| Overall Rating | Platinum - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 85.56 |
| Liaison | Tonie Miyamoto |
| Submission Date | Feb. 7, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Colorado State University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Tonie
Miyamoto Director of Communications and Sustainability Housing and Dining Services |
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
CSU's 2016-2018 Strategic Plan includes sustainability as part of the 11 goals: http://provost.colostate.edu/strategic-plan/.
Sustainability is supported in the CSU Strategic Plan via energy and building goals, diversity and inclusion goals, access and support for underrepresented populations, and economic goals that include employee compensation, funding initiatives, and financial support for underrepresented populations.
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)? :
A copy of the sustainability plan:
The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
A copy of the climate action plan:
The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
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)? :
A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
Housing & Dining Services Climate Action Plan - http://www.housing.colostate.edu/sustainability
CSU Bike Master Plan -
https://www.fm.colostate.edu/files/forms/BikeMasterPlan_2014.pdf
CSU Parking and Transportation Master Plan -
https://www.fm.colostate.edu/master_plan
CSU Master Plan -
https://www.fm.colostate.edu/master_plan
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CSU Sustainability Strategic Plan Academic Goal #1 - Infuse sustainability (definition to include environmental, social justice, and economics) core knowledge and thinking throughout CSU's curriculum
1.1 Create a subcommittee of sustainability curriculum and teaching experts - calculate current Sustainability Focused Courses, Courses that Include Sustainability, and SoGES endorsed Sustainability Courses
1.2 Convene Provost, Academic Associate Deans, and School of Global Environmental Sustainability Curriculum Committee to discuss sustainability infusion across curriculum
1.3 Subcommittee identifies the basic university-wide content standards for education and sustainability
1.4 Subcommittee formulates a strategy for infusing sustainability core knowledge into curriculum
1.5 Subcommittee presents findings to CSU leadership, including Provost and Deans.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CSU Sustainability Strategic Plan Research Goal #1: Expand and improve existing sustainability-related research
1.1 Sustain and grow the existing programs that are highly effective at encouraging interdisciplinary sustainability research (e.g. SoGES, Water Center, Energy Institute, Center for Collaborative Conservation)
1.2 Increase efforts in the University to identify existing strengths, opportunities for collaboration, and create an environment for researchers and faculty to create opportunities for interdisciplinary sustainability work
Research Goal #2: Incentivize and incubate new interdisciplinary sustainability-related research
2.1 Create joint postdoctoral positions: ideally cohort of 3-4 accepted/year, 2-year positions, joint proposals between postdoc candidate and at least 2 faculty members from different departments/colleges, programming for cohort throughout year as well
2.2 Provide more support for proposal prep and administration
2.3 Encourage teaming that goes beyond individual universities and traditional partnerships (Buyouts instead of sabbatical, internships, etc.)
Research Goal #3: Recognition and dissemination of sustainability-related research
3.1 Create a big, University-level award for interdisciplinary sustainability research. Include an Early Career category
3.2 Increase departmental and college-level incentives and support for interdisciplinary research
3.3 Increase resources and staff available to help translate and disseminate science (science communicators); and available to gather feedback and stimulate future research objectives
Research Goal #4: Doing research sustainably at CSU (crosslisted with Operations)
4.1 Green Labs
4.2 Develop guidelines for new labs
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CSU Sustainability Strategic Plan Engagement Goal #1: Achieve a 100% volunteer participation rate for students at CSU
1.1 Document an accurate number of student volunteer hours for FY16.
1.2 Assess the % of diverse students to the best of our ability within the volunteer hours.
1.3 Establish a community service graduation requirement for (undergraduate) students
1.4 Document service learning and volunteer hours on student (co-curricular) transcripts.
Engagement Goal #2: Improve student organization involvement in campus sustainability efforts.
2.1 Create a public archiving system for sustainability within student life housed and managed by the Student Sustainability Center.
2.2 Develop best practices for sustainability student groups for transition of leadership roles.
Engagement Goal #3: Improve and assess student engagement in CSU sustainability efforts.
3.1 Create a campus sustainability survey that becomes a national best practice in assessing sustainable campus culture (as a separate survey from the Sustainability Literacy Assessment).
3.2 Collect data on the diverse student population participants in the campus sustainability survey to help us better understand the campus climate around sustainability.
Engagement Goal #4: Improve and assess employee engagement in CSU sustainability efforts.
