| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 59.66 |
| Liaison | Christina Erickson |
| Submission Date | Aug. 15, 2022 |
Champlain College
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 4.00 |
Christina
Erickson Sustainability Director Campus Planning |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Part 1. Measurable sustainability objectives
Academics
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to academics and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Action Steps from original 2013 Sustainability Action Plan (still in use, see notes below):
1. Conduct a survey to learn what courses currently have a sustainability focus or component by 2014. Conduct a follow-up survey in 2018.
2. Explore adding “and the environment” to the ethical reasoning college competency by 2014.
3. Continue to build sustainability-related internship opportunities for students by 2015.
4. Explore creating relationship with Dublin campus regarding sustainability practices in the Center and within academic and extra-curricular offerings by 2015.
5. Assemble a faculty fellows program, consisting of at least 6 faculty members from different disciplines, by 2015
6. Explore the idea of conducting a regular sustainability literacy assessment of Champlain College students by 2018
From Curriculum Section of 2013 Sustainability Action Plan https://www.champlain.edu/Documents/Sustain-Champlain/SAP_June%202013Final.pdf
1. Conduct a survey to learn what courses currently have a sustainability focus or component by 2014. Conduct a follow-up survey in 2018.
2. Explore adding “and the environment” to the ethical reasoning college competency by 2014.
3. Continue to build sustainability-related internship opportunities for students by 2015.
4. Explore creating relationship with Dublin campus regarding sustainability practices in the Center and within academic and extra-curricular offerings by 2015.
5. Assemble a faculty fellows program, consisting of at least 6 faculty members from different disciplines, by 2015
6. Explore the idea of conducting a regular sustainability literacy assessment of Champlain College students by 2018
From Curriculum Section of 2013 Sustainability Action Plan https://www.champlain.edu/Documents/Sustain-Champlain/SAP_June%202013Final.pdf
Engagement
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to engagement and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Action Steps from original 2013 Sustainability Action Plan - Culture/Co-Curricular Education section (still in use, see notes below):
1. Develop a training session for student leaders including Student Activity Planners and
Student Government Association leaders by 2013.
2. Increase viewership of various online outreach methods to reach approximately 25% of our campus population by Spring 2014.
3. Designate one Employee Eco-Rep per division/department to encourage sustainable behavior among faculty and staff by 2015
https://www.champlain.edu/Documents/Sustain-Champlain/SAP_June%202013Final.pdf
1. Develop a training session for student leaders including Student Activity Planners and
Student Government Association leaders by 2013.
2. Increase viewership of various online outreach methods to reach approximately 25% of our campus population by Spring 2014.
3. Designate one Employee Eco-Rep per division/department to encourage sustainable behavior among faculty and staff by 2015
https://www.champlain.edu/Documents/Sustain-Champlain/SAP_June%202013Final.pdf
Operations
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to operations and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Action Steps from original 2013 Sustainability Action Plan - Operations section (still in use, see notes below):
Buildings sub-section:
1. All new buildings as of 2013 must be constructed to meet LEED Gold standards or equivalent
2. Establish and follow a deferred maintenance plan for existing buildings by 2014.
Climate sub-section:
1. Hire Sightlines to create a specific carbon mitigation plan by 2014
2. Champlain will continue to refine our carbon assessment process, including adding data such as work-related travel by employees (conferences, etc.) by 2015
3. Champlain College will offer a voluntary carbon offset program option for Champlain study abroad programs by 2017, such as a contribution to the Champlain College Revolving Green Fund.
4. Greenhouse gas emissions will be 20% below 2004 Baseline By 2020 (Common Liberal Arts Target) OR Greenhouse gas emissions will be 40% below 2004 Baseline by 2020 (Leadership Target).
Dining sub-section:
1. Establish clear procedures for waste management at catered events by 2013.
2. Utilize the Real Food Calculator to assess our current purchases by 2014.
3. Working with vendors, develop a zero waste plan by 2020
4. Sign on to the Real Food Challenge and commit to annually increasing procurement of ‘real food’—so as to meet or exceed 20% of food purchases by 2020.
