Franklin University Switzerland
PA-2: Commitments and Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
Reporter |
Leslie
Tedoldi Business Officer Finance and Administration |
2.1 Public sustainability commitment
Narrative detailing the institution’s guiding vision or goals for sustainability and the plan(s) in which they are published:
https://www.fus.edu/about-us/quality-management/sustainability-strategy
KEY PILLARS OF FRANKLIN'S SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
Our sustainability strategy is built on four key pillars: Environmental Sustainability, Social Sustainability, Sustainability in Teaching and Research, and Economic Sustainability. Each pillar is supported by a set of goals and initiatives that promote long-term, sustainable practices across all areas of the university.
Environmental Sustainability: A Greener Campus
We are committed to minimizing our ecological footprint through proactive environmental stewardship and sustainable campus practices. Our initiatives focus on reducing energy consumption, waste, water usage, and promoting biodiversity on our campus in Lugano.
- Green Office Initiatives: Through our Green Office program, we are empowering departments and offices across the university to integrate sustainability into daily operations.
- Green Mobility: We promote sustainable transport options, encouraging walking, cycling, and the use of public transportation among students, staff, and faculty.
- Carbon Reduction and Recycling Initiatives: Our goal is to reduce our carbon emissions through energy efficiency programs, sustainable building practices, and the adoption of renewable energy sources.
Social Sustainability: Promoting Equity and Community Engagement
Social sustainability is integral to Franklin's mission of preparing students for leadership in a diverse and interconnected world. We aim to foster an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative environment where all members of our community can thrive. Our commitment to social sustainability involves promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and active engagement with local and global communities. Our focus on social sustainability is rooted in our dedication to creating an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered. We measure the effectiveness of our initiatives through surveys on employee satisfaction, DEI outcomes, and professional development participation.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We are dedicated to creating an inclusive academic environment where students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds are valued and supported.
- Student Well-Being: Ensuring that all students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed, including mental health services, career development programs, and social engagement opportunities.
- Equal Pay: Franklin University Switzerland is committed to maintaining an inclusive and fair workplace where all employees receive equitable compensation for equal work.
Economic Sustainability: Building a Resilient Future
Economic sustainability at Franklin means operating in a financially responsible and transparent manner, ensuring the long-term viability of the university while maintaining academic excellence. We aim to achieve a balance between resource allocation, strategic growth, and financial resilience. As we work to refine our financial operations, we track our progress using key metrics, such as enrollment figures, budget alignment, and fundraising growth.
- Sustainable Financial Practices: We prioritize sound financial management, focusing on long-term financial health through diversified funding streams, cost management, and responsible investments.
- New avenues for financial diversification: To enhance our financial resilience, we are focusing on sustainable investments and fundraising efforts.
- Global Partnerships: We continue to cultivate partnerships with organizations and other academic institutions to diversify our student body and increase our impact globally.
Teaching and Research: Advancing Knowledge for a Sustainable Future
- Sustainability in Curriculum: Sustainability is integrated into a wide variety of programs at Franklin. We emphasize interdisciplinary learning, where students can engage in sustainability-focused projects, research, and case studies.
Narrative and/or website URL outlining the institution’s external sustainability commitments that include a reporting requirement:
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:
2.2 Measurable sustainability objectives
Narrative listing the institution’s measurable sustainability objectives that address teaching, learning, and research:
One of the criteria for Swiss higher education accreditation under the federal Higher Education Law (Higher Education Act, HEdA) is Article 30(a)(6), which states:
"For institutional accreditation, the following requirements must be met:
a. Higher education institutions and other institutions within the higher education sector have a quality control system in place to ensure that:
... 6. tasks further the aims of economic, social and environmental sustainability"
The requirements are published here:
https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2014/691/en
As part of ongoing quality assurance, the Franklin works to ensure that its tasks further the aims of economic, social and environmental sustainability.
