governments to the greatest extent possible to reduce water use. (78-; 88-Adopt; 01-No Change; 04-No Change; 14-Revise)

-California State University Sustainability Policy, CSU Board of Trustees (2014)


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Sustainable Procurement

1. Campuses will promote use of suppliers and/or vendors who reduce waste, re-purpose
recycled material, or support other environmentally friendly practices in the provision of
goods or services to the CSU under contract. This may include additional evaluation points in solicitation evaluations for suppliers integrating sustainable practices. (14-New)

2. To move to zero waste, campus practices should: (1) encourage use of products that
minimize the volume of trash sent to landfill or incinerators; (2) participate in the CalRecycle Buy-Recycled program or equivalent; and (3) increase recycled content purchases in all BuyRecycled program product categories. (14-New)

3. Campuses shall continue to report on all recycled content product categories, consistent with PCC § 12153-12217 and shall implement improved tracking and reporting procedures for their recycled content purchases. (14-New)

-California State University Sustainability Policy, CSU Board of Trustees (2014)


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Climate Action Plan

3. The CSU will encourage and promote the use of alternative transportation and/or alternative fuels to reduce GHG emissions related to university associated transportation, including commuter and business travel. (14-New)

-California State University Sustainability Policy, CSU Board of Trustees (2014)


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Waste Management

1. Campuses shall seek to reduce the solid waste disposal rate by 50 percent (PRC § 42921) by 2016, by 80 percent by 2020, and move to zero waste. (14-New)

2. The CSU will encourage the reduction of hazardous waste to the extent possible while
supporting the academic program. (14-New)

-California State University Sustainability Policy, CSU Board of Trustees (2014)


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Water Conservation

1. All CSU campuses will pursue water resource conservation to reduce water consumption by 10 percent by 2016, and 20 percent by 2020 including such steps to develop sustainable landscaping, install controls to optimize irrigation water use, reduce water usage in restrooms and showers, and promote the use of reclaimed/recycled water. In the event of a declaration of drought, the CSU will cooperate with the state, city, and county governments to the greatest extent possible to reduce water use. (78-; 88-Adopt; 01-No Change; 04-No Change; 14-Revise)

-California State University Sustainability Policy, CSU Board of Trustees (2014)


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Framework for Forming a More Inclusive Community

Priority 1: Increase university access for underrepresented student groups; especially
from our service region

Priority 2: Improve the success of students from underrepresented populations

Priority 3: Ensure that all curricular and co-curricular programs foster diversity
competencies and engagement

Priority 4: Engage and support faculty, staff and student scholarship, creativity and
research on diversity

Priority 5: Develop a shared understanding of ‘inclusive community’

Priority 6: Develop, implement and assess policies, programs and activities that create
and sustain a more inclusive campus climate

Priority 7: Increase diversity in faculty, staff and administration at all levels of the
University

Priority 8: Design and implement a system of accountability and recognition for
increasing campus diversity and forming a more inclusive learning environment

- CSU, Chico Diversity Action Plan, Framework Priorities


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:

We will:

Undertake and maintain an environmental focus in our advancement efforts, seeking to
tell our story about an environmental orientation in our daily campus life and to enlist
partners in our agenda for distinction in these matters.

Develop a strong endowment devoted to expanding and managing our current system
of preserves, while expanding our capacity to teach, learn, and serve.

- CSU, Chico Strategic Plan, Priority #6


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:

University Sustainability

2. The CSU will develop employee and student workforce skills in the green jobs industry,
promote the development of sustainable products and services, and foster economic
development. (14-New)

3. The CSU will pursue sustainable practices in all areas of the university, including:
a. business operations such as procurement; information technology; student services;
food services; facilities operations; design and construction; and
b. self-funded entities such as student housing, student unions, parking, children’s
centers, and auxiliary operations. (14-New)

-California State University Sustainability Policy, CSU Board of Trustees (2014)


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:

University Sustainability

4. Each CSU is encouraged to designate a sustainability officer responsible for carrying out
and/or coordinating campus sustainability program efforts. (14-New)

-California State University Sustainability Policy, CSU Board of Trustees (2014)

We will:

Strengthen our institutional reputation and record regarding environmental
stewardship.

Develop all campus planning within the context of sustainability and encourage
resource conservation and recycling.

Emphasize the need for all departments and programs to address issues of
sustainability.

Monitor our diverse sustainability efforts through outcomes-based assessment, noting
successes as well as opportunities for improvement.

- CSU, Chico Strategic Plan, Priority #6


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)? :
Yes

The formal statement in support of sustainability:

CSU, Chico's 6th Strategic Priority:

Believing that each generation owes something to those which follow, we will create environmentally literate citizens who embrace sustainability as a way of living. We will be wise stewards of scarce resources and, in seeking to develop the whole person, be aware that our individual and collective actions have economic, social, and environmental consequences locally, regionally, and globally.

A hallmark of Chico State is the beautiful and inviting physical environment of our campus. We will become an environmentally engaged university, seeking to elevate our collective consciousness about the environment, recognizing our responsibilities to steward the inherited and created assets of our region, while articulating these values for the wider audiences we reach. We will make Chico State the distinctive “green” campus in California and become a national leader in environmental education, science, and public policy analysis; the building of environmentally responsible facilities; and practicing sustainability principles.

CSU Board of Trustees 2014 Sustainability Policy:

As stated at the March 2014 board meeting, the Board of Trustees has been a proponent of
energy conservation and other sustainability measures and has had established policies since 1978. This proposed revised policy is broader than prior policies and more inclusive of all areas of the university community. The policy aims not only to reduce the university’s impact on the environment and educate our students, faculty and staff on sustainable practices, but also to incorporate sustainability principles and climate science in our educational offerings.


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 Yes
The Talloires Declaration (TD) Yes
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:

CSU, Chico signed the Talloires Declaration in 2002, added sustainability as a strategic priority in the University Strategic Plan in 2006, was one of the 12 founding signatories of the ACUPCC in 2007, established a Campus Sustainability Committee and adopted a Climate Action Plan in 2011, and became a charter signatory to the Climate Leadership Commitment in 2015.


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.