Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 75.90
Liaison Deborah Steinberg
Submission Date Dec. 6, 2021

STARS v2.2

Carnegie Mellon University
PA-1: Sustainability Coordination

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Barbara Kviz
Environmental Coordinator
Facilities Management Services
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Sustainability committee(s) 

Does the institution have at least one sustainability committee?:
Yes

The charter or mission statement of the committee(s) or a brief description of each committee's purview and activities:
The Green Practices Committee's mission is to "strive to develop university practices that improve environmental quality, decrease waste, and conserve natural resources and energy, thereby establishing Carnegie Mellon as a practical model for other universities and companies."

The Charge of the Sustainability Initiative Steering Committee and Advisory Council is to lead the efforts to grow awareness, elevate, oversee, develop processes, advise, and communicate the Sustainable Development Goals to the CMU campus community.

Members of each committee, including affiliations and role:
Green Practices Committee:

Deborah Steinberg, Staff co-chair, Green Practices Manager, Facility Management and Campus Services
Barbara Kviz, Staff co-chair, Environmental Coordinator, Facility Management and Campus Services
Nina Baird, Faculty Co-Chair, Architecture Teaching Professor
Dave Dzombak, member, Blenko & University Professor, Dept Head Civil & Environmental Engineering
Martin Altschul, member, University Engineer, Facilities Management and Campus Services
Karen Brooks, member, Bike Consultant, Parking and Transportation Services
Don Coffelt, member, Associate VP for Facilities Management and Campus Services
Marcia Gerwig, member, University Center Director
Justin Goel, member, Associate Director, Dining Services
Steve Guenther, member, Director, Facilities Operations, Facilities Management and Campus Services
Jan Held, member, Sr. Project Manager, Campus Design and Facilities Development(CDFD)
Brian Lee, member, student
Adam Loucks, member, Administrative Coordinator, Engineering & Public Policy (EPP)
Paul Minor, member, Environmental Health & Safety
Janet Peters, member, Enrollment Services
Michelle Porter, member, Manager, Parking and Transportation Services
Robert Reppe, member, Director of Design, CDFD
Ronald Ripper, member, Director of Labs & Facilities, Civil & Environmental Engineering
Dawn Roerink, member, Assistant Director of Custodial & Grounds, FMCS
Jennifer Rogers, member, Project Manager, Facilities Management and Campus Services
Michael Schneider, member, Director of Facilities for Student Affairs
Nicole Shi, member, student
Anna Siefken, member, Associate Director for Innovation & Strategic Partnerships, Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation
Jenna Stanislaw, member, student
Pattye Stragar, member, Athletics, Staff Council

Sustainability Initiative Steering Committee:

David Dzombak, University Professor and Department Head, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Steven Guenther, University Engineer and Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management and Campus Services
Alexandra Hiniker, Executive Fellow for Sustainability Initiatives
Sarah Mendelson, Distinguished Service Professor Of Public Policy and Head Of Heinz College In Washington, DC

Sustainability Initiative Advisory Council:

Nina Baird, School of Architecture, College of Fine Arts
Don Coffelt, Facilities Management and Campus Services
Neil Donahue, Steinbrenner Institute, Mellon College of Science, College of Engineering
Evan Feder, Vice President, Campus Affairs
Rayid Ghani, Machine Learning Department, School of Computer Science and Heinz College
Lauren Henry, Senior Director, Alumni and Constituent Engagement
Vivian Loftness, School of Architecture, College of Fine Arts
Nick Muller, Tepper School of Business, College of Engineering
Dan Nagin, Heinz College
Kathryn Posko, Heinz College graduate student
Elizabeth “Lib” Rosemeyer, Office of Title IX Initiatives
Edmund Russell, Professor of History, Dietrich College
Peter Scupelli, School of Design, College of Fine Arts
Liz Vaughan, Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Director of SLICE
Anna Siefken, Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation
Rick Siger, Office of the President
M. Shernell Smith, Executive Director of the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion
Deborah Steinberg, Green Practices and Sustainability Manager
Madeleine Timko, Director of Sustainability, Presidents Cabinet
Keith Webster, University Libraries

Sustainability office(s) 

Does the institution have at least one sustainability office that includes more than 1 full-time equivalent employee?:
Yes

A brief description of each sustainability office:
Since 2001, a staff position is focused on sustainability and green practices and is located in the Facilities Management and Campus Services Department. This staff coordinates and supports the implementation of university green projects. They encourage the university community to participate in the Green Practices Mission. By tracking a variety of green practices; energy use, green building projects, transportation, procurement, recycling & waste and GHG emissions, the office can then compile and report on the status of our environmental accomplishments for internal and external audiences.

