| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.69 |
| Liaison | Rochelle Owen |
| Submission Date | April 6, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Dalhousie University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.75 / 4.00 |
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:
Dalhousie's Strategic Plan 2014-2018 highlights sustainability as a particular goal, with an objective to "enhance our infrastructure with a multi-year capital plan that promotes environmentally sustainable development". Embedded in other goals and strategic directions are key sustainability focus research objectives and serving our local community.
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):
Campus Energy Master Plan: https://cdn.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/dept/sustainability/Executive%20Summary%20-%20Campus%20Energy%20Master%20Plan%20Final.pdf
Natural Environment Plan 2014: https://cdn.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/dept/sustainability/NatEnviroPlan_April2014_merged.pdf
Sustainable and Healthy Food Framework 2016: https://cdn.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/dept/sustainability/Sustainability%20Health%20Food%20Report%202016%20Final%20Report%20(1).pdf
Transportation Demand Management Action Plan 2016: https://cdn.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/dept/sustainability/Transportation/Dalhousie%20Transportation%20Demand%20Management%20Action%20Plan%20(2015)_Edited.pdf
Institutional Cycling Master Plan: https://cdn.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/dept/sustainability/BikewaysPlan_20July2012.pdf
Solid Waste Management Plan 2015: https://cdn.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/dept/sustainability/Solid%20Waste%20Management%20Plan-Final.pdf
Work Well Plan 2016: https://dalu.sharepoint.com/sites/mydal/dc/hr/Human%20Resources%20Documents/hr-hea-wrkwelstra-v1.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:
One of the Teaching and Learning goals in the University Strategic Plan is goal 1.5, Foster and support innovation in program development and excellence in teaching and pedagogy. Specific goals for this item are:
1. Develop an institutional academic program plan, stemming from Faculties’ approved program plans.
2. Adopt a Dalhousie Learning Charter for students and professors (expectations and evaluation methods) for each Faculty.
3. Provide career‐long learning opportunities for pedagogical development through CLT available to all faculty.
4. Develop and adopt teaching and learning initiatives that support student success.
Action items for this goal include developing new programs and certificate programs such as the Certificate in Indigenous Studies and the Certificate in Aquaculture and the Environment.
A goal of the University Sustainability Plan is that "Sustainability is reflected as a core concentration in the University curriculum at the undergraduate and graduate level." This is reviewed in each Sustainability Progress Report. STARS also provides a way to assess progress in the number of sustainability course offers and proportion of students who study with sustainable learning outcomes.
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:
Dalhousie has a Strategic Research Plan and has identified four priority research areas: ocean studies, advanced materials and clean technologies, health and wellness (including social, cultural and environmental determinants of health and wellness), and governance, society and culture. The university has also identified energy and the environment as an emerging research area. The plan, linked below, summarizes the current research and upcoming plans to support knowledge creation in this focus areas. See here for the plan: https://cdn.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/dept/university_secretariat/Senate%20Docs/SRP%20-%20Final%20-April%209%202013%20-%20for%20Senate%20website%20(3).pdf
The broad University Strategic Plan also has many goals related to research. Here is a sample of these measurable objectives:
-Provide greater opportunities for undergraduates to engage with research as part of their degree.
-Develop an undergraduate research and inquiry-based learning component for the emerging Dal learning charter.
-Enhanced researcher networking capability and collaboration within and outside of Dalhousie.
-Development and support of core research facilities and multi‐user space.
One of the goals of the Sustainable and Healthy Food Framework is to Build capacity and raise awareness. An action listed to help achieve this goal is support student applied research. The Solid Waste Management Plan also has a goal of supporting student research.
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:
One of the goals of the Sustainable and Healthy Food Framework is to "Build capacity and raise awareness." Actions to reach this goals include support student-run groups and encourage communications, and host educational events focusing on healthy, sustainable and affordable recipes.
The Solid Waste Management Plan includes a goal of developing educational programs, with the objective of engaging the community to increase awareness, meet specific
information needs, and foster a sense of community commitment. Actions to achieve this goal include ongoing campaigns and workshops, waste management information on social media, and more information about waste management on our website.
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:
When developing the University's Climate Change Plan, the Office of Sustainability hosted two workshops open to campus and community members, one on mitigation and one on adaptation, involving over 60 people. The forthcoming review of the Climate Change Plan and our progress will also involve a significant element of community outreach and consultation.
