Overall Rating Bronze - expired
Overall Score 41.01
Liaison Chad Carwein
Submission Date Feb. 14, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

East Carolina University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.50 / 4.00 Chad Carwein
University Sustainability Manager
HSC Facilities Services
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

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:
Commitment 4: Resource Stewardship. University Action 4.8: We will promote sustainable environments. Unit Objective 10: Educate all members of the university community about environmental responsibility and promote sound campus stewardship and commitment to sustainability principles. Metrics: 1. Annual sustainability report. 2. Number of sustainability educational offerings posted to website. Unit Action: 1. Work with constituents to develop diverse and targeted outreach and educational offerings on sustainability and the systematic integration of sustainability principles throughout the institution. Unit Objective 11: Sustain continual improvement toward sustainability by enabling meaningful comparisons over time and across peer institutions. Metric: 1.Achieve a university minimum score of Silver in sustainability ratings by end of CY 2018. Unit Action: 1.Meet and confer with the key leadership in Academics, Engagement, Operations, and Planning/Administration to compile data for STARS submission. Establish framework for periodic updates facilitated through the University’s Sustainability Committee.

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)? :
No

A copy of the sustainability plan:
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The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
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Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
No

A copy of the climate action plan:
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The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
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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):
2012 Campus Master Plan (too large to upload) 2015 Strategic Water and Energy Plan: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-admin/campus_operations/sustainability/upload/2015-Strategic-Energy-and-Water-Plan.pdf 2013 Campus Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-admin/campus_operations/sustainability/upload/2013-Campus-Bicycle-and-Pedestrian-Plan.pdf Beyond Tomorrow: ECU Strategic Plan for 2014-2019: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/strategicplan/

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:
Division of Administration & Finance 2014-2019 Strategic Plan University Action 4.8: We will promote sustainable environments. Unit Objective 10: Educate all members of the university community about environmental responsibility and promote sound campus stewardship and commitment to sustainability principles. Metrics: 1. Annual sustainability report. 2. Number of sustainability educational offerings posted to website. Unit Action: 1. Work with constituents to develop diverse and targeted outreach and educational offerings on sustainability and the systematic integration of sustainability principles throughout the institution.

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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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:
Division of Administration & Finance 2014-2019 Strategic Plan University Action 2.5: We will be a portal to serve the lifelong learning needs of North Carolina and our region. Unit Objective 5: Facilitate expansion of Lifelong Learning participation through improved access to delivery technologies. Metrics: 1. Increase in the number of lifelong learning programs distributed via technology. 2. Increase in the number of participants in lifelong learning programs. Unit Action: 1.Meet and confer with the Lifelong Learning Program Coordinator and staff to estimate the technology expansion budget for the next 5 years and lay out an incremental development plan. Commitment 3: Lead Regional Transformation. University Action 3.1: We will be open to business. We will create a new Millennium Campus and we will develop the business structures and practices needed to interact and innovate efficiently with our partners in the public and private sectors. Unit Objective 6: Develop a viable millennium campus. Metrics: 1.Number of campus partners who agree to become occupants. 2. funding identified 3. facilities constructed and occupied Unit Action: 1.Support the Strategic Initiatives Office as requested to provide all necessary decisional material to legislative initiatives and action required to develop a Millennium Campus. Using the master plan, work with potential campus partners, university officials, and city leaders to identify “campus:” occupants and develop a plan to bring them on site. University Action 3.10: We are recognized as a national leader in the use of technology to deliver health services to dispersed rural populations. Unit Objective 7: Provide support to the telemedicine program through the creation of technical standards, improved core infrastructure to support telemedicine growth, and staff support. Metrics: 1. Increase staff resources providing telemedicine support to 2 FTE’s. 2. Improvements in the quality of service of video conferencing for telemedicine. Unit Action: 1.Collaborate with the Telemedicine staff to help them actively plan and budget for new technology and infrastructure requirements needed to deliver telemedicine to…external sites.