Energy sub-section
1. Approve the drafted energy policy by 2013.
2. Finalize and advertise the Champlain College Green Revolving Fund by 2013.
3. Purchase Energy Star appliances for all kitchen renovations/expansions by 2014.
4. Participate in Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility’s Business Energy Action challenge and reduce energy usage by 5% annually for 3 years by 2016. (*Discontinued program*)
5. Have a real-time energy feedback system that alerts building users as to how much energy is being consumed by 2019
6. Expand use of geothermal heating/cooling across campus for future and existing buildings by 2020
Transportation sub-section:
1. Support the goals outlined in the 2013 Champlain College Transportation Plan
2. Have covered bike parking at least one central campus location by 2013.
3. Create a bike commuter resource guide by 2013.
4. Have 25% of employees register with CATMA by 2014.
5. Set up a rideshare program for students by 2014.
6. Install a bike share system by 2018.
7. Have at least 100 memberships (Faculty/Staff/Students) with CarShare VT by 2015.
8. Attain a Bicycle-friendly University designation by 2015 (American League of Bicyclists).
Waste sub-section:
1. 100% of campus printers will have double sided printing as the default setting by 2013.
2. Install one electronic waste bin in each residence hall by 2013.
3. Create an “Amnesty Day” for all students moving out of the res halls to return dining ware to the Dining Hall by 2013.
4. Eliminate 100% of bottled water on campus by 2014.
5. Implement a waste reduction education/training program for catering staff by 2014.
6. Reduce the amount of paper used for orientation by using a “green thumb” USB drive or website by 2014.
7. When printing is required, encourage new formatting standards by 2014. Encourage use of dropbox/electronic documents otherwise.
8. Implement a cap on free printing for students by 2015.
9. Install water refill stations in each residential hall by 2017.
10. Replace all office trash bins with small trash containers that do not require a liner by 2018.
11. Encourage departments to continue to move toward electronic forms (purchase orders, travel reimbursements, etc.) by 2020
Water sub-section:
1. Decrease our total water consumption per capita by 10% compared to a 2005 baseline by 2015.
2. Continue to work on action steps within the Stormwater Master Plan and produce an update on progress by 2015.
3. Explore certifying the campus “Blue”, a watershed friendly designation, by 2016.
4. Install timers in the showers of every residence hall bathrooms by 2017.
Purchasing sub-section:
1. Continue with the “Heart Healthy Printing” campaign, replacing personal printers with shared multi-function printers.
2. Upgrade requirements regarding vending machines (energy efficiency, etc.) by 2013.
3. Establish Building Product requirements by 2013, including: Lighting fixtures; Low flow plumbing fixtures; Recycled content materials
4 Compile a list of preferred local vendors (especially for t-shirts and printing) by 2014.
5. Include environmentally-preferred language into current and future purchasing contracts by 2014.
6. Remove the sale and use of bottled water by 2014.
7. Explore reusable K-Cup options for Keurig Stations by 2015.
8. Explore earning a Fair Trade Campus designation by 2016.
9. Adopt a vendor code of conduct that includes commitment to social and environmental responsibility by 2018.
Grounds sub-section:
1. Continue to work on action steps within the Landscape Master Plan and produce an update on progress by 2015.
2. Complete campus tree inventory by 2015.
3. Remove invasive species on campus by 2016.
4. Earn designation by Tree Campus USA by 2017.
5. Explore the possibility of designating the campus as an arboretum by 2020.
https://www.champlain.edu/Documents/Sustain-Champlain/SAP_June%202013Final.pdf
Buildings sub-section:
1. All new buildings as of 2013 must be constructed to meet LEED Gold standards or equivalent
2. Establish and follow a deferred maintenance plan for existing buildings by 2014.
Climate sub-section:
1. Hire Sightlines to create a specific carbon mitigation plan by 2014
2. Champlain will continue to refine our carbon assessment process, including adding data such as work-related travel by employees (conferences, etc.) by 2015
3. Champlain College will offer a voluntary carbon offset program option for Champlain study abroad programs by 2017, such as a contribution to the Champlain College Revolving Green Fund.
4. Greenhouse gas emissions will be 20% below 2004 Baseline By 2020 (Common Liberal Arts Target) OR Greenhouse gas emissions will be 40% below 2004 Baseline by 2020 (Leadership Target).
