Overall Rating Bronze - expired
Overall Score 42.65
Liaison Winnie Kwofie
Submission Date April 19, 2019
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

California State University, East Bay
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.50 / 4.00 Jillian Buckholz
Director of Sustainability
Academic Affairs
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Published Plans That Address Sustainability 

Strategic Plan

Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
No

A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
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A copy of the strategic plan:
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The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
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Sustainability Plan 

Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
No

A copy of the sustainability plan:
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The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
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Climate Action Plan 

Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the climate action plan:
Cal State East Bay_Climate Action Plan_Approved_May 2018.pdf

The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
http://www.csueastbay.edu/sustainability/commitments/carbon.html

Other Published Plans 

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)? :
No

A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
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Measurable Sustainability Objectives 

Curriculum

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 following Action Steps are listed in the Education section of the Climate Action Plan: 1) Pursue fulfillment of commitment to educate all students on carbon neutrality (per the 2007 Senate Sustainability Resolution and the President's Carbon Commitment). 2) Pursue an interdisciplinary sustainability minor that includes education on carbon neutrality. 5) Pursue faculty hires to support universal education on carbon neutrality.

Research 

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:
Facilitate student learning on climate neutrality issues through involvement in research, hands-on-learning, campus-as-a-living-laboratory, community engagement on issues of climate mitigation and adaptation, carbon-neutrality internship placements, and freshman learning communities. Climate Action Plan

Campus Engagement 

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

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

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:
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Air & Climate 

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:
The following Action Steps are listed in the Energy section of the Climate Action Plan: 1) Install 680 kW of new PV, or other renewable energy capacity annually (or acquire 1.2 million kWh more of renewable energy (RE) from the power grid each year, or some combination of the two) 2) Prioritize purchase of high renewable power content, low unspecified power content, grid power. Pursue possibility of aggregated group purchase of off-site renewable energy with other CSU campuses, the City of Hayward, or the County of Alameda. 3) Investigate the potential for Cal State East Bay wind-power facilities.

Buildings 

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 following Action Steps are listed in the Buildings section of the Climate Action Plan: 1) Institute on-going energy management training of building technicians. 2) Design all new buildings to be Zero Net Energy (ZNE) starting immediately. The design process will consider the criteria and potential certification under the following: LEED, Living Building Challenge, Passive House Institute US. 3) No new natural-gas consuming equipment for space and water conditioning starting in 2022. For example, solar thermal systems, PV-driven heat pump systems, or off-set. 4) Replace space heating, water heating, and cooking equipment with ultra efficient fossil-fuel-free technologies (e.g. heat pump technology). 5) Track building energy performance with computerized monitoring systems (building energy-use monitoring) to enable more effective building energy management and GHG emissions reductions tracking.

Energy 

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 following Action Steps are listed in the Energy section of the Climate Action Plan: 1) Develop and maintain an operation and maintenance plan to reduce energy use, maximize equipment efficiency, and most effectively utilize deferred maintenance funds. (The Campus will prioritize facilities upgrades that reduce operating costs and replace equipment at end of life. The campus energy team will engage in an ongoing process to seek opportunities to improve energy efficiency using energy monitoring data, periodic energy audits, continuous commissioning)

Food & Dining 

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

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

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 following Action Steps are listed in the Landscaping section of the Climate Action Plan: 1) The University will adopt SITES certification criteria in developing landscaping projects. 2) The University will adopt Bay Friendly Landscaping practices. 3) University will discontinue use of synthetic fertilizers within 5 years. 4) Newly purchased equipment to be electric, battery-powered, biofueled, or other RE-powered when commercial grade equipment is available.

Purchasing 

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:
The following Action Steps are listed in the Procurement section of the Climate Action Plan: 1) Adopt Electronics and Appliance Procurement Policy (in progress) that requires: Bronze EPEAT® or higher for EPEAT®-rated products, ENERGY STAR® for everything else if available, and Suppliers to deliver electronics with conservation and energy efficiency features enabled and as the auto-default. 2) Initiate accounting of carbon emissions from procurement (e.g. using the Economic Input-Output Life Cycle Assessment (EIP-LCA) tool). 3) Investigate policy for locally sourcing materials to reduce transportation energy use associated with procurement. E.g. Purchase majority of construction materials within 250 miles.

