Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
---|---|
Overall Score | 72.18 |
Liaison | Ryan Todd |
Submission Date | May 9, 2016 |
Executive Letter | Download |
California State University, Sacramento
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
Status | Score | Responsible Party |
---|---|---|
4.00 / 4.00 |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Does the institution have current and formal plans to advance sustainability in the following areas? Do the plans include measurable objectives?:
Current and Formal Plans (Yes or No) | Measurable Objectives (Yes or No) | |
Curriculum | Yes | Yes |
Research (or other scholarship) | Yes | Yes |
Campus Engagement | Yes | Yes |
Public Engagement | Yes | Yes |
Air and Climate | Yes | Yes |
Buildings | Yes | Yes |
Dining Services/Food | Yes | Yes |
Energy | Yes | Yes |
Grounds | Yes | Yes |
Purchasing | Yes | Yes |
Transportation | Yes | Yes |
Waste | Yes | Yes |
Water | Yes | Yes |
Diversity and Affordability | No | No |
Health, Wellbeing and Work | Yes | Yes |
Investment | No | No |
Other | No | No |
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
According to the CSU Sustainability Policy (May 2014), "The CSU will seek to further integrate sustainability into the academic curriculum working within the normal campus consultative process. 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." A campus specific example of this at Sac State is the stormwater management, low impact development project, also known as implementation of rain gardens and bioswales. In 2015, Sacramento State’s Office of Water Programs (OWP) and Facilities Management teamed up with the City of Sacramento to install new stormwater management devices on campus. The devices, or low impact development best management practices (LID BMPs), are intended to reduce stormwater impacts to the American and Sacramento Rivers. Stormwater runoff from urban development is one of the leading contributors of water quality degradation. Another example of incorporating sustainability into curriculum is using the campus as a living lab by use of a sustainability signage trail.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
The Sustainability Trail envisioned by the 2015 Master Plan would
be both a physical route through the campus and an overall philosophy underpinning the University’s commitment to sustainability education. The physical trail would extend from the Arboretum, the LEED-Gold American River Courtyard at the north end of campus, into the Main Quad and along the main stretch of the campus.
The Sustainability Trail would incorporate existing and planned features of the University’s sustainability program such as the stormwater management devices – with signage expressing how the LID project protect the American River and resident aquatic life from pollutants originating from campus. Typically each location on the Sustainability Trail would have an interpretive sign describing the sustainability feature of the campus and how it functions. In short, the Sustainability Trail has unlimited potential as a platform to promote the University’s excellence in an increasingly critical field of science and its contribution as a responsible partner with the community, the Sacramento region and the state of California. By making the campus
into a living demonstration of sustainability, the University will attract not only the elementary school classes who currently visit the campus, but will draw the attention of the entire K-12 regional system as well as other regional higher education institutions.
The University Sustainability Committee has envisioned establishing a Sustainability Trail as an educational component of Sacramento State’s sustainability program.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
Sylvester "Jim" Bowie, Faculty Senate Chair
Provost & Vice Provost, Academic Affairs
Office of Water Programs
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
Regarding plans to advance Research the campus is in the process of opening the Institute for Water, Energy, Sustainability and Technology (iWEST). iWEST at California State University, Sacramento is a hub for the fusion of science and policy to focus on California and the regions water, energy and sustainability issues. iWEST channels the power of interdisciplinary science through an integrated research and education platform to inform policy, education, outreach and behavioral change. iWEST is designed to create and foster an environment of inquiry, of action oriented problem solving, and engaged research that advances public awareness of the complex relationships behind water, energy, and sustainability questions.
An iWEST Executive Summary can be found at: http://www.csus.edu/research/links/findingfunding/iwest%20executive%20summary.pdf
iWEST as listed on the Centers and Institutes page, through the Office of Research Affairs: http://www.csus.edu/research/centersinstitutes1.html
A request for Faculty Research Funding Initiatives can be found at: http://www.csus.edu/research/links/findingfunding/iwest%20faculty%20funding%20rfp.pdf
The incorporation of iWEST into the campus Strategic Plan can be found at:
http://www.csus.edu/universitystrategicplan/
For additional information regarding iWEST contact the iWEST Executive Director Debbie Whaley
debbie.whaley@csus.edu
(916) 278-3932
Date Revised: June 3, 2016
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):
The first phase of measuring iWEST's success is the call for applications for the Faculty Research Funding Initiative. Call for proposals deadline was May 29, 2015, with the review and selection period to follow.