Green Practices represents the university in national, state and regional initiatives and organizations.

Working with other campus departments on green initiatives include but are not limited to: Scotty Goes Green Office Certification Program, greening the supply chain with procurement services; working in conjunction with campus planners and designers to promote best practices for green building; recommending new products or equipment for energy and water efficient operations; supporting the mission of the Environmental Health and Safety Department to minimize waste or recycle universal waste, support government relations on local and community initiatives, and advise student environmental organizations.

Educational aspects of the office include identifying potential student/faculty environmental research projects using the campus as a laboratory and providing useful recommendations. By developing these research, independent study, and intern opportunities, students gain hands-on experience with real world environmental problems. The office aids in planning and coordinating training or informational programs for the campus community to learn about resource conservation and green initiatives.

The office aims to develop new ways to reduce the university environmental footprint by performing assessments and providing recommendations for pollution prevention, GHG reductions, waste minimization, reuse, recycling and resource conservation.

This office also applies for grants to support green initiatives.

Full-time equivalent of people employed in the sustainability office(s):
1.50

Sustainability officer(s) 

Does the institution have at least one sustainability officer?:
Yes

Name and title of each sustainability officer:
Deborah Steinberg, Green Practices & Sustainability Manager; Barbara Kviz, Environmental Coordinator (PT); Alexandra Hiniker, Executive Fellow for Sustainability Initiatives

Institution-wide coordination 

Does the institution have a mechanism for broad sustainability coordination for the entire institution?:
Yes

A brief description of the activities and substantive accomplishments of the institution-wide coordinating body or officer during the previous three years:
The Green Practices Committee is a group of people that are committed to help guide the university to use sustainable practices in daily operations. We have been meeting regularly over 20 years, and now meet 12 times annually, holding 6 General Body meetings and 6 Working Group meetings. The focus has changed over time, but it has always been an open meeting for any campus green initiative to be discussed and suggestions given for next steps.

The Green Practices Committee established 9 goals and corresponding goal teams for 2021.

Examples of accomplishments in the past three years include: the purchase of 100% renewable electricity for campus, annually, since 2011, participating in Sustainable Pittsburgh’s Green Workplace Challenge, since 2011, organized volunteer support for Zero waste (100% composted events), Almost Midnight Breakfast 900+, Staff Picnic 2500 people, Andy Awards, Staff Council & Green Practices Meetings, added composting bins to all Dining Halls, increased participation in the campus Green Office Certification Program, Scotty Goes Green, used the increased capabilities of the Big Belly software to monitor waste and recycling habits on campus, and received annual Tree Campus USA designation since 2014.

Optional Fields 

Job description (1st position)

Job title of the sustainability officer position:
Environmental Coordinator

Job description for the sustainability officer position:
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Job description for the sustainability officer position:
This position is PT and will end June 30, 2022.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT SERVICES
CARNEGIE MELLON

March 1, 2009


TITLE:
Environmental Coordinator

SUMMARY:
The holder of this position provides coordination and program support services for management of resources on campus in an environmentally responsible manner. A primary responsibility for this person is to encourage and assist students, faculty and staff to identify and implement conservation opportunities in support of University and Facilities Management Services (FMS) Mission Statements.


Direction
Responsible for administration, planning and budgets for all aspects of waste management, recycling and integrated pest management contracts.


QUALIFICATONS:
Bachelor's degree required, master's desirable, in the field of Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering or other related fields. More than four years of experience in environmental resource management required. Familiarity with applicable Federal and State Regulations is also desired.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Resource Management: Research, Design and Implementation (50%)
Education and Outreach (35%)
Administration, Data Management, and Development (15%)

1. Monitor the University’s compliance with the established set of Carnegie Mellon University resource conservation and recovery Environmental Practices. Work in conjunction with departments as necessary to take steps toward achieving the goals set forth in the Practices.

2. Generate grants to support initiatives, e.g., grants from the USDA for planting trees, grants from PADEP for waste reduction initiatives, etc.

3. Promote the Environment Across the Curriculum concept. Identify and recommend potential student/faculty environmental projects that use the campus as a laboratory and provide the University with useful research and recommendations. Develop assistantships, independent study, and intern opportunities for students.

4. Perform assessments and provide recommendations for pollution prevention, waste minimization, reuse, reduction, recycling and resource conservation to faculty, staff, and students. This includes but is not limited to:

a. Organize and monitor a campus resource exchange network.
b. Work in conjunction with campus planners and designers to insure that the University maximizes energy efficiency.
c. Work in conjunction with the Environmental Health and Safety Department to support toxic use reduction, the recycling of special wastes, and waste minimization.
d. Identify problem areas and set waste reduction goals.