Transportation 

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:
The following Action Steps are listed in the Transportation section of the Climate Action Plan: 1) Increase online coursework and opportunities for telework. 2) Enhance and encourage the use of alternative transportation modes. 3) Pursue subsidized transit passes for students, staff, and faculty (including AC transit and BART). 4) Encourage the use of alternative transportation modes with faculty and staff by implementing an Employee Cash Out Program (offer cash instead of a subsidized parking pass).

Waste 

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

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

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:
The following Action Steps are listed in the Landscaping section of the Climate Action Plan: 1) Continue turf conversion project using Bay Friendly Landscaping policies. 2) Increase tree cover in parking lots and other locations on campus. Use high albedo paving surfaces (permeable where possible). Climate Action Plan

Diversity & Affordability 

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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Investment & Finance 

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:
The following Action Steps are listed in the Finance section of the Climate Action Plan: 1) Financial Analysis of Carbon Neutrality Plan An analysis of the most cost effective actions to achieve carbon neutrality, to account for and prioritize projects based on project implementation costs, potential long-term financial costs/benefits, and GHG reductions. 2) Ensure Annual Budget & Staff Time for GHG-reduction efforts. Best practices include the use of an energy efficiency revolving fund in which costs savings resulting from energy efficiency improvements are reinvested in further improvements. 3) Incorporate the cost of carbon, along with other project costs, in the cost-benefit analysis of new infrastructure projects: Use the most recent mean price (dollars per metric ton) from the California Cap-and-Trade Program Auction. Currently available in the Summary of Results Report on the California Air Resources Board website: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/auction/auction.htm#proceeds.

Wellbeing & Work 

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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Other Impact Areas 

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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Optional Fields 

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:
The CSU Systemwide Sustainability Policy: https://www.calstate.edu/cpdc/sustainability/policies-reports/documents/JointMeeting-CPBG-ED.pdf "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):
Sustainability can be broadly defined as efforts to enhance human and environmental health, social justice, and economic security, to ultimately maintain the needs of current and future generations. Through projects and programs focused on enhancing sustainability CSUEB, the campus will not only secure a better future for our students, faculty, and staff, and community, but also provide valuable learning opportunities in the process. see: http://www.csueastbay.edu/sustainability/about/what.html

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
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) Yes

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
President Morishita signed the Carbon Commitment in January 2015 We're Still In statement signed by President Morishita "1.     Develop a Climate Action Plan to achieve carbon neutrality a.    Within two months of signing this document, create internal institutional structures to guide the development and implementation of the Plan b.    Within one year of the implementation start date, complete a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and identify near term opportunities for greenhouse gas reduction. Report these in the first annual evaluation of progress           c.    Within two years of the implementation start date complete the Plan, which will include:       i.     A target date for achieving carbon neutrality as soon as possible       ii.    Interim target dates for meeting milestones that will lead to carbon neutrality       iii.   Mechanisms and indicators for tracking progress       iv.   Actions to make carbon neutrality a part of the curriculum and other educational experiences for all students       v.    Actions to expand research in carbon neutrality       vi.   Review, revise if necessary, and resubmit the climate action plan not less frequently than every five years2.     Submit an annual evaluation of progress a.     Within one year of the implementation start date, and every year thereafter, complete an annual evaluation of progress b.     Make the action plan, annual evaluation of progress (including greenhouse gas inventory), publicly available by submitting them to Second Nature’s reporting system for posting and dissemination"

The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
http://www.csueastbay.edu/sustainability/index.html

Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Besides a campus Climate Action Plan, California State University East Bay does not currently have formal plans to advance sustainability. However, the campus has Shared Strategic Commitments which include a commitment to "contribute to a sustainable planet through our academic programs, university operations, and individual behavior. There is also an Institutional Learning Outcome that students will be able to act responsibly and sustainably at local, national, and global levels. More information on Shared Strategic Commitments and Institutional Learning Outcomes can be found at: http://www.csueastbay.edu/oaa/sustaineb/about/ilo.html https://www.csueastbay.edu/about/strategic-planning/files/pdf/CSUEB%20Mission,%20Commitments%20and%20ILOs,%202012%20June%2019.pdf

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.