| Overall Rating | Platinum - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 88.14 |
| Liaison | Tonie Miyamoto |
| Submission Date | Dec. 6, 2019 |
| 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 - https://housing.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2016/05/climate-action-sub-plan.pdf
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/files/forms/Parking_Transportation_Master_Plan_Study.pdf
CSU Master Plan -
https://www.fm.colostate.edu/sites/default/files/2014_Masterplan.pdf
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 Subcommittee formulates a strategy for infusing sustainability core knowledge into curriculum
1.2 Subcommittee works with Deans and Provosts office to secure funding for implementation of infusion of sustainability core knowledge into curriculum.
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: Implement recommendations identified in Research Subcommittee Report
1.2 Establish a sustainability research award
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: Improve and assess employee engagement in CSU sustainability efforts
1.1 Recommend/develop opportunities for CSU employees to learn about or be actively engaged with sustainability efforts and initiatives through trainings,peer-to-peer education, department/unit level sustainability committees, PDI sessions, campus events, providing “Sustainability 101 at CSU” through TOD,
etc.
1.2 Collect/track data on employees who participate in the "Assessing Sustainability Culture Survey" (a campus-wide faculty and staff focused survey that collects data on sustainability literacy)
1.3 Develop a "Sustainability at CSU Handbook" for employees and students (and update as needed).
Engagement Goal #2: Improve and assess student engagement in CSU sustainability efforts
2.1 1 Collect/track data on students who participate in the "Assessing Sustainability Culture Survey" (a campus wide student focused survey that collects data on sustainability literacy).
2.2 Incorporate sustainability throughout Ram Welcome.
2.3 Develop a database or reporting process to document and track student volunteer hours. Percent of students who volunteer and total volunteer hours. Create volunteering “job board” on RamLink. Department engagement and
training needed to encourage use of database.
2.4 Establish a community service/volunteer graduation requirement for undergraduate students (documented on transcript). Develop recommendation for PSC to present to CSU Administration.
2.5 Incorporate land acknowledgement question into student sustainability culture survey.
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: Engagement Goal #3: Further integrate sustainable best practices into CSU events, materials, trademark licensing, and partnerships
3.1 Develop best practice guidelines for sustainable university outreach, events, materials, and publications. Create pre/post-event questionnaires to prompt best practices and gauge successful implementation.
3.2 Develop recommendation for PSC to present to CSU Administration to strengthen the integration of requirements for Fair Labor Association, Workers Rights Consortium, and/or Fair Trade criteria into university apparel procurement (where absent). Coordinate with PSC Operations sub-committee with ESRP guidance.
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 Sustainability Strategic Plan Operations Goal #3: Greening Transportation and Fleet Operations
3.1 Support reduction in GHG emissions from Air Travel paid for by the university. Strategies include:
• Reducing Trips
• Using lower carbon intensive modes of travel
• Offsets
3.2 Support the expansion of the vehicle restriction policy to an “emissions free” zone. Communicate and implement a no idling guideline campus wide – applicable to CSU vehicles and campus vendors and visitors.
In addition, 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://fm.colostate.edu/reports
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
- Recommissioning and Retrocommissioning - a three phased approach over the short, medium, and long 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 High Performance and Inclusive Building Standards and Design:
• Support continuing efforts to 3rd party certify all new construction and major renovations (LEED, Green Globes, etc.) with a focus on energy performance and overall IAQ
• Provide additional support to implement energy & water efficiency and IAQ strategies in existing buildings. Pursue certification of existing buildings to benchmark energy, water and IAQ performance.
• Support standards developed by the Inclusive Physical and Virtual Campus committee
• Support green labs initiatives
• Support green building standards (in development)
• Develop communications strategy to support strategy (see 1.3)
1.2 Support conservation/behavioral engagement. Establish a fund for “mini-grants” and/or crowdfunding to incentivize behaviors and support sustainability projects
on campus.
1.3 Develop communications strategy for a broad range of sustainability efforts. Invest and encourage a sustainability culture within CSU colleges and units. Develop a road show to share the story. Include specifics like High Performance Buildings. Air Travel, ESRP, CSU Moves Online Transportation Module, etc.
Supports similar goal in Engagement section.
CSU's Climate Action Plan includes a large number of additional specific goals and objectives at https://fm.colostate.edu/reports
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 Administration and Planning Goal #3 Create funding mechanisms to grow sustainable infrastructure and initiatives
3.1 Expand Energy Reserve Fund
CSU Sustainability Strategic Plan Operations Goal #1: Support Energy & Water Efficiency Measures in Buildings/Infrastructure
1.1 1 High Performance and Inclusive Building Standards and Design:
• Support continuing efforts to 3rd party certify all new construction and major renovations (LEED, Green Globes, etc.) with a focus on energy performance and overall IAQ
• Provide additional support to implement energy & water efficiency and IAQ strategies in existing buildings. Pursue certification of existing buildings to benchmark energy, water and IAQ performance.
• Support standards developed by the Inclusive Physical and Virtual Campus committee
• Support green labs initiatives
• Support green building standards (in development)
• Develop communications strategy to support strategy (see 1.3)
1.2 Support conservation/behavioral engagement. Establish a fund for “mini-grants” and/or crowdfunding to incentivize behaviors and support sustainability projects on campus.
CSU's Climate Action Plan includes a large number of additional specific goals and objectives at https://fm.colostate.edu/reports
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 #2: Resource Utilization
2.2 Support expansion of compost program. Including expansion of the site, additional on campus collection and more education/outreach of compost program.