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:
Climate Change Plan: Dalhousie aims to reduce GHGs 15% by 2013; 20% by 2016 and 50% by 2020 below the 2008-2009 baseline year for scope 1 and 2 emissions. A long-term objective of carbon neutrality is highlighted for 2050. Target GHG reductions in tonnes are specified for campus energy systems, green buildings, sustainable transport, knowledge and behavior, natural environment, and carbon offsets and sinks. The targets reductions in GHG (tonnes) are set for 2010-2013, 2014-2020, and 2020-2050.
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:
From the Climate Change Plan: Through Green Building, reduce GHG emissions by 6000 tonnes in 2010-2013, 3000 tonnes in 2014-2020, and 12000 tonnes in 2021-2050. The main components of this initiative are upgrading campus lighting, performing major building retrofits, and building all new facilities to LEED Gold or higher.
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:
The Sustainability Plan dentified percent reduction targets for electricity & heat/fuel consumption per person in three phases: 5% between 2009-2012, 15% between 2013-2016, and 20% between 2017-2020.
From the Climate Change Plan: Through Campus Energy Systems, reduce GHG emissions by 20,000 tonnes in 2010-2013, 20,000 tonnes in 2014-2020, and 14,500 tonnes in 2021-2050. The main components of this initiative are energy master planning (see below), fuel conversion to natural gas, introducing trigeneration, adding renewable technologies to new and existing buildings, burying power lines, and addressing the energy consumption of IT systems.
The Campus Energy Master Plan outlines strategies and measures in each of these areas: Existing and future plans; Energy security issues; Utility monitoring; Central energy distribution systems; Renewable energy systems; Sustainable facilities planning; and Energy efficiency retrofits, along with a decision and implementation matrix to assist the university with prioritization and budgeting.
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:
The Sustainable and Healthy Food Framework states goals for food purchasing, preparation, operation, and end-use. The framework also includes specific actions to reach these goals, a progress summary, and specific, measurable targets.
Examples of measurable sustainability objectives:
-40-60% local/community based produce purchases year-round
-Increase 5% of local and/or community-based seafood
-Try serving new local wild caught seafood species and low impact aquaculture
-Increase vegetarian and vegan meals on previous year
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:
The Dalhousie Natural Environment Plan has a number of values, goals, objectives, actions and targets that highlight aspects such as establishing canopy cover rates, implementing a native species planting program, and using vegetation to mitigate storm-water.
Examples of measurable sustainability objectives:
-15% (Truro) and 5% (Halifax) of naturalized campus area (from 2013 baseline of 10% (Truro) and <1% (Halifax))
-Increase number of plant species that attract birds-at-risk
-No genus comprises more than 10% of all campus trees (Baseline measured in 2010: 30% of species are Acer spp., 12% Quercus spp. (Halifax))
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:
One of the goals of the Solid Waste Management Plan is to minimize waste generation. Many of the actions identified to achieve this goal are focused on purchasing:
-Work on centralized purchasing (standing offers) and distribution of key commodities to reduce waste (packaging, amounts, and product type) ex. Furniture, chemicals
-Promote waste management diversion and tracking clauses in contracts
-Clarify and educate staff on sustainability consideration obligations when making purchasing decisions
-Purchase items that can be easily reused or recycled
Another goal is this policy is to maximize reuse, composting, recycling and material recovery. One of the actions identified to achieve this goal is:
-Create Design Guidelines, Request for Proposals (RFPs), and tender specifications with waste management criteria and requirements
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:
The Transportation Demand Management Plan outlines short-, medium-, and long-term objectives for TDM Program Administration and Travel Avoidance, Active Transportation, Public Transport, Vehicle Sharing Alternatives, and Parking and Fleet Management.
Examples of measurable sustainability objectives:
-Track performance of programs and administer annual commuter survey (2013-2016)
-Provide electric vehicle charge stations (2016-2026)
-Complete University Avenue and other cycling corridors (2016-2026)
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:
The major goals outlined in the Solid Waste Management Plan are minimize waste generation; maximize reuse, composting, recycling, and material recovery; establish a waste management strategy that positively impacts human, environmental, and social health; become a regional leader in waste management; develop education programs; and support student research. Each of these goals is connected to objectives, actions and targets.
