Overall Rating Bronze - expired
Overall Score 37.67
Liaison Trina Larson
Submission Date March 1, 2019
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Chandler-Gilbert Community College
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.25 / 4.00 Sara Haidle
Sustainability Project Assistant
Administration
"---" 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 vision states “Our students are prepared to lead us into a promising and sustainable future.” One of the five values is “sustainability through engagement”.


A copy of the strategic plan:
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:
The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
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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):

The Operational Plan, which includes all college divisions. Latest published plan dated FY2017. All college departments are working on 2019 goals in SPOL (Strategic Planning Online). This plan is attached below.


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:

Operational Plan:
An Instructional Kitchen will create a valuable educational space which will enhance multiple departments and programs. This Instructional Kitchen will strengthen the existing Nutrition, as well as Sustainability Programs, by allowing the addition of new courses in the curriculum. It will increase student success by providing experiential learning opportunities and strengthen the college’s commitment to sustainability and the health and wellness of both students and employees.

Climate Action Plan:
• Increase the number of existing environmental science course offerings
• Expansion and promotion of the certificate program in Sustainability
• Recognize and celebrate best practices in instruction and co-curricular activities
• Maintain a sustainability link on the CGCC website
• Continue with planning for outdoor demonstration Environmental Technology Center (ETC)
• Enhance, expand and update tools for use in the new ETC
• Develop Solar Installation workforce development program


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
Yes

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

Operational Plan:
Develop a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in chemistry at CGCC
Action items:
- Develop and support research experiences for our undergraduates (initially Honors students)
- Go Green projects in organic chemistry at Williams Campus
- Sustainable fish farm Williams Campus
- Solar panel sustainable energy project at Williams Campus

From CAP:
• Conduct a greenhouse gas inventory every other year to monitor progress
• Explore opportunities to retain a consultant for more detailed measurement of emissions or work with ASU Sustainability Program students to create mechanisms for a more detailed measurement


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:

From CAP:
• Promote service learning opportunities in areas of environmental stewardship

From Strategic plan:
Valuing sustainability through engagement


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:

From CAP:
• Develop partnerships with local vendors to work towards greater environmental stewardship by involvement with ETC
• Encourage inclusion of sustainability topics in community education courses
• Establish community gardens for instruction and for community use in the vicinity of the proposed Environmental Technology Center
• Develop partnership with City of Chandler and community businesses to conduct demonstrations and information presentations about sustainable practices

From Strategic plan:
Valuing sustainability through engagement


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:

From CAP:
• Investigate the purchase of verifiable renewable energy credits for offsetting the student commuter emissions.


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:

From CAP:
• Implement additional day lighting strategies in new and existing buildings
• All new construction will continue to meet a minimum of LEED – Silver certification with a goal of GOLD when fiscally possible


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:

From CAP:
• Increase renewable energy purchases from electrical provider from 15% to 25%
• Increase renewable energy purchases annually by 5% – 10%
• Explore opportunities to partner or add solar photovoltaic to campus rooftops


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:

From CAP:
• Food Services will investigate purchasing from local farmers and producers whenever possible


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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds 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 Purchasing?:
Yes

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

From CAP:
• Purchase additional CNG and/or Hybrid vehicle for the college fleet yearly


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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation 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 Waste?:
Yes

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

From CAP:
• Implement the recycle of all cardboard and disposable paper products from our auxiliary services – Bookstore, Copy Center and Food Services
• Food Services to begin food waste contributions to student composting projects
• Investigate the implementation of automatic by default duplexing for all copiers and printers


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:

From CAP:
• All expanded irrigation will utilize reclaimed water


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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
Yes

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

Operational Plan:
Quantify the fiscal, operational and environmental impact of recent sustainability investments on campus. The college has made a number of notable moves to support its commitment to sustainability, which opens the door to study the impact of these measures, explore future actions, and share this information in the broader community.


