Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 52.21
Liaison David Husemoller
Submission Date June 7, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

College of Lake County
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00 David Husemoller
Sustainability Manager
Facilities
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Published Plans That Address Sustainability 

Strategic Plan

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:
CLC's Strategic Plan identifies four core areas of excellence in its institutional goals: Sustainability, Wellness, Diversity, and Global Engagement.

A copy of the strategic plan:
CLC_Strategic_Plan 2015.pdf

The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
http://dept.clcillinois.edu/res/CLCWebsite/Reports/Strategic_Plan.pdf

Sustainability Plan 

Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the sustainability plan:
CLC Sustainability Plan_08-16.pdf

The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
http://dept.clcillinois.edu/sus/pdf/SustainabilityPlan.pdf

Climate Action Plan 

Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the climate action plan:
CLC Climate Action Plan.pdf

The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
http://www.clcillinois.edu/aboutclc/who-we-are/green-initiatives/greening-our-campus

Other Published Plans 

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):
Sustainability Plan Annual Performance Update: http://dept.clcillinois.edu/sus/pdf/SustainabilityPlanPerformanceReport.pdf Sustainable Master Plan: http://www.clcillinois.edu/aboutclc/who-we-are/master-plan

Measurable Sustainability Objectives 

Curriculum

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:
Goal 10 – Curriculum: Integrate connection between Student Learning Objectives in Sustainability and other components of sustainability education with all credit curriculum offered by the institution. Action Item 10.1: Offer faculty development opportunities, training, incentives and resources to support curriculum development in sustainability. Action Item 10.2: Establish mechanisms and incentives that encourage integration of sustainability themes and topics into existing curriculum through learning outcomes, course objectives, student assignments and outdoor learning. Action Item 10.3: Explore student sustainability literacy assessments and tracking methodology to evaluate student exposure and comprehension of sustainability principles. Action Item 10.4: Grow partnerships with other educational institutions and community organizations to enhance sustainability applications in curriculum such as immersive experiences, community-based projects and continual education. Action Item 10.5: Utilize sustainability technologies and initiatives in campus operations to enhance hands-on training and educational opportunities in the classroom and conjointly, allow compliments within curriculum activities to enhance campus facility improvements.

Research 

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

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

Campus Engagement 

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:
Goal 11 – Student Engagement: Provide unique opportunities for CLC students to influence, participate, and learn from sustainability efforts on campus and in the community. Action Item 11.1: Communicate information and updates to all college students on institutional sustainability commitments and performance including materials in New Student Orientation, and opportunities to provide feedback and suggestions. Action Item 11.2: Work with offices and departments that coordinate student services and student leadership to integrate sustainable practices and activities into existing student life. Action Item 11.3: Coordinate peer-to-peer sustainability outreach for students to receive training and support in representing and promoting sustainability resources and events to the student body. Action Item 11.4: Create partnerships within the community and on campus to offer extra-curricular experiences for students to be exposed to sustainability concepts as they impact their education, lifestyle and future.

Public 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:
The College of Lake County seeks to engage and convene a wide spectrum of stakeholders to foster collaborative initiatives, share best practices and build public awareness of sustainability and green economic development efforts on campus and throughout the community. Goal 13 – Green Economy: Support economic resilience and growth by providing current information and resources on sustainability to the public and across industry sectors. Goal 14 - Collaboration: Develop partnerships with various entities to facilitate and accelerate sustainability goals and accomplishments across the community.

Air & Climate 

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:
Goal 3 – Buildings and Energy: Minimize building energy consumption through conservation, efficiency and improvement measures Action Item 3.1 Assessments of Energy Use Action Item 3.2 Improve Energy Conservation Action Item 3.3 Upgrade Lighting Systems Action Item 3.4 Increase Energy Efficiency of Buildings Action Item 3.5 Green Building Guidelines Action Item 3.7 Physical and Virtual Access to Information Performance Metrics: (Measured and Tracked Annually) Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (Action Items 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) Reduction of energy use for heating and water heating (Action Items 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) Reduction in electricity usage (Action Items 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) Percentage of light fixtures converted to LED (Action Item 3.3, 3.5, 3.7)

