| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.69 |
| Liaison | John Pumilio |
| Submission Date | July 23, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Colgate University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
John
Pumilio Director of Sustainability Sustainability Office |
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) | No | No |
| Campus Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| Public Engagement | Yes | No |
| 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Health, Wellbeing and Work | Yes | Yes |
| Investment | No | No |
| Other | --- | --- |
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
In 2010 Colgate's Academic Affairs Board (AAB) approved the 13 Goals of a Colgate Education. Included in these goals were: “investigate human behavior, social relations, and institutions in order to understand the complex relationship between self and society,” “be engaged citizens and strive for a just society: embrace their responsibilities to local, national, and global communities; use their influence for the benefit of others,” and “respect nature and the diversity of life on earth: recognize their individual and collective responsibilities for the stewardship of the earth’s resources and the natural environment.” Included in our 2014 University Strategic Plan, sustainability will be incorporated into all aspects of university operations where appropriate, including curriculum. Recently, faculty leaders held a Faculty Development Council teaching table on incorporating sustainability more broadly into the curriculum. This is part of a broader goal of our Sustainability Council and commitment to the American College and Universities Presidents Climate Commitment to ensure that all Colgate students receive a basic education in sustainability and climate change issues.
Date Revised: Oct. 9, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
Host a session at the White Eagle faculty retreat on sustainability in the curriculum.
Explore the option of integrating sustainability into required CORE classes so that all students get an introduction to principles and issues of sustainability.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
Faculty Chair of the Sustainability Council
Director of the Environmental Studies Program
Division Directors
Dean of the Faculty
Director of Sustainability
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
As per our 2011 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan: The Office of Sustainability and Colgate's Upstate Institute collaborates with local and regional government and non-profit organizations to complete greenhouse gas inventories, climate action plans, and energy/sustainability audits. Over the past few years, we have worked closely with Village and Town offices, the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board, Solarize Madison County, and Camp Fiver (development and leadership program for at-risk youth) to advance sustainability in our region.
Date Revised: Oct. 9, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
Green Living Program (Eco-Rep)
By 2015, we hope to influence the behavior of nearly 2,000 residential students or over 70 percent of Colgate’s student body. This will result in an estimated annual savings of $104,500 in water, energy, and reduction of resource consumption and an estimated greenhouse gas reduction of 276 MTeCO2.
Green Office Program
By 2015, we hope to certify 40 offices influencing the behavior of 240 individuals or 25 percent of Colgate’s employees. This will result in an estimated annual savings of $110,000 in water, energy, and reduction of resource consumption and an estimated greenhouse gas reduction of 188 MTeCO2.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
Sustainability Office and student interns.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
The Office of Sustainability and Colgate's Upstate Institute collaborates with local and regional government and non-profit organizations to complete greenhouse gas inventories, climate action plans, and energy/sustainability audits. Over the past few years, we have worked closely with Village and Town offices, the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board, Solarize Madison County, and Camp Fiver (development and leadership program for at-risk youth).
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
The Sustainability Office is a resource for the community and offers routine programming and support to our local community through the Lifelong Learning Program, Hamilton Initiative, village and town offices, and other programs (such as the Central New York Energy Challenge). This public engagement is ongoing without a formal time-frame or measurable objective.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
Office of Sustainability
Upstate Institute
Lifelong Learning Program
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:
In 2011 our Sustainability and Climate Action Plan was approved by President Herbst and his staff. This plan commits the university to carbon neutrality by 2019 with interim complementary goals to reduce our gross emissions in the coming years:
• By 2015, reduce gross greenhouse gas emissions to 11,249 MTeCO2 or 35% below the 2009 baseline.
• By 2020, reduce gross greenhouse gas emissions to 10,412 MTeCO2 or 40% below the 2009 baseline.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
Colgate University is committed to climate neutrality by 2019 as stated in our 2011 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan and 2013 Campus Strategic and Master Plans.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):
President's Office
Dean of the Faculty
Dean of the College
VP for Finance and Administration and Facilities Department
Sustainability Office
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:
As per our 2011 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan all new construction and major renovations will achieve LEED Silver or better. Colgate University has 160 buildings encompassing over 2.3 million square-feet of floor space. Providing energy to these buildings consume as much as 80% of the electrical and fuel oil use on campus and is responsible for 46% of the university's gross greenhouse gas emissions. Each year, Colgate spends over $4.5 million in energy and water consumption. For these reasons, how we construct, renovate, and operate our buildings has significant impacts on our energy use, budget, and ecological and carbon footprints, and therefore, is an essential component of Colgate's 2011 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.