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:
2012 Campus Master Plan (too large to upload): Carbon Neutral Campus Campus energy efficiency should be improved, and the University should move toward a carbon neutral campus by implementing greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies. These reductions can be achieved by reducing existing and future energy consumption, diversifying campus energy resources, and monitoring actual campus energy use to better understand power consumption and develop reduction strategies. Designers are encouraged to evaluate building envelope thermal performance and to design and select systems that reduce energy consumption for building heating and cooling. Currently, a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Study is under consideration by East Carolina University. When completed, this study will provide a definitive understanding of the impact of campus developments, both existing and new, on the environment.

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:
2012 Campus Master Plan (too large to upload): Innovative Buildings Sustainable design should be a priority for all new building construction on campus. North Carolina Executive Order 156 and State of North Carolina Senate Bill S581 and S668 established energy conservation goals and requirements for state-owned facilities. These guidelines provide numerous recommendations which promote sustainable design and user wellbeing. The University Construction Standards also recommend using the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) evaluation system to guide designers for all campus developments. These two sets of sustainable guidelines provide benchmark opportunities to assist in the development of innovative and sustainable new buildings for ECU’s campus. Innovative measures may include optimizing energy performance, using recycled content or regionally sourced materials, designing buildings for daylight harvesting, and minimizing heat island effect from roof elements. New facilities should utilize strategies that are innovative by current standards and be flexible enough to incorporate future innovative features.

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:
2012 Campus Master Plan (too large to upload): "Campus energy efficiency should be improved, and the University should move toward a carbon neutral campus by implementing greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies. These reductions can be achieved by reducing existing and future energy consumption, diversifying campus energy resources, and monitoring actual campus energy use to better understand power consumption and develop reduction strategies. Designers are encouraged to evaluate building envelope thermal performance and to design and select systems that reduce energy consumption for building heating and cooling." 2015 Strategic Water and Energy Plan: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-admin/campus_operations/sustainability/upload/2015-Strategic-Energy-and-Water-Plan.pdf Energy Reduction Goal: "While ECU made a significant 18.3% reduction (18.7%, weather normalized) in energy intensity from the base fiscal year of 2002-2003, the university continues towards the goal of a 30% reduction. Strategies include implementing programs, initiatives, equipment and renovations to make University buildings more efficient."

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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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:
2012 Campus Master Plan (too large to upload) Main Campus - Stormwater Stormwater ECU is actively initiating a campus wide strategy to reduce stormwater runoff and improve stormwater quality management. Proposed buildings in the central portion of Main Campus, Warehouse District, and the new residence buildings will have minimal stormwater quantity impact based on the impervious composition of the proposed site location. However it is recommended that new Best Management Practices be implemented. New drainage lines as well as some utility relocation will be required for new building sites. Office Surge Building and proposed buildings southwest of the athletic fields will require additional stormwater improvements to prevent increasing the stormwater runoff quantity in this area. Health Sciences Campus - Stormwater ECU is actively initiating a campus wide strategy to reduce stormwater runoff and improve stormwater quality management. Expansion on the Health Sciences Campus will require additional stormwater measures to account for additional runoff that will be produced by the new impervious area. Construction projects that are currently in progress may affect this estimate detention number. Preservation of Natural Features: Natural resources should be leveraged to improve their inherent effectiveness and enhance environmental quality. The campus should be viewed in the context of the Coastal Plain Ecosystem and development should respect, and where possible, regenerate this ecosystem. ECU’s location between the Tar River and Green Mill Run, elevates the importance of managing and treating stormwater on site to reduce discharge volume and contribute to the restoration of natural systems. Stormwater management practices should be implemented that rely on natural features by restoring ephemeral stream beds, reducing impervious ground cover, and treating stormwater where it falls instead of pushing it downstream. Campus woodland areas and native habitats should be preserved and expanded to increase shaded tree canopies and promote indigenous wildlife.