4.1 Integrate sustainability training into employee orientation in a meaningful and effective way.
Goal #5: Further integrate sustainable best practices into CSU outreach, events, materials, and publications.
5.1 Develop best practices for sustainable university outreach and material publications.
5.2 Create a university publication focused on sustainability that incorporates diversity and inclusion.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CSU Sustainability Strategic Plan Engagement Goal #5: Further integrate sustainable best practices into CSU outreach, events, materials, and publications.
5.1 Develop best practices for sustainable university outreach and material publications.
5.2 Create a university publication focused on sustainability that incorporates diversity and inclusion.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CSU's Climate Action Plan includes a large number of specific goals and objectives including climate neutrality by FY50 and 75% climate neutral by FY30. Specific objectives target energy use in buildings & renewable energy. More info at https://www.fm.colostate.edu/sustain/index.cfm?page=initiatives/cap
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The CSU CAP includes specific goals around reducing the impact of buildings including:
- Improving Energy Efficiency in a six phase approach over the short, medium and long term
- Recommissioing and Retrocommissioning - a three phased approach over the short , medium & lang term to improve operation of existing buildings.
- High Performance new Construction - commitment to building high performance buildings.
CSU Sustainability Strategic Plan Operations Goal #1: Support Energy & Water Efficiency Measures in Buildings, Infrastructure
1.1 Invest in sustainability culture within departments.
1.2 Develop and implement energy reduction strategies.
1.4 Support conservation/behavioral engagement.
1.5 Support green labs initiative (cross-listed with Research)
Goals #2: Support the culture of sustainability in new stadium game day operations
2.1 Join the Green Sports Alliance.
2.2 Work towards Zero Waste game days in new stadium.
2.3 Implement alternative transportation initiatives at new stadium.
CSU's Climate Action Plan includes a large number of additional specific goals and objectives at https://www.fm.colostate.edu/sustain/index.cfm?page=initiatives/cap
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CSU Strategic Plan Goal #10: Physical Resources
* Enhanced energy and environmentally sustainable operations.
CSU Sustainability Strategic Plan Operations Goal #1: Support Energy & Water Efficiency Measures in Buildings, Infrastructure
1.1 Invest in sustainability culture within departments.
1.2 Develop and implement energy reduction strategies.
1.4 Support conservation/behavioral engagement.
1.5 Support green labs initiative (cross-listed with Research)
CSU's Climate Action Plan includes a large number of additional specific goals and objectives at https://www.fm.colostate.edu/sustain/index.cfm?page=initiatives/cap. Specifically these include:
- Five specific goals to reduce Building energy use
- Four specific goals for increasing renewable energy projects on campus
- Three specific goals around transportation & air travel that would not only reduce emissions but energy use related to these areas.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CSU Sustainability Strategic Plan Operations Goal #3: Zero Waste Campus...Or Darn Near It!
3.1 Endorse the City of Fort Collins Road to Zero Waste Plan and serve as an active partner in implementation
3.3 Support University Facility Fee Advisory Board compost project.
3.4 Increase number of filling stations and employee bottles (i.e. Nalgene’s to new staff).
Housing and Dining Services is one of CSU's most active departments in the area of sustainability on campus with a full-time dedicated sustainability team. The Housing & Dining Services Climate Action Plan includes the following dining goals:
Phase 1a: Develop a document that outlines the best practices for operating an energy efficient kitchen. The document should specifically address a standard operating procedure for shutting down equipment during school breaks.
Phase 1b: Engage in the process of developing the equipment purchasing guideline addressed below.
Phase 3: Install EC motors in all of the walk-in refrigeration equipment in all of the dining centers.
Measurable reults for food sourcing, plate waste reduction, composting of food waste, and other green dining initiatives are recorded each year in the Housing & Dining Services Annual Sustainability Report:
http://www.housing.colostate.edu/Data/Sites/1/documents/sustainability-report.pdf
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CSU Master Plan Goal: Demonstrate the University’s leadership role in society and wise stewardship of the land. 1) Set example by demonstrating best practices in environmental sustainability, energy, water, and transportation management. 2) Provide an environment that promotes the use of alternative modes of transportation and reduces the dependency on single occupant motor vehicles. 3) Maximize flexibility of facilities and infrastructure to accommodate unforeseen future conditions. 4) Conserve land resources by building at appropriate densities and avoiding sprawl. 5) Conserve water resources by demonstrating best practices in landscape design and maintenance.