Examples of measurable sustainability objectives:
-Diversion goal of 65% in 2013-2016, 70% in 2017-2020, and 75% long term
-Divert at least 75% C&D materials from landfills
-Establish a Waste Diversion Committee (established in 2015)
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:
Reducing water consumption is part of the building retrofit and design goals of the university. The plan is to focus retrofits on high water (and energy) consumption buildings. Upgrades will include water re-circulation equipment. There is also an effort to increase metering on campus and improve integrated data collection and presentation systems. These actions are listed in the 2010 Sustainability Plan. The plan identified percent reduction targets for water consumption per person in three phases: 5% between 2009-2012, 15% between 2013-2016, and 20% between 2017-2020.
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:
Strategic priority 1.2 of the University Strategic Plan is "Focus on strategic student recruitment based on discipline, level & diversity."
The specific goal set out for this priority area is:
1. Develop a smart growth plan/enrollment strategy by spring 2015 to guide Dalhousie’s recruitment
planning to 2018. The strategy will include program-level enrollment targets developed in consultation with faculties and schools with an aim to maintain market share in Atlantic Canada, as well as outside
the region and internationally, while also identifying opportunities for future growth.
Progress made on this priority area includes these developments related to diversity & affordability:
-Initiation of Rapid Task Forces to improve student diversity data collection, coordinate international enrollment processes and activities and enhance pathways programs for underrepresented student populations
-Scholarships and bursaries for undergraduate students (including the NS Bursary Program) increased to $24.8M in 2016/2017, compared to $24M in 2015/2016
Strategic priority 5.2 of the University Strategic Plan is "Foster a collegial culture grounded in diversity and inclusiveness."
The specific goals set out for this priority area are:
1. Develop a Diversity Strategy for faculty, staff and students at Dalhousie University.
2. Track and advance progress on recommendations from the following reports:
-Belong: Supporting an Inclusive and Diverse University
-The National Truth and Reconciliation Report
-Report of the Task Force on Misogyny, Sexism and Homophobia in Dalhousie University
-Report from The Restorative Justice Process at The Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry
-A Report from the Committee on Aboriginal and Black/African Canadian Student Access and Retention: A Focus on Financial Support
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:
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:
Dalhousie released the Work Well Plan in 2016 to address well-being and health on-campus.
The wellness goals for 2016-2019 are:
1. Decrease chronic pain by 10%
2. Improve nutritional competency by 10%
3. Improve sleep competency by 10%
4. Improve physical activity competency by 10%
5. Improve financial competency by 10%
6. Leadership involvement in Wellness Strategy initiatives
7. Leadership commitment to redo QWL
8. Employee well-being acknowledged in university strategic document(s)
9. Improved leadership trust on campus by 10%
10. Improve engagement in QWL by 10%
11. 10% improvement in “life satisfaction”
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:
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:
Dalhousie University Sustainability Statement
Universities have a tremendous opportunity to influence civic life. Our operations, curriculum, and research affect communities near and far. The process of sustainability is a pathway of continual improvement where actions protect and enhance human and natural resources needed by future generations to enjoy a quality of life equal to or greater than our own. Dalhousie University commits to making a positive contribution to society and to strengthening our organization by adhering to the following principles of sustainability.
Integration: Supporting approaches and decisions that improve the campus and local community ecology, economy, and health.
Planning: Making decisions that consider present and future generations.
Efficiency: Providing quality education and services while progressively reducing negative environmental, health, and economic impacts.
Continual Improvement: Supporting ongoing measurement and improvement of sustainability efforts.
Innovation: Creating a climate of creativity, inquiry, research, and collaboration that foster new ideas and approaches to sustainability questions and challenges.
Dalhousie will incorporate these sustainability principles into management systems such as curriculum review and creation, the review of new construction and renovation of facilities; budget planning; and reporting.
This statement provides the context and commitment for the Dalhousie University Sustainability Policy and Plan.
See here for the signed statement: https://cdn.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/dept/sustainability/Dalhousie_University_Sustainability_Statement.pdf
The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
The process of sustainability is a pathway of continual improvement where actions protect and enhance human and natural resources needed by future generations to enjoy a quality of life equal to or greater than our own.
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 | No |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | Yes |
| 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:
In Canada, Second Nature's Carbon Commitment does not apply. We have signed the Canadian equivalent, the University and College Presidents' Climate Change Statement of Action for Canada.
We are signatories to the Halifax Declaration and the UNEP International Declaration on Cleaner Production.
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:
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.