To launch the iWEST research agenda, the following types of research funding are available to the campus. All Unit 3 faculty (full-time and part-time) are eligible to apply (with possible limitations on award duration for instructional faculty based on appointment term and time base). There are three types of funding available, and applicants may receive only one of the following types of awards, and may apply by designating in their application a primary award objective and a secondary award objective if the first cannot be awarded. Co-investigators and collaborators may participate in more than one award, subject to the limitations above.
Preference will be given to applications and projects that demonstrate collaborative efforts among faculty, including both inter- and intra- college collaborations, with an award divided as requested among partners. Applications will be reviewed by a group of faculty and campus administrators with appropriate backgrounds in sponsored projects, externally-funded research, and the iWEST disciplines, and may also include external experts in the field.
For the first two award options, successful applicants will demonstrate a track record or clear potential for grant funding, along with experience producing high-quality research and sponsored project outcomes on time that illustrate the likelihood of continuing a dynamic research agenda with external support. Relationships with federal and/or state funding agencies that can translate into mutually beneficial funded projects consonant with iWEST themes and campus priorities will be of particular importance to this initial round of funding for faculty research projects.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
Provost
Executive Director of iWEST (Institute for Water, Energy, Sustainability and Technology): Debbie Whaley
Associate Vice President, Office of Research Affairs: David Earwicker
College of Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies
College of Engineering and Computer Science
College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
Earth Day is one of the largest sustainability events supporting campus engagement each year. Celebrating Earth Day on campus is an important and collaborative event that enables fun and promotes awareness around being green for faculty, students, and staff. Each year, the campus celebrates Earth Day within the month of April, inviting external vendors to booth and provides interactive activities. Each year plans to increase the magnitude of Earth Day increases because the larger and more robust the event is, the greater the outreach is to the campus community. Each year, an increasing larger number of campus entities reach out to the sustainability team expressing an interest in getting involved in Earth Day, hence strengthening the cross campus engagement. The campus plans to continue this practice moving forward every year.
Regarding plans to advance sustainability through Campus Engagement chapter 6 (Sustainability Guidelines) of the Campus Master Plan, Section 6.10 (Academic and Student Programs) outlines the use of the Annual Earth Day and Mulching Mania events to engage students and the campus community. The campus Master Plan can be accessed through the following link:
http://www.csus.edu/aba/facilities/documents/sacramento-state-master-plan-042815-reduced.pdf
Date Revised: June 3, 2016
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
2015 was the largest campus Earth Day here at Sac State to date. 55 educational vendors participated, an increase of 12% from 2014 and an 89% increase from 2013 Earth Day, and had 2 mascots.
More than 1,000 Greeks contributed to Earth Day in one of the largest recycling competitions on campus, yielding .61 tons collected.
Four guided walking tours, sustainable vehicles, up-cycled art displays, Pillars of Sustainability walking educational sign exhibit displaying 48 campus sustainability highlights and tips, and various educational displays such as plastic bag consumption, water conservation, energy conservation, etc. Future plans for Earth Day include expanding the impact on the campus community.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
Sac State Sustainability in Facilities Management
Environmental Student Organization
Environmental Studies Department
Sustainable Technology Optimization Research Center (STORC)
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
External engagement is a significant emphasis in the campus master plan: "The Master Plan will emphasize Campus and Community
Connectivity by providing:
• More activities on campus to increase duration of
visitors’ stays;
• 24/7 internal and external engagement;
• Integration with the community; and
• A vibrant events hub and community crossroads."
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
One of the defining principles of engagement is found in the Campus Master Plan
Principle 6: Showcase and maximize engagement with the
American River, which includes the following:
• Enhance connectivity to bikeway/pedestrian path and
river’s edge.
• Maximize view opportunities.
• Enhance academic and research opportunities.
• Provide appropriate riverfront development.