Date Revised: Oct. 9, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
Energy Conservation Measures
In 2013, Sanford Field House energy conservations measures were implemented saving $25,622 in annual operating costs while reducing our campus carbon footprint by 35 MTeCO2.
Electricity consumption in Sanford Field House is reduced by 593,450 kWh during Fiscal Year 2013 compared to the baseline in 2010.
Olin Hall energy conservations measures will soon be implemented saving $34,673 in annual operating costs while reducing our campus carbon footprint by 92 MTeCO2.
Electricity consumption in Olin Hall is reduced by 310,799 kWh once implemented compared to the baseline in 2010.
In 2014-5, McGregory Hall energy conservations measures are implemented saving $21,495 in annual operating costs while reducing our campus carbon footprint by 60 MTeCO2.
Electricity consumption in McGregory Hall is reduced by 155,204 kWh during Fiscal Year 2014 compared to the baseline in 2010.
Green Building
All new construction and major building renovations strive for LEED Silver standard or equivalent and a 30-40% energy performance improvement over ASHRAE 90.1 2007.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):
Facilities Department
Office of Sustainability
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
As per our 2011 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, we set the goal to have 30% of all food purchases be from local and sustainable sources by 2015 and to also switch to trayless dining operations. President Herbst recently charged a Sustainable Food Systems Working Group to track and increase our local and sustainable food purchases and to also hire a new Sustainable Dining Coordinator.
Date Revised: Oct. 9, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Overarching goal:
By 2015, 30% of Colgate's food purchases come from local sources (within a 250-mile radius).
Goal #1
Form an Advisory Group by spring semester 2014 to monitor longterm progress and provide cross-departmental support in advancing sustainability in dining services.
Goal #2
Hire a full-time Sustainable Dining Coordinator by the start of fall semester 2014.
Goal #3
Provide a complete assessment of our local, communitybased, and thirdparty certified food purchases by fall semester 2015 and propose an institutional goal for purchasing of sustainable foods.
Goal #4
Make sustainability an emphasis of dining services contract renegotiations in 2015, especially as it relates to direct, local procurement from farmers and producers.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Dining Services
Sustainability Office
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:
As per our 2011 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, Colgate plans to: eliminate the use of fuel oil on campus, install solar thermal array on 100 Broad Street, and install geothermal system on campus. In addition, Colgate plans to reduce electricity consumption by nearly 5,000,000 kWh from 2009 to 2015.
Date Revised: Oct. 9, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
In 2014, two new 60,000 lbs/hr natural gas ready boilers were installed in the heating plant. This will save the university between $275,800 to $366,000 per year in fuel costs and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 1,258 MTeCO2.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):
Facilities Department
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:
As per our 2011 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, Colgate plans to:
-Establish 30 acres of "no mow" areas around campus.
-Certify our 1,000+ acres of forested lands for long-term sustainable management under the American Tree Farm Program.
-Reforest portions of our grounds that are currently being mowed.
-Promote sustainability in our campus golf course.
Date Revised: Oct. 9, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):
By 2015, establish eight acres of campus grounds that are reforested. By 2025, establish a total of 30 acres of campus grounds that are reforested.
In 2013, Colgate began accounting for annual forest sequestration rates by demonstrating a long-term commitment to forest preservation and by undertaking field measurements using commonly accepted methodologies. Our forested lands were also officially certified under the American Tree Farm Program.
By 2015, establish eight acres of campus grounds that are reforested. By 2025, establish a total of 30 acres of campus grounds that are reforested.
In 2013, signage and marketing materials were created to promote walking at Seven Oaks Golf Course.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):
Facilities Department including grounds manager, golf course superintendent, and director of sustainability.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
As per our 2011 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, Colgate plans to:
-Create an environmentally preferable purchasing policy.
-Create a vendor code of conduct.
-Purchasing preferences for Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) certified computers and monitors on campus.
-Implement a $50 minimum for department orders.
-Recycled Paper Purchasing Policy (eliminate the use of non-recycled paper on campus)
Date Revised: Oct. 9, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
By 2015, Colgate has in place an environmentally preferable purchasing policy that encourages employees to consider the environmental and social impacts of our purchasing decisions.
By 2013, Colgate has in place a vendor code of conduct that sets expectations that our vendors are to meet minimum standards of environmental and social responsibility.
By 2015, 50% of Colgate's computers and monitors are EPEAT certified models.
In 2012, Colgate established a new paper purchasing policy that eliminated the purchase of non-recycled paper.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
Purchasing Director
Sustainability Office
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:
As per our 2011 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, Colgate plans to:
-Encourage carpooling.
-Encourage employee bicycle commuting.
-Encourage student bicycle commuting.
-Encourage flexible work schedules.
-Create Zipcar service to campus.