2.4 Bolster the Environmentally & Socially Responsible Procurement Policy (ESRP). Increase qualifying purchases to 25%.
2.7 Increase number of water bottle filling stations
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 results 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:
https://housing.colostate.edu/about/sustainability/reports/
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. These objectives are measured in the campus climate survey and accessibility surveys.
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. Progress towards these goals is measured annually by accident/injury reports for various modes of transportation, safety reports, and the annual lighting walk of campus.
CSU's Climate Action Plan includes a large number of additional specific goals and objectives such as increasing 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 #2: Resource Utilization
2.1 Reduce the amount of “stuff” purchased by the university through:
• Support sharing equipment and vehicles to optimize utilization
• Develop an Advanced Recovery Charge for Ewaste and stop charging to dispose of Ewaste already on campus in order to free up space in buildings
2.4 Bolster the Environmentally & Socially Responsible Procurement Policy (ESRP). Increase qualifying purchases to 25%.
Engagement Goal #3: Further integrate sustainable best practices into CSU events, materials, trademark licensing and partnerships.
3.2 Develop recommendation for PSC to present to CSU Administration to strengthen the integration of requirements for Fair Labor Association, Workers Rights Consortium, and/or Fair Trade criteria into university apparel procurement (where absent). Coordinate with PSC Operations sub-committee with ESRP guidance.
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 Operations Goal #3: Greening Transportation and Fleet Operations
3.1 Support reduction in GHG emissions from Air Travel paid for by the university. Strategies include:
• Reducing Trips
• Using lower carbon intensive modes of travel
• Offsets
3.3 Support a full utilization of CSU fleet vehicles. Support opportunities to increase efficiencies, introduce alternative fueled vehicles, right-size the fleet, and reduce GHG emissions. Pursue green fleet certification. Pursue strategies like distributed fleet to reduce reimbursements for use of personal vehicles for university business. Additional EV chargers to support employees and distributed fleet.
3.4 Improve commuting mode split to reflect an increased adoption of alternative transportation options. Tie goals to CAP strategy.
3.5 Continue to improve alternative transportation initiatives for any/all events held at the on-campus stadium
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.
Specific pillars include:
- Protecting campus green space
- Preserving a pedestrian focus for the academic core
- A strong commitment 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 #2: Resource Utilization
2.1 Reduce the amount of “stuff” purchased by the university through:
• Support sharing equipment and vehicles to optimize utilization
• Develop an Advanced Recovery Charge for Ewaste and stop charging to dispose of Ewaste already on campus in order to free up space in buildings
2.2 Support expansion of compost program. Including expansion of the site, additional on campus collection and more education/outreach of compost program.
2.5 Expand lab waste recycling/diversion program.
2.6 Work towards Zero Waste game days (and other events) in the on-campus stadium, inclusive of designated tailgating areas. Budget resources to pay students.
2.9 Continue to improve logistics for annual waste audit to include additional waste streams on campus to better understand the unique waste streams from different building types (residential, academic, athletic, lab, etc.).
CSU's Climate Action Plan includes a large number of additional specific goals and objectives such as increasing waste diversion using a combination of reduction, recycling and 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 High Performance and Inclusive Building Standards and Design:
• Support continuing efforts to 3rd party certify all new construction and major renovations (LEED, Green Globes, etc.) with a focus on energy performance and overall IAQ
• Provide additional support to implement energy & water efficiency and IAQ strategies in existing buildings. Pursue certification of existing buildings to benchmark energy, water and IAQ performance.
• Support standards developed by the Inclusive Physical and Virtual Campus committee
• Support green labs initiatives
• Support green building standards (in development)
• Develop communications strategy to support strategy (see 1.3)
1.2 Support conservation/behavioral engagement. Establish a fund for “mini-grants” and/or crowdfunding to incentivize behaviors and support sustainability projects on campus.
1.3 Develop communications strategy for a broad range of sustainability efforts. Invest and encourage a sustainability culture within CSU colleges and units. Develop a road show to share the story. Include specifics like High Performance Buildings. Air Travel, ESRP, CSU Moves Online Transportation Module, etc. Supports similar goal in Engagement section
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 resident instruction undergraduate enrollment of domestic diverse (Pell, First Gen, minority) students
* Maintain our access mission for Colorado residents while providing adequate financial support
* Increase enrollment of direct admit 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
CSU Sustainability Strategic Plan Administration and Planning Goal #5 Support and advocate for Land Acknowledgement Initiatives on Campus
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 #1: Transparent Financial Reporting
1.1 Create a financial transparency report for money managed by CSU (similar to what State Treasury provides publicly)
Planning & Administration Goal #2: Increase positive sustainable investments.
2.1 Identify standardized definition of positive sustainable investment and establish some goals/milestones for increasing positive sustainable investment
2.2 Explore ways to invest in proprietary CSU sustainability research, technology, and
business
Planning & Administration Goal #3: Create funding mechanisms to grow sustainable infrastructure and initiatives
3.1 Expand Energy Reserve Fund.
3.2 Support student efforts to establish sustainability-related student fees.
3.3 Collaborate with Advancement to engage donors on sustainability initiatives and projects
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 Administration and Planning Goal #4 Support and Advocate for Living Wage and Affordable Housing Initiatives
4.1 Continue progress towards a 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
4.2 Support campus efforts to develop affordable housing initiatives for
employees
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, leading-edge 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):
Preserving our planet’s environmental quality while meeting the human and societal needs of today and tomorrow.
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 | --- |
| 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/
Bee Campus USA - https://pollinatorfriendly.colostate.edu/
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.