Has the institution adopted one or more measurable sustainability objectives that address stakeholder engagement?:
Narrative listing the institution’s measurable sustainability objectives that address stakeholder engagement:
Has the institution adopted one or more measurable sustainability objectives that address campus operations?:
Narrative listing the institution’s measurable sustainability objectives that address campus operations:
A Climate Action Plan is published here: https://www.fus.edu/files/FUSClimateActionPlan.pdf
It includes the climate action guidance with regard to emissions:
Minimum - 26-28% reduction in eCO2 emissions by 2025, in line with the US
Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement (USDOS,
2016)
Moderate - 50% reduction in eCO2 emissions by 2030, in line with the Swiss Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement (UNFCCC, 2015b)
Ideal - 100% reduction in eCO2 emissions (carbon neutrality) by 2050
There is also guidance on objections for:
- Food Purchasing
- Energy Usage
Has the institution adopted one or more measurable sustainability objectives that address racial equity and social justice?:
Narrative listing the institution’s measurable sustainability objectives that address racial equity and social justice:
Has the institution adopted one or more measurable sustainability objectives that address administration and finance?:
Narrative listing the institution’s measurable sustainability objectives that address administration and finance:
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:
2.3 Climate resilience assessment and planning
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s climate resilience assessment:
Does the institution participate in an ongoing campus-community task force or committee that is focused on climate resilience?:
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the campus-community task force or committee focused on climate resilience:
https://www.fus.edu/life-at-franklin/green-office
The FUS Green Office Mission Statement: "The FUS GO works to integrate sustainability into all aspects of the university, serving as a resource for students, faculty, staff, alumni and the global community. The GO institutionalizes sustainability through multifaceted and interdisciplinary approaches, pioneering sustainability initiatives within FUS and beyond."
The GO includes the participation of students (scholars and volunteers), staff, faculty, and community members to foster a more sustainable and resilient FUS community.
Has the institution incorporated climate resilience strategies and/or goals into one or more of its published plans?:
Narrative listing the institution’s climate resilience strategies and goals and the plan(s) in which they are published:
https://www.fus.edu/about-franklin/our-leadership/strategic-planning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjQeVpmH6j4
https://www.fus.edu/about-us/quality-management/sustainability-strategy
Strategic Planning Assessment Framework for 2030 Strategic Plan
- Use of quantitative and qualitative data
- Yearly Sustainability Action Plan
- 3 annual reporting periods (February, June, and November)
KEY PILLARS OF FRANKLIN'S SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
Our sustainability strategy is built on four key pillars: Environmental Sustainability, Social Sustainability, Sustainability in Teaching and Research, and Economic Sustainability. Each pillar is supported by a set of goals and initiatives that promote long-term, sustainable practices across all areas of the university.
Environmental Sustainability: A Greener Campus
We are committed to minimizing our ecological footprint through proactive environmental stewardship and sustainable campus practices. Our initiatives focus on reducing energy consumption, waste, water usage, and promoting biodiversity on our campus in Lugano.
- Green Office Initiatives: Through our Green Office program, we are empowering departments and offices across the university to integrate sustainability into daily operations.
- Green Mobility: We promote sustainable transport options, encouraging walking, cycling, and the use of public transportation among students, staff, and faculty.
- Carbon Reduction and Recycling Initiatives: Our goal is to reduce our carbon emissions through energy efficiency programs, sustainable building practices, and the adoption of renewable energy sources.
Social Sustainability: Promoting Equity and Community Engagement
Social sustainability is integral to Franklin's mission of preparing students for leadership in a diverse and interconnected world. We aim to foster an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative environment where all members of our community can thrive. Our commitment to social sustainability involves promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and active engagement with local and global communities. Our focus on social sustainability is rooted in our dedication to creating an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered. We measure the effectiveness of our initiatives through surveys on employee satisfaction, DEI outcomes, and professional development participation.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We are dedicated to creating an inclusive academic environment where students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds are valued and supported.
- Student Well-Being: Ensuring that all students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed, including mental health services, career development programs, and social engagement opportunities.
- Equal Pay: Franklin University Switzerland is committed to maintaining an inclusive and fair workplace where all employees receive equitable compensation for equal work.
Economic Sustainability: Building a Resilient Future
Economic sustainability at Franklin means operating in a financially responsible and transparent manner, ensuring the long-term viability of the university while maintaining academic excellence. We aim to achieve a balance between resource allocation, strategic growth, and financial resilience. As we work to refine our financial operations, we track our progress using key metrics, such as enrollment figures, budget alignment, and fundraising growth.
- Sustainable Financial Practices: We prioritize sound financial management, focusing on long-term financial health through diversified funding streams, cost management, and responsible investments.
- New avenues for financial diversification: To enhance our financial resilience, we are focusing on sustainable investments and fundraising efforts.
- Global Partnerships: We continue to cultivate partnerships with organizations and other academic institutions to diversify our student body and increase our impact globally.
Teaching and Research: Advancing Knowledge for a Sustainable Future
- Sustainability in Curriculum: Sustainability is integrated into a wide variety of programs at Franklin. We emphasize interdisciplinary learning, where students can engage in sustainability-focused projects, research, and case studies.
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:
Optional documentation
Additional documentation for this credit:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.