College of the Holy Cross
PA-2: Commitments and Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
Reporter |
Carly
Thibodeau Director of Sustainability Sustainability |
2.1 Public sustainability commitment
Narrative detailing the institution’s guiding vision or goals for sustainability and the plan(s) in which they are published:
In 2007, former president Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., signed Second Nature's Carbon Commitment, promising that Holy Cross would reduce its carbon emissions over the coming decades.
The College exceeded its first stage outlined in our 2009 Carbon Neutral Plan (PDF), which called for a 20% reduction in carbon emissions by 2015. In fact, Holy Cross has reduced its carbon emissions by about 50% through efforts like our single-stream recycling, our renewable energy certificate purchases, and our EV charging stations. With a goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, the College continues to implement projects that conserve energy, reduce waste, minimize water usage, and foster environmental awareness.
https://www.holycross.edu/sustainability-holy-cross/current-initiatives
Narrative and/or website URL outlining the institution’s external sustainability commitments that include a reporting requirement:
In 2007, former president Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., signed Second Nature's Carbon Commitment, promising that Holy Cross would reduce its carbon emissions over the coming decades. This commitment requires annual GHG reporting.
https://www.holycross.edu/sustainability-holy-cross/current-initiatives
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:
2.2 Measurable sustainability objectives
Narrative listing the institution’s measurable sustainability objectives that address teaching, learning, and research:
Has the institution adopted one or more measurable sustainability objectives that address stakeholder engagement?:
Narrative listing the institution’s measurable sustainability objectives that address stakeholder engagement:
Has the institution adopted one or more measurable sustainability objectives that address campus operations?:
Narrative listing the institution’s measurable sustainability objectives that address campus operations:
The College exceeded its first stage of emissions reductions outlined in our 2009 Carbon Neutral Plan (PDF), which called for a 20% reduction in carbon emissions by 2015. In fact, Holy Cross has reduced its carbon emissions by about 50%.
Holy Cross has adopted a carbon mitigation new construction and renovation policy (2022), with the intent of meeting LEED silver equivalent certification standards with all new major construction and renovations.
The College purchases renewable energy certificates (RECs) annually to match the College's electricity demand, allowing Holy Cross to have 100% clean electricity.
https://www.holycross.edu/sustainability-holy-cross/current-initiatives
Has the institution adopted one or more measurable sustainability objectives that address racial equity and social justice?:
Narrative listing the institution’s measurable sustainability objectives that address racial equity and social justice:
2024-
Holy Cross Will Cover Tuition Cost for Families Earning Under $100,000
"One of Holy Cross’s top priorities is to ensure that talented students from all backgrounds can access a Holy Cross education and be supported to flourish on our campus and beyond,” said Holy Cross President Vincent D. Rougeau. “We are proud to deepen our commitment to expanding educational opportunities for more young people.”
Holy Cross has been a leader in reducing barriers to college entry for students. In 2005, the College was one of the first five colleges nationally to make standardized test scores an optional part of the admission process. Additionally, Holy Cross is one of only a few dozen colleges nationally that meet 100% of each admitted student's demonstrated financial need.
Has the institution adopted one or more measurable sustainability objectives that address administration and finance?:
Narrative listing the institution’s measurable sustainability objectives that address administration and finance:
In 2007, Holy Cross embarked on a journey to bring its carbon emissions from 23,056 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCDE) down to net zero. We support this effort by strategically coordinating campuswide practices, policies, and initiatives. We track the College’s progress by reporting our greenhouse gas inventory externally and internally. We partner with community members across campus to implement ideas that encourage lasting environmental stewardship. https://www.holycross.edu/campus-life/sustainability/office-sustainability
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:
2.3 Climate resilience assessment and planning
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s climate resilience assessment:
Does the institution participate in an ongoing campus-community task force or committee that is focused on climate resilience?:
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the campus-community task force or committee focused on climate resilience:
Has the institution incorporated climate resilience strategies and/or goals into one or more of its published plans?:
Narrative listing the institution’s climate resilience strategies and goals and the plan(s) in which they are published:
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:
Optional documentation
Additional documentation for this credit:
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.