By embracing the American River adjacent to the campus, it evokes a sense of responsibility for the surrounding ecosystem and enhances the appreciation of the natural beauty of nature around the campus. To achieve this, goals for a new residential housing complex planned to be finished in May 2017, will house 400 beds total, will be built to LEED Gold standards, with a special feature of a roof top terrace to take advantage of the American River views. The plan for this project also ensures a river view to all rooms that overlook the river. Additionally, embracing the surrounding bike paths that run adjacent to the campus and American River and continuing to support development to expand Sac State as a bike-friendly campus, invites the surrounding community to use Sac State as a bypass or pass through allowing the community to also share in the enjoyment of the campus. It also promotes less driving to campus.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
Entire campus community
Planning, Design, Construction Department
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:
According to the CSU Sustainability Policy (May 2014),
"The CSU will strive to reduce system-wide 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)."
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
"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)
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)" - CSU System Wide Sustainability Policy.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):
Campus wide, CSU System wide, Sustainability team, University Transportation & Parking Services.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:
According to the CSU Sustainability Policy (May 2014),
"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)"
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
To support the CSU sustainability policy for LEED Gold development, Sac State has a new residential housing building with a completion date of May 2017, slated for LEED Gold equivalent, including recreation rooms, river views for all rooms that overlook the river, a roof top terrace to take advantage of the river views, each wing of the building will have a study room and living room on each floor that will overlook the river. The current plan is slated for 125,847 sq ft, with room for 400 beds total, with 240 freshman rooms on double occupancy and 160 sophomore rooms on single occupancy.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):
Residential Housing, Facilities Management, Planning, Design & Construction, Sustainability team.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
According to the CSU Sustainability Policy (May 2014),
"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)"
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Based on the sustainability goals and measures created by Dining Services, the following supports the CSU wide sustainability policy as listed above:
"Goal: Continue to grow in diverting all types of waste products from the waste stream for recycle & repurpose and pursue opportunities for reduction through increased efficiencies.
Objectives:
1. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing local food products when available.
2. Increase sustainability by purchasing new, more eco-friendly equipment to fulfill Dining Service needs.
Performance Measures:
Use analysis reports of local buying opportunities.
Purchase new dish washing unit for the Housing and Residential Life Dining Commons that will reduce water consumption by at least 50%.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Dining Services, UEI, Procurement, Steven Davis, Director of Dining Services.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:
According to the CSU Sustainability Policy (May 2014), "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 campus-wide 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)"
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
According to the campus sustainability goals created by the Sustainability team on energy: "Goal: Reduce GHG emission to 1990 levels by 2020".
"Objectives:
1. North GYM lighting project. Convert existing HID to LED.
2. Develop a Photovoltaic RFP for renewable energy projects.
3. LED street lighting project. Convert existing HID to LED.
4. Pilot LED Lighting project with new dimmable controls, occupancy sensors, and bi-level stair well lighting."
" Performance Measures:
1. Gym lighting
2. PV RFP
3. Estimated completion date of LED street lighting project
4. Pilot Lighting project"
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):
Energy Coordinator, Nat Martin, Facilities Management, Procurement Department.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:
According to the CSU Sustainability Policy (May 2014), "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)"
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):
Based on the campus sustainability goals for grounds, the following supports the CSU-wide sustainability policy as listed above:
"Goal: Reduce the water used for landscape by 20% by 2020."
Objectives:
1. Implement drought tolerant landscaping by replacing targeted grassy areas with wood chips, sustainable planting, permeable hardscaping and other products which require less or no watering.
2. Instead of annually re-sodding the ‘goat path’ through the middle of the Main Quad grassy area, find alternative, sustainable solution.
3. Upgrade current irrigation system and program to a more sustainable level with an emphasis on water conservation.
4. Irrigation: Changing campus sprinkler heads:
Change sprinkler heads from pop-up to MP rotors or bubblers. MP rotors use about 30% less water than pop-ups.
Performance Measures:
1. Complete Benicia Hall project which will convert 5,000 sq.ft. of grassy turf to include barrier walls and sustainable plantings.
2. Will implement new pathway with decomposed granite and educational gardens filled with sustainable flora.
3. Measures:
3A: Fill position of Irrigation Lead in Grounds and Landscaping.
3B: Implement Maxi-com system which will adjust the sprinkler system in accordance with the needs of the flora as dictated by the weather.
3C: Update irrigation systems to low-gallon heads which reduce water.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):
Grounds Department, Facilities Management, Grounds Manager, Bob Anchor, Director of Sustainability, Paul Serafimidis.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
According to the CSU Sustainability Policy (May 2014), "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 Buy-Recycled 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)"
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
According to the campus sustainability goals for Procurement:
"Goal: Increase purchase of more recycled/ sustainable products by 15% by 2018."