Buildings 

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:
Goal 3 – Buildings and Energy: Minimize building energy consumption through conservation, efficiency and improvement measures Action Item 3.1: Improve energy conservation through maximization of space use, occupant education and coordination of facilities staff scheduling with building systems controls. Action Item 3.2: Perform assessments of energy use, including energy sub-metering where applicable and campus-wide building commissioning to ensure highest performance of existing building infrastructure. Action Item 3.3: Upgrade all lighting systems across campus buildings and grounds through use of occupancy and daylight sensors, LED and other high-efficiency lighting technologies. Action Item 3.4: Maximize efficiency of existing heat, ventilation and air conditioning infrastructure based on the following strategies: • Installation of geothermal HVAC systems in the A and B Buildings. • Centralize control via addition of a Central Plant. • Install variable-frequency drives to all blowers, pumps, cooling tower fans, and chillers. Replace aging duct board with high-pressure ducts. • Replace hot water boilers with solar thermal water heaters. Action Item 3.5: Develop building and operations standards using Green Building Guidelines as written in compliance Illinois Public Act 096-0073, requiring all new State-funded building and renovation projects meet at a minimum the LEED Silver rating or equivalent requirements. Consider LEED for Operations and Maintenance of Existing Buildings standard where appropriate. Action Item 3.6: Increase use of renewable energy sources, including exploration and feasibility analysis of the following applications: - Convert aging heat air handlers to solar thermal-assisted systems. - Add solar photovoltaic arrays to new Science Building. - Integrate geothermal heat and cooling sources. - Study wind energy production. Action Item 3.7: Provide physical and virtual access to energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies to be used as models for community and curriculum demonstrations.

Energy 

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:
Goal 3 – Buildings and Energy: Minimize building energy consumption through conservation, efficiency and improvement measures Action Item 3.1 Assessments of Energy Use Action Item 3.2 Improve Energy Conservation Action Item 3.3 Upgrade Lighting Systems Action Item 3.4 Increase Energy Efficiency of Buildings Action Item 3.5 Green Building Guidelines Action Item 3.7 Physical and Virtual Access to Information Performance Metrics: (Measured and Tracked Annually) Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (Action Items 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) Reduction of energy use for heating and water heating (Action Items 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) Reduction in electricity usage (Action Items 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) Percentage of light fixtures converted to LED (Action Item 3.3, 3.5, 3.7)

Food & Dining 

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:
Goal 4 – Dining Services: Offer increased local and sustainable food options and improved resource recovery through food service operations. Action Item 4.1: Expand capacity of the College to grow and purchase food produced within 250 miles of campus, including facility improvements to campus greenhouse and support of community-based and/or on-campus growing and distribution operations. Action Item 4.2: Increase the supply of certified organic, vegetarian, vegan and/or other healthy meal options for students and employees in Lancers cafeteria. Action Item 4.3: Evaluate pre- and post-consumer food scrap composting, promotion of food and beverage container reuse and recycling, and contractual service standards for waste minimization and materials. Action Item 4.4: Continue education and awareness of local and sustainable food options through Culinary Arts and Horticulture programs, such as: campus community gardens, Community Supported Agriculture, farmers’ markets, and donations of fresh gleaned produce to food pantries.

Grounds 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Goal 5 – Grounds: Improve sustainable landscape practices, including coordination and management of turf grass, natural areas, installation of prairie pods/gardens, integrated pest management, and best management practices for stormwater treatment. Action Item 5.1: Develop a site management and training plan, establishing high, medium, and low maintenance zones in landscaped areas, including: turf, natural areas, prairie pods, stormwater best management practices, lake/pond shoreline buffers, green roofs, bike paths, butterfly garden, arboretum, and the farm. Include biodiversity, soil and water quality baseline assessments. Action Item 5.2: Reduce the quantity of stormwater runoff on campus through installation of green infrastructure best management practices, such as bioswales, rain gardens, pervious pavement, and rainwater catchment systems. Action Item 5.3: Reduce turf grass area on campuses by 50%. Action Item 5.4: Reforestation of campus trees, using mostly species native to Lake County

Purchasing 

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:
Goal 6 – Purchasing: Encourage adoption of environmental and social considerations into purchasing and procurement processes. Action Item 6.1: Develop and implement policies for procurement and disposal of items that take into consideration their impacts on the environment and human health, in addition to the budget. Action Item 6.2: Develop policies to encourage life-cycle analyses for purchasing of products that are reusable, have recycled-content, require less energy consumption, reduce waste, can be locally sourced, and have third-party certification of goods and services and for requests for quotation, proposals and bids. Action Item 6.3: Eliminate use of products that emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and/or other toxins, including cleaning supplies, furniture, paints and adhesives where feasible.

Transportation 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Goal 7 – Transportation: Improve alternative transportation options for all faculty, staff and students commuting to and from campus Action Item 7.1: Study the transportation choices made by students, faculty, and staff. Action Item 7.2: Increase awareness and education of alternative transportation options, including rewards and incentives for college faculty, staff and students to utilize public transport, car sharing programs, and low-emission vehicles. Action Item 7.3: Create and enforce internal procedures such as purchasing of fuel efficient and alternative fuel vehicles for campus fleet and anti-idling guidelines throughout campus grounds. Action Item 7.4: Measure and mitigate emissions that result from business-related travel by college employees. Action Item 7.5: Install electric charging stations on campus.