Dining sub-section:
1. Establish clear procedures for waste management at catered events by 2013.
2. Utilize the Real Food Calculator to assess our current purchases by 2014.
3. Working with vendors, develop a zero waste plan by 2020
4. Sign on to the Real Food Challenge and commit to annually increasing procurement of ‘real food’—so as to meet or exceed 20% of food purchases by 2020.
Energy sub-section
1. Approve the drafted energy policy by 2013.
2. Finalize and advertise the Champlain College Green Revolving Fund by 2013.
3. Purchase Energy Star appliances for all kitchen renovations/expansions by 2014.
4. Participate in Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility’s Business Energy Action challenge and reduce energy usage by 5% annually for 3 years by 2016. (*Discontinued program*)
5. Have a real-time energy feedback system that alerts building users as to how much energy is being consumed by 2019
6. Expand use of geothermal heating/cooling across campus for future and existing buildings by 2020
Transportation sub-section:
1. Support the goals outlined in the 2013 Champlain College Transportation Plan
2. Have covered bike parking at least one central campus location by 2013.
3. Create a bike commuter resource guide by 2013.
4. Have 25% of employees register with CATMA by 2014.
5. Set up a rideshare program for students by 2014.
6. Install a bike share system by 2018.
7. Have at least 100 memberships (Faculty/Staff/Students) with CarShare VT by 2015.
8. Attain a Bicycle-friendly University designation by 2015 (American League of Bicyclists).
Waste sub-section:
1. 100% of campus printers will have double sided printing as the default setting by 2013.
2. Install one electronic waste bin in each residence hall by 2013.
3. Create an “Amnesty Day” for all students moving out of the res halls to return dining ware to the Dining Hall by 2013.
4. Eliminate 100% of bottled water on campus by 2014.
5. Implement a waste reduction education/training program for catering staff by 2014.
6. Reduce the amount of paper used for orientation by using a “green thumb” USB drive or website by 2014.
7. When printing is required, encourage new formatting standards by 2014. Encourage use of dropbox/electronic documents otherwise.
8. Implement a cap on free printing for students by 2015.
9. Install water refill stations in each residential hall by 2017.
10. Replace all office trash bins with small trash containers that do not require a liner by 2018.
11. Encourage departments to continue to move toward electronic forms (purchase orders, travel reimbursements, etc.) by 2020
Water sub-section:
1. Decrease our total water consumption per capita by 10% compared to a 2005 baseline by 2015.
2. Continue to work on action steps within the Stormwater Master Plan and produce an update on progress by 2015.
3. Explore certifying the campus “Blue”, a watershed friendly designation, by 2016.
4. Install timers in the showers of every residence hall bathrooms by 2017.
Purchasing sub-section:
1. Continue with the “Heart Healthy Printing” campaign, replacing personal printers with shared multi-function printers.
2. Upgrade requirements regarding vending machines (energy efficiency, etc.) by 2013.
3. Establish Building Product requirements by 2013, including: Lighting fixtures; Low flow plumbing fixtures; Recycled content materials
4 Compile a list of preferred local vendors (especially for t-shirts and printing) by 2014.
5. Include environmentally-preferred language into current and future purchasing contracts by 2014.
6. Remove the sale and use of bottled water by 2014.
7. Explore reusable K-Cup options for Keurig Stations by 2015.
8. Explore earning a Fair Trade Campus designation by 2016.
9. Adopt a vendor code of conduct that includes commitment to social and environmental responsibility by 2018.
Grounds sub-section:
1. Continue to work on action steps within the Landscape Master Plan and produce an update on progress by 2015.
2. Complete campus tree inventory by 2015.
3. Remove invasive species on campus by 2016.
4. Earn designation by Tree Campus USA by 2017.
5. Explore the possibility of designating the campus as an arboretum by 2020.
https://www.champlain.edu/Documents/Sustain-Champlain/SAP_June%202013Final.pdf
Administration
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Action Steps from original 2013 Sustainability Action Plan - Institution section (still in use, see notes below):
Planning & Coordination sub-section:
1. Sign the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment OR make a comparable public commitment regarding carbon reduction goals by 2014. See next page for action steps related to ACUPCC.