Goal: Encourage, through the University facilities, a sense of community between the faculty, staff, and students. 1) Provide a wide variety of appropriate settings for formal and informal activities. 2) Support campus diversity by designing an inclusive campus that is inviting to persons of all backgrounds. 3) Maintain and strengthen campus accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Goal: Maintain the health, safety and well being of all users. 1) Develop a circulation system that minimizes conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. In particular, facilitate inner campus pedestrian movement and discourage the use of automobiles through the central core. (Note: a map of the proposed new bicycle and pedestrian planning, meant to be implemented by 2015, is available on page 78 of the CSU Campus Master Plan). 2) Create an environment that instills a sense of personal safety and security by using appropriate lighting levels. Maintain highly visible pedestrian ways.
CSU's Climate Action Plan includes a large number of additional specific goals and objectives at https://www.fm.colostate.edu/sustain/index.cfm?page=initiatives/cap. Including:
- Increase Waste Diversion using a combination of reduction, recycling and composting.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CSU Sustainability Strategic Plan Operations Goal #4: Enforce/bolster Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy (EPPP) & increase qualifying purchases to 25%
4.1 Implement green cleaning certification campus-wide (expand Housing & Dining Service’s certification process).
4.2 Improve Utilization of EPPP through education/awareness.
Engagement Goal #6: Further integrate sustainable best practices for trademark licensing and strategic partnerships at CSU.
6.1: Determine % of apparel with the university logo that meets Fair Labor Association, Workers Rights Consortium, or Fairtrade criteria bought by CSU.
6.2: Integrate into large university apparel contracts requirements for Labor Association, Workers Rights Consortium, or Fairtrade criteria.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CSU Sustainability Strategic Plan Planning & Administration Goal #5: Invest in transportation systems, roads, and sidewalks.
5.1 Draft a memo from PSC to encourage the integration of more electric vehicles into the CSU fleet.
5.2 Change commuting mode split to increase alternative transportation.
5.3 Invest in O & M to increase sustainability.
5.4 Implement a way-finding system on campus. Develop Construction Standard for roadways, sidewalks, and trails that includes ADA and wayfinding standards.
The CSU Bike Master Plan includes a large number of additional and specific goals and objectives at
https://www.fm.colostate.edu/files/forms/BikeMasterPlan_2014.pdf
The Parking & Transportation Master Plan includes a large number of additional and specific goals and objectives at https://www.fm.colostate.edu/files/forms/Parking_Transportation_Master_Plan_Study.pdf
Specific pillars include:
- Protecting campus green space
- Preserving a pedestrian focus for the academic core
- a strong commtment to sustainability
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CSU Sustainability Strategic Plan Operations Goal #3: Zero waste campus…. Or darn near it!
3.1 Endorse the City of Fort Collins Road to Zero Waste Plan and serve as an active partner in implementation
3.2 Expand annual waste audit to include additional waste streams on campus.
3.3 Support University Facility Fee Advisory Board compost project.
3.4 Increase number of filling stations and employee bottles (i.e. Nalgene’s to new staff).
3.5 Start a lab waste recycling program (i.e. similar to CU’s).
3.6 Enhance opportunities to redistribute refurbished materials and/or create a library of shared equipment on campus.
CSU's Climate Action Plan includes a large number of additional specifics goals and objectives at https://www.fm.colostate.edu/sustain/index.cfm?page=initiatives/cap
Including:
- Increasing Waste Diversion using a comnbination of reduction, recycling & composting.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CSU Sustainability Strategic Plan Operations Goal #1: Support Energy & Water Efficiency Measures in Buildings, Infrastructure
1.1 Invest in sustainability culture within departments.
1.3 Develop and implement water reduction strategies.
1.4 Support conservation/behavioral engagement.
1.5 Support green labs initiative (cross-listed with Research)
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CSU Strategic Plan Access Goal #1: Deliver on the commitment to inclusive access
* Increase RI UG enrollment of domestic diverse (Pell, First Gen, minority) students
* Maintain our access mission for Colorado residents while providing adequate financial support
* Increase enrollment of directadmit international students
* Increase numbers of underrepresented RI graduate students
* Increase numbers of international RI graduate students
* Increase the number of underrepresented distance graduate students
Goal #2:
* Provide high quality, inclusive curricular and co-curricular learning programs and experiences that promote cultural competence and engage all students.
