Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 55.57
Liaison Lacey Raak
Submission Date May 20, 2019
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

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

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.75 / 4.00 Lacey Raak
Sustainability Director
Campus Planning and 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:

The 2013 Strategic Plan for CSUMB includes increasing institutional capacity, while also ensuring alignment of public and private resources with institutional priorities, incorporating planning principles of sustainable design and operations, a strong campus core, valuing natural resources, efficient transportation and social interaction between the University and its environs, among other key planning goals.


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

A copy of the climate action plan:
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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:

Metrics tracked on CAP that pertain to sustainable curriculum: # of courses that are sustainability focused as a percentage of total courses, student organizations and clubs that are sustainability focused as a percentage of total university clubs, # of sustainability focused events, and the average senior scores on NSSE Sustainability questions. CSUMB curriculum offers 39 courses focused on sustainability, and many others which incorporate sustainability topics. Four student clubs and organizations are focused on sustainability, and 18 campus events about sustainability happened in 2010/2011 Campus learning ILOs (Institutional Learning Outcomes) ILO2. Academic Strategic Plan. Actively developing assessment tools and rubrics specifically for the ILO.


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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research 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 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:

Design and deploy a “Culture of Sustainability” behavior marketing campaign for all campus citizens to address energy, water, transport, food, etc.

# of events, newsletters, # of sustainability focused groups

https://csumb.edu/sustainability/planning-and-reporting - download Climate Action Plan


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:

# of external focused events, newsletters, # of sustainability focused groups

https://csumb.edu/sustainability/planning-and-reporting - download Climate Action Plan


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:

Systematically review and address energy conservation by taking all possible cost-effective technical actions for existing building and streetlight efficiencies.

Install vertical axis wind machine as a demonstration project at a key wind tunnel location near the main quad and meter its production.

Attach a generator system to student workout equipment as a demonstration project, and meter its production.

Consider purchasing local carbon offsets to bring the CSUMB carbon footprint to neutrality as necessary in 2030.

There are 11 engineering goals, 5 water, 7 transportation, 5 waste, 4 prosperity, 7 food related and 3 'people' goals.

Each of the goals were developed to support the over-arching goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
https://csumb.edu/sustainability/planning-and-reporting - download Climate Action Plan


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:

Require that all new or refurbished campus buildings be designed and built as USGBC LEED Silver certified, preferably Gold or Platinum certification levels.

GHG over building lifetime, cost savings

https://csumb.edu/sustainability/planning-and-reporting - download Climate Action Plan


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:

Develop and implement an innovative Green Information Technology (Green IT) Plan.

Purchase and install a modular co-generation plant consisting of 2-3 250 kw each reciprocating engine-driven generators powered by natural gas, at the campus central power plant.

Build second 1MW Grid-tied Photovoltaic system on campus through a second power purchase agreement.

Research thermal energy storage systems for at least three small stand-alone situations at distance from the central power plant.

Buy Green Power if and when this option is again available in Central California at reasonable pricing.

GHG reductions, cost savings

https://csumb.edu/sustainability/planning-and-reporting - download Climate Action Plan


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:


Increase percentages of organic &/or local food.

Reduce both pre- & post-consumer food waste.

Expand composting to all food serving venues.

Ensure all ”to-go” containers are eco-friendly.

Use Green Seal certified green cleaning products

Consider more diversity of food and food vendor options on campus.

Reduced toxicity, waste diversion, cost savings, GHG reductions.

https://csumb.edu/sustainability/planning-and-reporting - download Climate Action Plan


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:


Contain and percolate all stormwater on-site.
Eliminate or protect pathways to prevent stormwater pollution
Protect soil and ground water by capturing known acute releases and reduce chronic contamination of the environment.
Emphasize permanent and reliable pollution source controls that are not operator dependent.

Water saved, acres habitat preserved and restored.

https://csumb.edu/sustainability/planning-and-reporting - download Climate Action Plan


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:

Offsite GHG reductions, waste diverted.