5. Plan for the removal, transport, and disposal of non-hazardous solid waste and recyclable materials. This includes but is not limited to:

a. Serve as main point of contact for all recycling efforts on campus.
b. Plan, design, inspect, and coordinate campus-wide recycling programs/efforts.
c. Assess market options for recyclables, draft and establish contracts for recycling services; negotiate prices and service agreements with potential markets; serve as contact point for such contracts.
d. Monitor and improve campus composting efforts.
e. Implement the daily functions needed to comply with or exceed the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Act 101, Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling, and Waste Reduction Act.
f. Maintain a record keeping system, prepare appropriate reports to document campus recycling efforts, and distribute this information within the University as appropriate.

6. Work with Purchasing Services and Supplier Management and other University departments to insure that all feasible steps are taken to comply with best available procurement practices. Review materials being purchased by the University and interact with Purchasing Services and Supplier Management to establish provisions for maximizing the level of reusable, recycled, and/or recyclable content of all goods and services being procured.

7. Plan, conduct and coordinate training and informational programs for faculty, staff, and students on campus resource conservation/environmental programs, efforts, and issues, as appropriate.

8. Conduct environmental impact assessments on University projects/activities, as requested or appropriate. Provide recommendations to appropriate campus entities.

9. Coordinate and administer an overall campus environmental audit at least once every five (5) years.

10. Serve as Vice Chair of the Carnegie Mellon Environmental Practices Committee and interact with this committee on a frequent basis. Provide assistance and guidance to this committee in their preparation of research papers, reports and recommendations for environmental improvements.

11. Prepare and submit an annual progress report on campus environmental practices to the President’s Strategic Planning Committee of the Environment

12. Promote and advise active student environmental organizations.

13. Provide assistance to the Facilities Management Services Energy Manager as needed.

Job description (2nd position) 

Job title of the sustainability officer position (2nd position):
Green Practices & Sustainability Manager

Job description for the sustainability officer position (2nd position):
---

Job description for the sustainability officer position (2nd position):
Manager of Green Practices and Sustainability
Job Summary:

The departments of Facilities Management & Campus Services (FMCS) work together to provide Service Excellence.

We value: Dedication, Impact, Collaboration, Creativity, Empathy, Inclusion, Integrity, Sustainability and Safety, reflected in the value of our workforce and our community through the planning and execution of every facet of our work.

• Carnegie Mellon University’s department of Facilities Management and Campus Services (FMCS) is searching for a Manager of Green Practices and Sustainability. This is a dynamic opportunity if you thrive in an interesting and challenging work environment. You will contribute to the department by providing vital support by provide vision, leadership and action for FMCS to advance operational and programmatic sustainability efforts across all aspect of university support services.

Responsibilities will include:

• Creates and manages educational and campus engagement programs to foster a campus culture of environmental sustainability. Expands existing and develops new outreach programs and initiatives, such as the Scotty Goes Green program, Campus Race to Zero Waste, Tree Campus USA, Bicycle Friendly Campus, Green Walking Tour, Spring Carnival Environmental Judging, Low Impact Move-in/out, Green Commencement, and others.
• Co-Chair Carnegie Mellon Green Practices Committee.
• Coordinates and compiles university data for the ongoing Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS) self-assessment program.
• Develops and maintains the Environment@CMU website. Creates communications and collateral include newsletters, social media, website, sustainability dashboard, marketing materials for events, year-end report, and others.
• Researches and identifies grant-writing and other funding opportunities in support of expanded campus sustainability efforts
• Monitors best practices related to sustainability at the University’s benchmark peer institutions and other select institutions and makes recommendations for new sustainability programming and modifications to existing programs.
• Represents the university in AASHE as well as regional initiatives and organizations like Higher Education Climate Consortium, Northeast Campus Sustainability Consortium, and College and University Recycling Council.
• Develop assistantships, independent study, and internship opportunities for students. Manages staff of student employees.
• Supports the overall success of the University’s sustainability efforts by performing all other duties as assigned.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Facilities Management and Campus Services. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should be able to travel both domestically and internationally and be willing to work outside of normal business hours as needed.

Job description (3rd position) 

Job title of the sustainability officer position (3rd position):
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Job description for the sustainability officer position (3rd position):
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Job description for the sustainability officer position (3rd position):
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Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability coordination is available:
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.