* Promote culturally competent and inclusive educational practices that engage students in all curricular and co-curricular programs
Goal #8 Diversity, Equity, and Campus Climate
* Actively support efforts to increase recruitment, retention, and promotion of faculty and staff from historically marginalized and excluded populations
* Actively support efforts to increase retention and recruitment of students of color from historically marginalized and excluded populations
* Build an environment where students are more culturally competent and have skills to enter into a diverse global workplace
* Improve the campus climate of inclusion
* Enhance effectiveness of curriculum, educational programs, and research, with regard to diversity and inclusion
* Increase outreach and engagement with external communities
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CSU Sustainability Strategic Plan Planning & Administration Goal #3: Document committee on investor responsibility (including committee charge around socially and environmentally responsible investing).
3.2 Webpage with all documentation publicly available.
Planning & Administration Goal #4: Increase positive sustainable investments.
4.1 Assess current percentage of sustainable investments.
4.2 Identify standardized metrics for positive sustainable investment.
4.3 Explore ways to invest in proprietary CSU sustainability research, technology, and business.
4.4 Define incremental goals for increasing positive sustainable investment and publish in the Sustainability Strategic Plan as future strategies.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CSU Strategic Plan Goal #2: High Quality Academic and Co-Curricular Programs
* Promote health, well-being and public safety of all students.
Goal #7: Excellence in Hiring, Professional Development, Employee Engagement
* Provide competitive salary and benefits at 100% of peers.
* High (increasing) level of employee satisfaction and retention.
* Improve work-life benefits including: assisting with dual career partners, family friendly policies, suspension of tenure clock.
* No diversity gaps in promotions, tenure and salary equity
CSU Sustainability Strategic Plan Planning & Administration Goal #2: Living wage for all CSU staff.
2.1 Snapshot of current progress (using STARS criteria from MIT Living Wage Calculator for Larimer County).
2.2 Letter of support from PSC for the increased minimum wage proposal for full-time staff championed by Faculty Council, Administrative Professional Council, and State Classified Council.
2.3 Move toward living wage for all CSU staff (including part-time and student staff) in partnership with Classified Personnel Council, Administrative Professional Council, Faculty Council, and Human Resources.
The CSU Health Network Strategic Plan spans FY15-17 and contains several specific objectives:
Prevention Progression
• Lead the development of a University-wide prevention and education strategy to address marijuana use.
• Implement identified evidence-based strategies to address alcohol and other drug abuse related concerns.
• Provide technical assistance for University’s tobacco policy review process.
• Foster peer education outreach initiatives in the areas of: (1) bystander intervention (2) marijuana education and (3) prescription drug abuse.
• Educate students, staff and faculty to recognize signs of distress and intervene appropriately to broaden the safety net through early identification of distressed students.
• Implement identified sexual health strategies, based on the strategic planning process.
Resiliency Enhancement
• Promote proactive stress management skills, resiliency and well-being strategies and explore new modalities for reaching students, including the use of electronic media and technology.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CSU Strategic Plan Goal #2: High Quality Academic and Co-Curricular Programs
* State of the art classroom technology/configuration
Goal #4: Research and Discovery
* Growth in research and creative artistry productivity and impact measures. Increase number of awards over $1.5M by 20% by 2020.
Goal #8 Diversity, Equity, and Campus Climate
* Build an environment where students are more culturally competent and have skills to enter into a diverse global workplace
* Improve the campus climate of inclusion
Goal #11: Information Management
* Provide the best digital learning systems and services to support the pedagogical success of faculty and students
* Provide excellent, reliable, leadingedge networking essential to the conduct of the business, research, and academic missions of the university
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)? :
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
| Yes or No | |
| The Earth Charter | --- |
| The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) | --- |
| ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter | --- |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | Yes |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | Yes |
| UN Global Compact | --- |
| 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:
Signatory of the 100% Committed Climate Reality Pledge - https://www.climaterealityproject.org/
Signatory of White House Climate Day of Action - http://green.colostate.edu/external-partnerships/
City of Fort Collins ClimateWise Partner - http://green.colostate.edu/external-partnerships/
Workplace Charging Partner - http://green.colostate.edu/external-partnerships/
Fair Trade University - http://fairtradecampaigns.org/campaign/colorado-state-university/
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:
CSU Strategic Plan: http://provost.colostate.edu/strategic-plan/
CSU Master Plans: https://www.fm.colostate.edu/master_plan
CSU Strategic Plan: http://provost.colostate.edu/strategic-plan/
CSU Master Plans: https://www.fm.colostate.edu/master_plan
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.