-Offer group purchasing of fuel-efficient vehicles.
-Purchase electric vehicles and install electric vehicle charging stations.
-Purchase hybrid-electric vehicles.
-Implement a no-idling policy.
Date Revised: Oct. 9, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
By 2015, at least 48 new carpools are formed involving 96 employees.
By 2015, at least 60 employees become half-time bicycle commuters.
The number of students who commute by bicycle increased from 10% in 2010 to 15% in 2015.
By 2014, 10% of Colgate employees incorporate flexible work hours into their work schedule.
Beginning in 2012, Colgate provided access to two Zipcars on campus.
By 2015, Colgate offers employee purchasing discounts for fuel efficient vehicles.
By 2015, six electric vehicles replace traditional gasoline vehicles in Colgate's vehicle fleet.
By 2015, three hybrid-electric vehicles replace traditional gasoline vehicles in Colgate's vehicle fleet.
In 2012, Colgate implemented a campus-wide `no idling’ policy.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):
Facilities Department.
Purchasing Department.
Sustainability Office.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:
As per our 2011 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, Colgate plans to:
-Create an On-Site Composting Project.
-Reuse and redistribution of used office equipment and supplies (office swap program).
-Establish 0.5" paper margins as campus guideline.
-Reduce the use of one-time use cups during campus events.
-Reduce junk mail coming to campus.
-Encourage paperless courses.
-Reduce bottled water consumption on campus.
Date Revised: Oct. 9, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
By 2013, we implemented a pre-consumer composting program at Colgate University.
By 2015, we will have over 100 postings of items to be swapped through Colgate's Free Office Swap program.
In 2012, we promoted 0.5" margins by informing employees how to set this as a default at their workstations.
We continue to encourage event planners/organizers to encourage attendees to bring their own cups/mugs instead of providing one-time use disposable cups. This could reduce our landfill waste totals by 5-10%.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):
Sustainability Office.
ITS.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:
As per our 2011 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, Colgate plans to:
-Install low-flow showerheads in first- and second-year housing.
-Reduce watering of artificial turf.
-Install retention pond in Seven Oaks Golf Course to eliminate the need to use potable water for irrigation.
Date Revised: Oct. 9, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
By 2013, we replaced over 400 2.5 gpm showerheads in first- and second-year housing with 1.5 gpm low-flow showerheads.
By 2013, we will save money and water by reducing the unnecessary watering of turf at Tyler's Field.
By 2016, install a new retention pond at Seven Oaks Golf Course to eliminate the purchase of 1 million gallons of water used for irrigation annually.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):
Facilities Department.
Athletic Fields Grounds Manager.
Golf Course Superintendent.
Sustainability Director.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
According to the 2014 Strategic Plan, Colgate has a goal to be a needs-blind admission institution, and to meet 100 percent of demonstrated need for domestic applicants by 2019. Overall, this would result in a more highly qualified and more diversified student body at Colgate.
Date Revised: Oct. 9, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
Colgate has a goal to be a needs-blind admission institution, and to meet 100 percent of demonstrated need for domestic applicants by 2019 (the end point of our strategic plan). Overall, this would result in a more highly qualified and more diversified student body at Colgate.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
President's Office
Dean of the Faculty
Dean of the College
VP for Finance and Administration
VP for Admissions
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:
Per the charter of Colgate's Shaw Wellness Institute, Colgate offers continual programming and engagement for all community members (especially students) to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Additionally, Colgate's Human Resources department has a very active health and wellness program that provides incentives to all employees for exercise, diet, and routine biometric screenings.
Date Revised: Oct. 9, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
Some of Colgate wellness initiatives can be found here: http://webedit.colgate.edu/working-at-colgate/work-life-programs.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
Shaw Wellness Institute
Human Resources Department
Sustainability Office
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
Sustainability is highlighted in Colgate's 2013 Strategic Plan (see the cut and pasted excerpt below from our strategic plan executive summary). Furthermore, sustainability principles, values, and tangible actions are a large part of our updated Campus Master Plan.
"Colgate University is committed to sustainability through innovative projects and programming that enhance teaching and learning, create long-term economic resiliency, build and restore robust ecological systems, and support a healthier and more just society. Our approach to sustainability embraces our deeply-rooted physical and cultural connection to central New York in a way that defines our identity and shapes our formal and informal approach to place-based education. As noted in the Sustainability Master Plan, we are on track to be carbon neutral by our bicentennial in 2019. Campus planning and building design will incorporate sustainable practices from inception to implementation. Further, we will continue to enhance curricular ties to our physical environs and sense of place in central New York and to build up programs that make the most of our locale, such as our Outdoor Education Program."
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
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.