2. Continue to work on action steps within the Master Plan and produce an update on progress by 2015.
3. Create a carbon adaptation plan, which acknowledges upcoming potential risks from severe weather events, etc. and creates a plan for preparing our campus infrastructure, by 2018.
Investment sub-section:
1. Through donor solicitations and energy savings repayments, grow the Green Revolving Fund to $500,000 by 2020.
2. While balancing the critical need to invest in high performing funds, explore socially/environmentally responsible investments for the endowment
Affordability sub-section:
1. Support the objectives listed under Champlain 2020 Strategic Goal V: Foster an Inclusive & Diverse Community
Human Resources sub-section:
1. Add a “Heart Healthy Printing” campaign to Wellness Committee initiatives by 2014
2. Support the objectives listed under Champlain 2020 Strategic Goal IV: Excite, Engage & Empower Faculty & Staff
Diversity sub-section:
1. Intentionally incorporate diversity and inclusion goals within sustainability initiatives, whenever feasible and appropriate.
https://www.champlain.edu/Documents/Sustain-Champlain/SAP_June%202013Final.pdf
Planning & Coordination sub-section:
1. Sign the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment OR make a comparable public commitment regarding carbon reduction goals by 2014. See next page for action steps related to ACUPCC.
2. Continue to work on action steps within the Master Plan and produce an update on progress by 2015.
3. Create a carbon adaptation plan, which acknowledges upcoming potential risks from severe weather events, etc. and creates a plan for preparing our campus infrastructure, by 2018.
Investment sub-section:
1. Through donor solicitations and energy savings repayments, grow the Green Revolving Fund to $500,000 by 2020.
2. While balancing the critical need to invest in high performing funds, explore socially/environmentally responsible investments for the endowment
Affordability sub-section:
1. Support the objectives listed under Champlain 2020 Strategic Goal V: Foster an Inclusive & Diverse Community
Human Resources sub-section:
1. Add a “Heart Healthy Printing” campaign to Wellness Committee initiatives by 2014
2. Support the objectives listed under Champlain 2020 Strategic Goal IV: Excite, Engage & Empower Faculty & Staff
Diversity sub-section:
1. Intentionally incorporate diversity and inclusion goals within sustainability initiatives, whenever feasible and appropriate.
https://www.champlain.edu/Documents/Sustain-Champlain/SAP_June%202013Final.pdf
Part 2. Sustainability in institution’s highest guiding document
Yes
The institution’s highest guiding document (upload):
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Website URL where the institution’s highest guiding document is publicly available:
Which of the following best describes the inclusion of sustainability in the highest guiding document?:
Minor theme
Optional Fields
Website URL where the institution's sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body?:
Yes
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
1. Within the 2007 Campus Master Plan, a call to "embrace sustainability"
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13XMpzjpZo7tFjjn0jJWTltP12fbo0znv/view?usp=sharing
2. Within the 2030 Strategic Plan, Goal 6: Achieve and Maintain Robust Financial Health, “Champlain will model its commitment to sustainability through efficient facilities and operations management and will make progress toward carbon neutrality.”
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13XMpzjpZo7tFjjn0jJWTltP12fbo0znv/view?usp=sharing
2. Within the 2030 Strategic Plan, Goal 6: Achieve and Maintain Robust Financial Health, “Champlain will model its commitment to sustainability through efficient facilities and operations management and will make progress toward carbon neutrality.”
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
Defining Sustainability at Champlain College: Champlain views sustainability in an inclusive way, encompassing human and ecological health, social justice, secure livelihoods and a better world for all generations, as defined by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). At Champlain College, sustainability is a central value and we strive to infuse it throughout our other core values of distinctive excellence, innovation, human touch, global engagement, diversity and inclusion.
Sustainability Value Statement: Champlain College will be a sustainable institution, in our operational practices, our campus culture, our curriculum and in our relationships with our greater community. It is our belief that as we support students to be 21st century global citizens, they need to be well informed about sustainability concepts and practices as it relates to their field and profession. Further, we must create a campus where fully engaging in these concepts and practices is a part of life for our whole community. Additionally, we will be a model for other institutions and communities as we create an example of positive impact on the planet and its inhabitants. Because sustainability is a holistic and interdependent concept, our application of sustainability on campus and within our institution will demonstrate this and be INFUSED into all that we do.
