Overall Rating Bronze - expired
Overall Score 39.53
Liaison Ellie Perry
Submission Date July 27, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

California State University, Dominguez Hills
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.00 / 4.00 Ellie Perry
Sustainability Manager
Facilities Services
"---" 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:

CSUDH's Strategic Plan has sustainability built into its vision for the campus. On page 4 of the current Strategic Plan, "Sustainable environmental, social, and economic practices are a way of life" is listed as one of the core tenets of the vision statement.


A copy of the strategic plan:
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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)? :
No

A copy of the climate action plan:
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The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
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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):

Sustainable Landscape Plan that focuses specifically on grounds-related sustainability initiatives.

https://www.csudh.edu/sustainability/campus-initiatives/landscaping/

The draft campus Master Plan addresses sustainability objectives in campus planning (sustainability udpates included in the February update Town Hall meeting:
https://www.csudh.edu/Assets/csudh-sites/fpcm/docs/campus-master-plan/CSUDH%20Master%20Plan%20Update%20Town%20Hall.pdf

As part of the CSU system, CSUDH also ascribes to the objectives and policies set forth in the CSU Chancellor's Sustainability Policy: http://www.calstate.edu/cpdc/sustainability/policies-reports/documents/JointMeeting-CPBG-ED.pdf


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:

The Sustainability Report tracks initiatives and sets the general goal for infusing sustainability into curriculum on campus. The Farm sub-section of the Sustainability Report (p.28) also lists providing living laboratory space for the purpose of integrating sustainability into coursework and research as a key part of its mission statement.

The CSU Sustainability Policy also has the following objectives:

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


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:

Student research (support for at least 1 student research project/academic year) is addressed specifically in the Sustainable Landscape Plan to encourage use of campus gardens and campus landscaping as living laboratories.


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:

Reporting and tracking included as a specific sub-section in the annual Sustainability Report. Additionally, the October Sustainability Month and March Race to Reduce Month are annual campaigns that are referenced in detail in the report, but also on the website and collateral as permanent features to continually drive campus engagement
around sustainability (https://www.csudh.edu/sustainability/engagement/).

CSU Sustainability Policy also addresses engagement as follows:

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)


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
No

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

Reporting and tracking included as a specific sub-section in the annual Sustainability Report. Additionally, the Campus Urban Farm page specifically lists its purpose as an outdoor classroom space and event venue "to support relationship-building in the community, both on-campus and off" as a key part of its mission statement (p.28).

Engagement is also addressed in the Office of Sustainability's mission statement (also listed on p. 45 of the Sustainability Report):

"CSU Dominguez Hills is on the cutting edge of sustainability efforts by an urban campus, and is actively providing leadership in engaging faculty, students and staff in on-campus sustainability efforts. We are looking at ways to increase partnerships and funding to support the educational, research, and public service missions of the university as they relate to sustainability."


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:

Reporting and tracking of greenhouse gases is included as a specific sub-section in the annual Sustainability Report (p.36). It specifically measures the campus' greenhouse gas levels against the CSU Chancellor's Office's greenhouse gas reduction goal of 1990 levels by 2020, and recommendations for ensuring an 80% reduction from 1990 levels by 2040.


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:

The campus Sustainability Report lists the guiding policies that dictate the direction of its sustainability initiatives on p.5. This includes complying with and supporting the 2014 CSU Chancellor's Sustainability Policy (http://www.calstate.edu/cpdc/sustainability/policies-reports/documents/JointMeeting-CPBG-ED.pdf) which have several directives) which has several objectives related to buildings including:

- 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.
-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.
-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.


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:

The Sustainability Report lists the guiding policies and objectives for the campus, including the objective of achieving net zero for energy, water, and waste for the campus (p.6). For energy specifically, the campus has an objective of improving energy efficiency and increasing renewable energy generation with the goal of "achieving a net zero energy bill for the campus." Reporting and tracking of energy consumption is also included as a specific sub-section in the annual Sustainability Report (p.9).


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:

Reporting and tracking included under the Procurement section of the annual Sustainability Report (p.22). Additionally, the Campus Urban Farm page specifically builds in "providing free and/or affordable produce to food-insecure students" as a key part of its mission statement (p.28).

The CSU Sustainability Policy also has objectives related to Sustainable Food Service as follows:
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)


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:

The Sustainable Landscape Plan sets specific objectives for campus grounds in a variety of areas. For 2018 (and beyond), the plan lists the following objectives on p. 2:

-Increase existing urban tree cover on campus from 13% to 25% by 2025
-Support at least one student research project per academic year related to landscape
-Support an increase in bird, butterfly, and pollinator diversity on campus.


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:

Reporting and tracking included as a specific sub-section in the annual Sustainability Report under Procurement (p. 22).

Additionally, purchasing is addressed in the CSU Chancellor's Sustainability Policy as follows:

CSU Sustainability Policy
Sustainable Procurement
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.


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:

Reporting and tracking included as a specific sub-section in the annual Sustainability Report under the Transportation section (p. 21). Additionally the draft campus Master Plan seeks to make several improvements to the campus related to supporting alternative transportation including:

-The development of a bicycle plan (p.87): The University wishes to meet its goal of
reducing greenhouse gases and operating in a more environmentally-responsive
manner. (See also Chapter 6.) As part of this commitment, the campus
transportation demand management plan includes bicycles as an alternative
form of transportation and commuting.
• With the addition of more on-campus residential students and many more
residents in the University Village development, it is a propitious moment for the
campus to implement a more supportive and effective bicycle plan.
• Finally, CSUDH has a world-class velodrome facility used for bike competitions
and training; its presence is a support to a more extensive bicycle culture on the
campus.

The CSU Chancellor's Sustainability Policy also addresses transportation as part of its Climate Action planning requirements:
-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.


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:

Reporting and tracking included as a specific sub-section in the annual Sustainability Report on p.39. As described in the report, the campus currently complies with CalRecycle diversion targets which require a disposal rate of 2.90 lbs/person/day goal for employees and 0.30 lbs/person/day for students for the 2017 calendar year. The campus is currently ahead of this target. It also has an objective to achieve Chancellor's Office Sustainability Policy targets which mandate an 80% reduction in disposal rates which equates to 0.74 lbs/employee/day and 0.08 lbs/students/day disposal rate by 2020.


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:

Reporting and tracking included as a specific sub-section in the annual Sustainability Report on p.37 and includes specific objectives set by the Chancellor's Office Sustainability Policy (a 20% reduction from 2013 calendar year levels by 2020) as well as a Net Zero Water target which would mean campus water consumption is equal to or less than natural precipitation. The CCF targets respectively are outlined in the report as follows:

20% reduction from 2013 CY levels by 2020 gives the campus a goal of consumption at or below 87,756 CCF/year

Net Zero Water gives the campus a goal of consumption at or below 80,228 CCF/year based on the natural precipitation levels for campus grounds based on acerage: rainfall levels.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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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)? :
No

The formal statement in support of sustainability:
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The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
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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:
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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives 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.