Waste 

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:
Goal 8 – Waste: Reduce unnecessary waste, maximize waste diversion and resource recovery across campus by individuals and through institution-wide policies and programs Action Item 8.1: Implement guidelines for reuse and recycling of construction and demolition (C&D) materials. Action Item 8.2: Establish goals and tracking measures for waste reduction, reuse and recycling rates, including participation in annual campaigns. Action Item 8.3: Increase education, awareness and encouragement of resource recovery, including installation of a waste diversion alternative at every point of disposal on campus. Action Item 8.4: Create a centralized, current source for recycling and diversion information for students, employees, and community members, including scheduled collection programs for items that can be donated, reused, repurposed or recycled on campus or in the community.

Water 

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:
Goal 9 – Water: Support and improve water conservation measures within building operations, on campus grounds, and in the Lake County community Action Item 9.1: Measure and create benchmarks for institutional water use, including sub-metering where applicable. Action Item 9.2: Expand use of two-stage or other water-saving toilet fixtures in all campus washrooms. Action Item 9.3: Minimize irrigation, consider use of non-potable rainwater and greywater and install drought tolerant, native plant species. Action Item 9.4: Increase education and awareness of water use implications, conservation strategies and water quality issues on campus and throughout the community. Action Item 9.5: Study uses for non-potable water, such as captured condensate from Heating and Air Conditioning cooling coils to refill cooling towers, rain barrels/cisterns, or greywater for toilet flushing.

Diversity & Affordability 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Strategic Plan Goal 3: Promote excellence in the areas of Diversity, Global Engagement, Sustainability, and Wellness as strengths within the college and Lake County community. The college will strive to build an inclusive community that recognizes, values and respects people of all cultures and ways of life while cultivating social justice, global citizenship and environmental responsibility

Investment & Finance 

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:
Goal 13 – Green Economy: Support economic resilience and growth by providing current information and resources on sustainability to the public and across industry sectors. Action Item 13.1: Host the Sustainable CLC website to serve as a tactical hub for information, tools, resources and virtual exchange opportunities for an active and engaged online community of sustainable businesses, consumers and supporting entities. Action Item 13.2: Share best practices examples implemented on campus and provide opportunities for the community to learn from experts on concepts of social, economic and environmental sustainability via events, activities, websites, newsletters and demonstration. Action Item 13.3: Communicate updates to the community on institutional sustainability commitments and performance and seek feedback and suggestions.

Wellbeing & Work 

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:
Strategic Plan Goal 3: Promote excellence in the areas of Diversity, Global Engagement, Sustainability, and Wellness as strengths within the college and Lake County community. The college will strive to build an inclusive community that recognizes, values and respects people of all cultures and ways of life while cultivating social justice, global citizenship and environmental responsibility.

Other Impact Areas 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Goal 12 – Workforce & Professional Development: Incorporate new market trends in sustainability and green job training into workforce and professional educational opportunities and assistance offered by the institution Action Item 12.1: Provide sustainability training, certification, resources and educational opportunities for economic and workforce development. Action Item 12.2: Expand partnerships with local corporate and community organizations to offer insight, networking and hands-on experiences to students and community members interested in pursuing careers in sustainability fields. Action Item 12.3: Connect existing and potential students to engage in the local green economy through support, skills training and collaboration with community entities that serve youth and adults with barriers to employment.

Optional Fields 

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:
Strategic Plan - Goals and Objectives 3. Promote excellence in the areas of Diversity, Global Engagement, Sustainability, and Wellness as strengths within the college and Lake County community. The college will strive to build an inclusive community that recognizes, values and respects people of all cultures and ways of life while cultivating social justice, global citizenship and environmental responsibility.

The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
Sustainability Plan - I. Overview The College of Lake County (CLC) has identified a goal in its Strategic Plan to promote excellence in sustainability as a strength within the college and Lake County community. The College of Lake County Sustainability Plan establishes an ambitious agenda for the college to be a leader for sustainability in higher education. The Plan serves as a roadmap for translating CLC’s vision for sustainability into reality, integrating sustainability into the daily operations across the three campuses, throughout curriculum development and among community relations. The definition of “sustainability” is most often borrowed from the United Nations Brundtland Commission: “meet[ing] the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (1987). At the College of Lake County, sustainability translates into our mission statement and how we deliver “high quality, accessible learning opportunities to advance student success and strengthen the diverse communities we serve.

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:
---

The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
http://www.clcillinois.edu/aboutclc/who-we-are/green-initiatives/greening-our-campus

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.