Through various educational mediums, we spread sustainability awareness through the campus. Everyone has a role to play as we work together to create a sustainable institution and campus. Our Sustainability Action Plan, adopted in 2013, is our roadmap of actions for the coming years.
https://www.champlain.edu/student-life/campus-and-community-programs/sustain-champlain/about-sustain-champlain
Sustainability Value Statement: Champlain College will be a sustainable institution, in our operational practices, our campus culture, our curriculum and in our relationships with our greater community. It is our belief that as we support students to be 21st century global citizens, they need to be well informed about sustainability concepts and practices as it relates to their field and profession. Further, we must create a campus where fully engaging in these concepts and practices is a part of life for our whole community. Additionally, we will be a model for other institutions and communities as we create an example of positive impact on the planet and its inhabitants. Because sustainability is a holistic and interdependent concept, our application of sustainability on campus and within our institution will demonstrate this and be INFUSED into all that we do.
Through various educational mediums, we spread sustainability awareness through the campus. Everyone has a role to play as we work together to create a sustainable institution and campus. Our Sustainability Action Plan, adopted in 2013, is our roadmap of actions for the coming years.
https://www.champlain.edu/student-life/campus-and-community-programs/sustain-champlain/about-sustain-champlain
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 |
| Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability | No |
| SDG Accord | No |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | No |
| 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:
1. Campus Compact's 30th Anniversary Action Statement - http://compact.org/actionstatement/
2. (Then) President Laackman signed onto White House initiative American Campuses Act on Climate Change (December 2015) https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/12/11/american-campuses-act-climate
3. (Then) President Laackman signed onto We Are Still In letter in support of the Paris Climate Accord (June 2017) http://wearestillin.com/
4. (Then) President Laackman signed onto the Higher Education Carbon Pricing Endorsement Initiative (April 2018)
5. Member of Burlington 2030 District with specific carbon reduction targets https://www.2030districts.org/burlington
2. (Then) President Laackman signed onto White House initiative American Campuses Act on Climate Change (December 2015) https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/12/11/american-campuses-act-climate
3. (Then) President Laackman signed onto We Are Still In letter in support of the Paris Climate Accord (June 2017) http://wearestillin.com/
4. (Then) President Laackman signed onto the Higher Education Carbon Pricing Endorsement Initiative (April 2018)
5. Member of Burlington 2030 District with specific carbon reduction targets https://www.2030districts.org/burlington
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Our current Sustainability Action Plan, from 2013 was written to sunset in 2020. Due to a number of factors including several leadership transitions and a delayed strategic plan for the College, a next version of our Sustainability Action Plan has yet to be finalized. However, now that the College’s Strategic Plan has been released (January 2022, which includes the goal of “making progress toward carbon neutrality”) and a new President has been named (starting June 2022) we are in the early stages of drafting our Sustainability/Carbon Action Plan 2.0, with the hopes of it being finalized in 2022-2023. The timing of this new plan will track with the College’s Strategic Plan to sunset in 2030. See the “Team 6.5” idea generation form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5y-53Abkv4ZVEvCiIiS4YFAWEv-ZhMH2e7cODSOCU1N9wWQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
We continue to use and update the 2013 Sustainability Action Plan and produce an Annual Progress Report (latest edition from June 2021): https://www.champlain.edu/Documents/Sustain-Champlain/Annual%20Reports/2020-2021AnnualReport.pdf
Each year’s annual report can be found on our Tracking & Assessment page https://www.champlain.edu/student-life/campus-and-community-programs/sustain-champlain/about-sustain-champlain/tracking-and-assessment-sustain-champlain
We continue to use and update the 2013 Sustainability Action Plan and produce an Annual Progress Report (latest edition from June 2021): https://www.champlain.edu/Documents/Sustain-Champlain/Annual%20Reports/2020-2021AnnualReport.pdf
Each year’s annual report can be found on our Tracking & Assessment page https://www.champlain.edu/student-life/campus-and-community-programs/sustain-champlain/about-sustain-champlain/tracking-and-assessment-sustain-champlain
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.