"Objectives: 1. Track through the campus recycled report – specific attention:
• Lubricating oils
• Paint
• Glass
• Paper Products
• Metal Products"
"Performance Measure: Yearly tracking based on campus procurement spend of recycled products year over year."
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
Procurement Department, John Guion, Director of Procurement & Contract Services
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:
According to the CSU Sustainability Policy (May 2014), "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)"
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
According to the campus sustainability goals created around transportation:
Goal: "Increase sustainable transportation initiatives and options to support an increase in use of alternative transportation options on campus."
"Objectives: 1. Procure 2 additional CNG Powered Buses to support a shuttle to remote parking on campus.
2. Increase the service hours for our Hornet Express “Hornet Line” service from the campus to Napa Hall, Folsom Hall, The WELL and the 65th Street light rail station. (Currently the service hours are 7:30am-5:00pm and we’d like to extend it into the evening hours.)
3. Negotiate a new contract with Sacramento Regional Transit to continue offering Bus Passes to Students, Faculty and Staff.
4. Work on several bike initiatives to increase safety and use of bikes as a commute option for our community."
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):
Tony Lucas, Senior Director, University Transportation and Parking Services (UTAPS), UTAPS Department, Facilities Management - Planning, Design & Construction.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:
According to the CSU wide sustainability policy on waste:
"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)"
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
According to the campus sustainability goal created for waste:
"Goal: Increase landfill diversion to 75% by 2020."
"Objectives:
1. Track and report waste per AB 75 & AB 341 – waste
2. Track and report diversion
3. Implement organics diversion program
4. Reduce the number of external stand-alone trash cans by 33% each year
5. Add new lids w/ new signage to cluster bins
6. Implement desk-side recycling to 100% of campus
7. Implement composting/mulching program for campus green waste."
"Performance Measures on Objectives:
1. 100% on-time reporting
2. Compute diversion spreadsheet quarterly
3. Investigate opportunities for food, paper towels and other organics.
4. Determine baseline of stand-alone trash receptacles and reduce by 33%.
5. Have graphics for lids approved.
6. 100% desk side recycling cans.
7. Investigate mulching systems to determine which would work best for all campus stakeholders."
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):
Recycling Coordinator, Joey Martinez, Sustainability Manager, Ryan Todd.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:
According to the CSU Sustainability Policy (May 2014), "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)"
In addition, in accordance with the Executive Order B-29-15 (April 2015), "The orders and provisions contained in my January 17, 2014 Proclamation, [Governor Brown's] April 25, 2014 Proclamation, and Executive Orders B-26-14 and B-28-14 remain in full force and effect except as modified herein." Further, EO B-29-15 sets mandates in the areas of: statewide water reductions of 25%, increased enforcement against water waste, investment in new technologies, and streamlined government response.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
1. Irrigation
a. Evaluation: We contracted with an independent consultant to conduct an evaluation of the campus-wide irrigation system, assessing 68 controllers and over 14,000 individual sprinkler heads.
b. Maintenance and repairs: As we make repairs, we install more efficient sprinkler heads that minimize over-spray. Installation of new sprinkler heads reduces water use by 30% per head.
c. Sprinkler control upgrades: We are installing a new water efficient irrigation control system. This improved system will allow us to schedule watering remotely and automatically and enable us to better evaluate how and when watering is needed.
d. Use of non-potable water use for irrigation: We only use non-potable water for irrigation and have reduced this use by 37% in the past year.
e. Lawn replacement: We are installing native and drought-tolerant plants on all future landscaping projects. We have installed rocks or decomposed granite in walking paths in place of turf. We have also installed block wall seating areas with low water use landscapes.
f. Lawn watering reduction: A turf reduction plan is currently being implemented. We have reduced or completely shut off watering to select lawns around campus while being mindful of preserving campus trees. To date we’ve ceased watering on 6.20 acres of lawn, which includes shutting off 610 sprinkler heads. The total irrigation savings (based on twice weekly watering schedule) is 43,586 acre feet of water or 2,397,230 gallons of water saved annually. (This does not include the athletic turf venues or turf areas that contain trees.) Notable: Hornet Stadium has artificial turf.
g. Mulching: Increased mulching campus-wide retains soil moisture, reducing the need for watering.
h. Reduced watering times: Reduced irrigation times by 25% on campus irrigation controllers in the past year.