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:

Operational Plan:
Develop ergonomically flexible options for future office furniture investments.
The traditional program of modular furniture is being well-managed, however is limited in it’s flexibility. The market now includes moderately-priced options for flexible, health conscious workspaces that might represent better, more cost effective options for future investment, especially in a less paper-intensive office environment.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
No

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

Maricopa County Community College District Sustainability Resolution: The Maricopa County Community College District and its ten colleges are actively committed to sustainable stewardship of environmental resources and socially responsible practices. Through this resolution MCCCD will pursue the implementation of the three elements of sustainability: environmental responsibility, social equity, and economic viability. We will make decisions and take actions to satisfy our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. MCCCD seeks to strengthen efforts to protect the environment, to support equitable access to resources, and to foster and celebrate diversity. We will strive to prepare students with the knowledge, awareness, and technical competencies needed to steward the planet for generations to come. We will collaborate with our community partner through civic engagement and service to improve quality of life. Environmental stewardship, as well as concern for economic and social impacts and issues, is integral to MCCCD’s mission of providing the Phoenix metropolitan area, the State of Arizona, our nation, and the world with a well-educated and globally aware citizenry. In carrying out this resolution, the MCCCD leadership will recognize and encourage our internal and external communities to identify opportunities, to develop strategies, and to initiate and replicate practices that reflect our sensitivity toward the impacts of our social, economic, and environmental actions. Thereby we hope to achieve our goal of becoming a leader in our community and among educational institutions that value sustainability.


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

On District Sustainability page:
Sustainability has many definitions, but one of the most common definitions used today is that of the Brundtland Commission established in 1987: “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".
Sustainability can also be described by the triple bottom line, People, Planet, Profit.
As a part of the 2008 Sustainability Resolution, Maricopa adopted a People, Planet, Profit policy. Through this resolution MCCCD pursues the implementation of the three elements of sustainability:
Environmental responsibility
Social equity
Economic viability.
We will make decisions and take actions to serve our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
The Maricopa County Community College District strives to be the model for infusing sustainability in each aspect of an educational institution, in order to improve the quality of life in its community and foster student success.


Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
Yes or No
The Earth Charter No
The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) No
ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter No
Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment Yes
The Talloires Declaration (TD) No
UN Global Compact No
Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) Yes

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

ACUPCC/ Second Nature Climate Commitment:
As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, CGCC was a charter signatory to the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment. By signing the commitment, CGCC has pledged to eliminate or offset all campus greenhouse gas emissions over time, and in the process, lead the transition to a sustainable economy. Adoption of these 5 ACUPCC Actions:
1. Establish a policy that all new campus construction will be built to at least the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver standard or equivalent.
2. Adopt an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy requiring purchase of ENERGY
STAR certified products in all areas for which such ratings exist.
3. Encourage use of and provide access to public transportation for all faculty, staff, students and visitors at our institution.
4. Within one year of signing this document, begin purchasing or producing at least 15% of our institution's electricity consumption from renewable sources.
5. Participate in the Waste Minimization component of the national RecycleMania competition, and adopt 3 or more associated measures to reduce waste.

SEE Your World:
Adopted in May 2005, a college-wide initiative called SEE Your World focuses on social, environmental, and economic issues and promotes the college’s commitment to global learning. In adopting this initiative we have made what we do in relation to sustainability more visible and use what is happening with sustainability on campus as real-life applications in the classroom.

Charter signatory of the SEED (Sustainability Education & Economic Development) Pledge:
As a Community College leader, I am intensely aware of the vital role community colleges play in preparing our nation’s workforce and our ability to power community and economic change. Further, I understand the need to address environmental issues and transition to a healthy and sustainable economy. Recognizing this pivotal and unique challenge, I join with other community college leaders in a vision to train workers for high-growth jobs in the green economy and educate students about the importance of sustainability.
To realize this vision, CGCC wishes to become a member of the AACC’s SEED: Sustainability Education and Economic Development Center. Specifically, through our membership in the SEED Center we agree to:
1. Identify, develop, and share, through the SEED Center, appropriate information on new and existing green economy courses, curricula, promising practices and programs that aid in building or advancing green job training and sustainability practices at the college and in the community.
2. Develop and engage staff and faculty in this effort, providing training and other resources to enable them to fully support our institutional efforts in this initiative.
3. Involve our students by sharing this vision of their role in the 21st century workforce through information on green certifications and career pathways and by inviting and supporting their participation in the courses and programs as they become available.
4. Engage community and green industry partners to identify priority-training needs and to create strong linkages between education and regional employment opportunities.
5. Enhance the reach, use, and effectiveness of the SEED Center among other community college leaders.
I support the SEED Center as a resource that will enable my institution to better serve our students, better enable society to face our economic, environmental and social challenges, and accelerate our ability to meet the transformational changes before us.

Strategic Plan 2016-2021:
The vision states “Our students are prepared to lead us into a promising and sustainable future.” One of the five values is “sustainability through engagement”.


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:

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.