Examples of goals include:
All electronics purchase must be Energy Star compliant.
Ensure that all the procurement office operations possible are electronic, rather than paper.
Work with procurement to minimize waste at the source.

https://csumb.edu/sustainability/planning-and-reporting - download Climate Action Plan


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:

GHG reductions, cost savings.

Reduce the number of necessary trips to campus.
Manage the University Fleet for sustainability.
Systematize transport data collection

https://csumb.edu/sustainability/planning-and-reporting - download Climate Action Plan


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:

Improve detailed time-and location-linked waste data.
Staff time or student intern
Recycling significantly reduces ghg
Planning
WAS2.
Analyze audits and adjust waste collection infrastructure accordingly.

Develop a waste component for the “Culture of Sustainability” campaign.

Improve “Move-Out” Day Waste Diversion.

Waste diverted, cost savings, GHG reductions

https://csumb.edu/sustainability/planning-and-reporting - download Climate Action Plan


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:

All new fixtures will be water-saving whether for new or refurbished buildings, or replacement /repair.

Review draft landscaping and irrigation plan for sustainability.

Review drinking water/bottled water systems on campus.

Establish an outdoor water use policy for car-washing, power-washing, etc., to avoid water waste.

Augment on-site water sources

Gallons of water saved, GHG reductions, cost savings.

https://csumb.edu/sustainability/planning-and-reporting - download Climate Action Plan


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:

1) The university shall be proactive and responsive to the needs of diverse students, faculty, and staff;
2) The university shall support the development and professional growth of faculty and staff in a diverse work environment;
3) The outreach, recruitment, and retention of faculty, staff, and administrators shall reflect the diversity of the student body and the broader communities we serve; and
4) The university will commit to ensuring that graduating students are able to engage in ethical reasoning and public action that is informed by historical, multicultural, global, ecological, and equity-oriented perspectives.

https://csumb.edu/diversity/inclusive-excellence-plan


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?:
Yes

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

Increase feelings of campus community and place.

Increase community health, wellness and personal growth.

Climate Action Plan - Page 14.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4wzEOCjqf0cT0pKeS1ZRHB0UUU/edit


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:

Land Use Planning - Build/renovate student Housing to accommodate 60% of CSUMB students Locate student housing adjacent to and along the periphery of the core to create a dynamic campus, improve living and learning opportunities, and integrate social, cultural, and recreational spaces in a vibrant whole.
2007 Master Plan Policies Chapter - https://csumb.edu/campusplanning/2007-campus-master-plan


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 Sustainability Policy


The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):

Sustainability is the simultaneous pursuit of human health and happiness, environmental quality, and economic well-being for current and future generations.

At California State University Monterey Bay, we,

Understand that education for sustainability is a lifelong learning process that leads to an informed and involved citizenry having the creative problem-solving skills, scientific and social literacy, and commitment to engage in responsible individual and cooperative actions to support strong communities.
Support sustainability through classroom instruction, learning opportunities (including service learning) as well as partnering with community organizations and operational departments on campus to utilize our campus as a “living lab”.
Recognize the integration and application of systems thinking applied to the three areas of sustainability.
Acknowledge the disproportionate impact environmental degradation has on low-income and/or minority populations and communities.
Strive to achieve excellence in all areas of operational sustainability.
Support individuals in their efforts to align their personal behaviors and practices to support campus sustainability goals.


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) No

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:

Second Nature Climate Commitment - signed the initial climate commitment then added the resiliency element in 2017 to become signatories to the integrated commitment.


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:

Any action step listed in the Climate Action Plan that do not have a date are assumed to be 2030, because that is the climate neutrality deadline, which was the basis of the CAP.


Any action step listed in the Climate Action Plan that do not have a date are assumed to be 2030, because that is the climate neutrality deadline, which was the basis of the CAP.

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.