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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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:
2013 Campus Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-admin/campus_operations/sustainability/upload/2013-Campus-Bicycle-and-Pedestrian-Plan.pdf Goal 1: Focus on the long-term campus transportation system Objective 1-1: Identify and examine the existing mode share Objective 1-2: Promote alternative transportation modes  Goal 2: Ensure consistency of design for bike amenities and facilities Objective 2-1: Build upon the Greenville Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, specifically facilities located along the campus periphery Objective 2-2: Include stakeholders from the City of Greenville within the Core Advisory Group Objective 2-3: Include the ECU Engineering and Architectural Services to coordinate all future project design standards Objective 2-4: Adopt the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standard designs for signage and roadway pavement markings  Goal 3: Involve a variety of perspectives during the creation of bike plan projects Objective 3-1: Build upon results from 2012 survey of Bicycles and Alternative Transportation Objective 3-2: Present recommended bicycle plan projects to the campus community and ask for feedback Goal 4: Improve safety for on campus bicyclists Objective 4-1: Remove unnecessary vehicles from the center of campus Objective 4-2: Increase enforcement of the ‘rules-of-the-road’ for both cyclists and motorists  Goal 5: Develop strategies for education and encouragement Objective 5-1: Develop a culture of bicycling among the campus population Objective 5-2: Foster ‘leadership-by-example’ among campus administration Objective 5-3: Become a League of American Bicycles Bicycle-Friendly University Objective 5-4: Coordinate with the City of Greenville and other state government agencies on community and regional bicycle and pedestrian programs

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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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:
2012 Campus Master Plan (too large to upload) 2015 Strategic Water and Energy Plan: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-admin/campus_operations/sustainability/upload/2015-Strategic-Energy-and-Water-Plan.pdf Water Resources Management: "Strategies include implementing programs, initiatives, and equipment that conserve water resources. ECU’s potable water usage has dropped to slightly more than half against the baseline year, FY2002-03. This reflects East Carolina University’s commitment to creating a sustainable environment by reducing negative environmental impacts and utility costs."

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:
Office of Equity & Diversity 2014-2019 Strategic Plan: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/strategicplan/unit-plans.cfm Unit Objective 1: To support the retention and graduation of underrepresented and diverse students at a rate that is comparable with non-minority groups. Metrics: 1.Retention and graduation rates of underrepresented groups 2.Number of best practice retention and persistence programs for diverse students that are adopted by university partners. Unit Actions: 1.Partner with units across campus to research and promote best practice programs for retaining and graduating diverse students. 2.Sponsor professional development opportunities for faculty around best practices on the retention and graduation of diverse students. Unit Objective 2: Support and develop outreach programs that engage and enroll underserved, underrepresented, and diverse student populations. Metrics: 1.Number of underrepresented and underserved students admitted to ECU 2.Number of programs and partnerships targeting underrepresented, underserved, and diverse prospective students Unit Actions: 1.Collaborate with units across the institution to develop model precollege programs for diverse populations. 2.Promote and market precollege programs and opportunities to diverse communities.

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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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:
Division of Administration & Finance 2014-2019 Strategic Plan University Action 3.11: We will model healthy lifestyles for the region. We will be a leader in workplace wellness. We will revise and expand the ECU faculty/staff wellness program and increase participation by 5 percent annually. Unit Objective 8: Establish a fully functioning active Employee Wellness Program by the end of fiscal 2016 Metric: 1. Involvement: increase participation by 5% annually for years 2017, 2018 and 2019. Unit Action: 1.The Wellness Coordinator will champion the program and deliver program and services, generate resources, increase awareness and provide strategic direction working with university leaders and staff. Unit Objective 9- Establish a smoke free campus by 2018. Metrics: 1.number of students, staff and faculty who enter smoking cessation programs 2.Number of students, staff and faculty who quit smoking. Unit Actions: 1.Working with the Brody School of medicine and other support groups develop a policy for a smoke free campus, and work with the student body, the staff senate and the faculty senate to assist with implementation. 2.Develop literature and a web site to educate the campus and the public about the smoking cessation programs and the intent of the university to support student health via a smoke free learning environment.

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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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)? :
No

The formal statement in support of sustainability:
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The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
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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) No
UN Global Compact No
Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) No

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Data Source: Chad Carwein, University Sustainability Manager OEHS Statement: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-admin/oehs/Safety-and-Env-Policy-Statement.cfm

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.