2. Domestic
a. Toilets and urinals: We received a rebate of $78,150 from the City of Sacramento to help fund the replacement of all pre-1992 toilets and urinals. A total of 519 restroom fixtures have been replaced. The new toilets use only 1.28 gallons compared to the older models which use 4-6. The new urinals use only .5 gallons, compared to the older models at 3-4 gallons. The planned replacement of flush valves on the remaining 437 fixtures will provide an additional estimated 7-10% domestic water reduction.
b. Water meter installation: Plans to install water meters on every building are currently in progress. Adding these meters will improve overall operation and efficiency.
c. Sinks: Installation of new faucet aerators to bathroom sinks is part of the regular maintenance cycle and will continue on the remaining 75% of faucets. This change-out decreases the water output to just 0.5 gallons per minute, compared to 2 gallons per minute with the old aerators.
d. Fountains: Two decorative fountains have been shut down to prevent water loss from evaporation and signage posted explaining this is done in response to the drought. This practice will continue moving forward.
e. Pool Cover: Use of automated pool cover helps ensure water isn’t lost to evaporation. This practice will continue moving forward.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):
Sustainability team, Facilities Management, Sustainability Steering Committee, Sustainability Director, Paul Serafimidis, Sustainability Manager, Ryan Todd, UEI, entire campus.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
n/a
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
n/a
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
n/a
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:
Executive Orders from the CSU Chancellor's Office are the primary driver for CSU campus plans, policies and practices of the campus. Regarding Health, Wellbeing, and Work, Executive Order 1039 states: "The California State University, its officers, and employees are responsible for developing and maintaining injury and illness prevention programs, and ensuring that activities and tasks are performed in a manner that reasonably control hazards that can cause injuries or illnesses."
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
Regarding the Measureable Objectives of Health, Wellbeing and Work the campus Master Plan discusses this in Chapter 6 (Sustainability Guidelines) throughout pages (139-143). The plan has set Open Space as a Major Institutional Framework Goal, in order to leverage outdoor open space on campus as an organizing element to promote environmental health and strengthen student’s connection with nature. Additionally, table 6-3 outlines specific Sustainability Actions and Benefits regarding Human Health, Comfort and Performance including:
• Increase and enhance park-like outdoor spaces for human comfort and Health,
• Student housing with adjacent river views and access,
• Devote selected campus areas to urban food production to support Campus food service and community needs,
• Grand park pedestrian and bicycle path network,
• Improved transit and bicycle access to campus via State University Drive West,
• Bicycle lanes and improved safety features for pedestrians on and near campus
• Enhanced campus transit facilities and circulator shuttles
• Follow LEED guidelines and standards for exceeding Title 24 code and optimizing energy performance of buildings
• LEED v4 certification for new buildings on campus
o For example the recent construction of 2 LEED Gold Buildings (The WELL & the American River Courtyard Housing)
• LEED v4 certification for Major Existing Building Remodels and Renovations
• Re-lamping of outdoor lighting to include cut-off fixtures to reduce light pollution and protect the night sky
Date Revised: June 3, 2016
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
CSU Chancellor's Office, EH&S Department.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
n/a
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
n/a
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
n/a
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
n/a
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
n/a
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
n/a
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
Sac State prioritizes sustainability in the following manner:
"Sac State adopts a responsibility for assessing current sustainability practices for incorporation of best technology; recommending new methods/techniques for incorporating sustainability into operational activities and facilities design; partnering with the community we serve; and identifying and tracking critical performance indicators to keep sustainability practices and strategies on course. Sustainable concentration includes the following Areas of Focus for sustainable practices: Academics; Dining Services; Energy; Environmental Health & Safety; Landscape; Planning, New Construction, Renewal; Procurement; Recycle/Waste Management; Transportation; Water Conservation."
Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
Yes
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
Sac State Sustainability, in partnership with the campus Sustainability Steering Committee has adopted a campus-wide sustainability policy to be used as the guiding document with support from accompanying sustainability guidelines from all major areas of focus to be referenced by all for sustainable expectations on campus.
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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