Furman University
PA-2: Commitments and Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
5.00 / 6.00 |
Laura
Bain Associate Director of Sustainability Assessment David E. Shi Center for Sustainability |
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:
2024, FUture Focused 5-yr Strategic Plan https://www.furman.edu/news/furman-launches-strategic-plan-with-focus-on-innovation-community-sustainability/
https://www.furman.edu/strategic-plan/
Objective 4: Lead in Responsible Stewardship for our Planet
Deepen our commitment to a core value of sustainability, underscoring that functional ecosystems are foundational for long-term human thriving.
I. Advance Carbon Neutrality Goals
- Recommit to and realize the plan to become carbon neutral as a responsible global citizen.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, targeting a 60% net reduction by 2030, and a goal of carbon neutrality by 2040, using 2007 as a baseline. For additional details on our climate goals, click here.
- Assess and improve institutional resiliency to climate change.
II. Foster Sustainable Community
- Utilize Furman’s unique physical assets and our integrated, holistic approach to model sustainability that supports human thriving within ecological boundaries.
- Integrate educational opportunities that produce global-minded citizens with the interdisciplinary skills and experience to solve the climate crisis.
2009, Sustainable Furman https://www.furman.edu/sustainability/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2020/08/Sustainable-Furman-To-Post.pdf
The eight strategic goals in this plan are detailed below. Many of the strategies associated with each goal have already been initiated and are in progress; these strategies are marked in parentheses with the year of initiation.
Goal 1. Expand and Enhance Curricular Opportunities Related to Sustainability
Goal 2. Expand Innovative co-curricular experiences to enhance student learning about sustainability
Goal 3. Create a campus-wide culture of conservation
Goal 4. Further improve the energy efficiency of buildings, operations, and information technology
Goal 5. Create a more sustainable campus transportation system
Goal 6. Invest in Large-scale renewable energy projects
Goal 7. Enhance sustainability service opportunities and create local carbon offset projects and programs
Goal 8. Capitalize on Furman's National Leadership Role in the comprehensive promotion of sustainability.
Narrative and/or website URL outlining the institution’s external sustainability commitments that include a reporting requirement:
Signatory of the President's Climate Commitment https://unhsimap.org/public/institution/195
- Carbon Commitment
- Race to Zero
- Carbon neutral by 2040
- 50% reduction of Purchased Electricity Carbon by 2020 relative to 2007
- 50% reduction of Stationary Fuels Carbon by 2030 relative to 2007
- 60% reduction of Total Carbon by 2030 relative to 2007
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:
2024, FUture Focused 5-yr Strategic Plan https://www.furman.edu/strategic-plan/
Under Objective 4: Objective 4: Lead in Responsible Stewardship for our Planet
II. Foster Sustainable Community
- Utilize Furman’s unique physical assets and our integrated, holistic approach to model sustainability that supports human thriving within ecological boundaries.
- Integrate educational opportunities that produce global-minded citizens with the interdisciplinary skills and experience to solve the climate crisis.
The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities is accountable for this objective.
2009, Sustainable Furman https://www.furman.edu/sustainability/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2020/08/Sustainable-Furman-To-Post.pdf
Goal 1. Expand and Enhance Curricular Opportunities Related to Sustainability
1.1 Create new curricular programs for undergraduates
1.2 Enrich the existing curriculum as it relates to sustainability themes and topics
1.3 Develop curricular opportunities to serve the broader community.
The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities and the EESS department are accountable for this objective.
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:
2024 FUture Focused 5-yr Strategic Plan https://www.furman.edu/news/furman-launches-strategic-plan-with-focus-on-innovation-community-sustainability/
https://www.furman.edu/strategic-plan/
Under Objective 4: Objective 4: Lead in Responsible Stewardship for our Planet
II. Foster Sustainable Community
- Utilize Furman’s unique physical assets and our integrated, holistic approach to model sustainability that supports human thriving within ecological boundaries. (Using our campus as an example)
2009, Sustainable Furman https://www.furman.edu/sustainability/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2020/08/Sustainable-Furman-To-Post.pdf
Goal 2: Expand innovative co-curricular experiences to enhance student learning about sustainability
2.2 Provide more opportunities for students to embrace sustainable living
2.3 Develop additional student sustainability-related projects
2.4 Promote sustainability through dedicated cultural events
2.5 Enhance sustainability education opportunities on campus
2.6 Celebrate the accomplishments of the campus community by creating a campus Sustainability Awards Program
2.7 Support student sustainability-related organizations
2.8 Support annual campus sustainability events and service activities
Goal 3: Create a campus-wide culture of conservation
3.1 Infuse sustainability (especially an energy conservation ethic) more deeply into the campus culture by expanding opportunities for involvement
3.2 Promote opportunities for individuals and groups to share in the ongoing visioning process for sustainability at Furman
3.3 Document, implement, and assess conservation practices on campus
3.4 Encourage energy conservation awareness programs and practices
3.5 Conduct an ecological footprint analysis to determine the environmental impact of university activities 3.6 Participate in the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking and Assessment Rating System (STARS)
Goal 7: Enhance sustainability service opportunities and create local carbon offset projects and programs
7.1 Promote ”sustainable service” as a form of community outreach
7.2 Collaborate with greater Greenville-area community organizations on service programs and offset options
The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities is accountable for these objective.
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:
2024 FUture Focused 5-yr Strategic Plan https://www.furman.edu/news/furman-launches-strategic-plan-with-focus-on-innovation-community-sustainability/
https://www.furman.edu/strategic-plan/
Objective 4: Lead in Responsible Stewardship for our Planet
Deepen our commitment to a core value of sustainability, underscoring that functional ecosystems are foundational for long-term human thriving.
I. Advance Carbon Neutrality Goals
- Recommit to and realize the plan to become carbon neutral as a responsible global citizen.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, targeting a 60% net reduction by 2030, and a goal of carbon neutrality by 2040, using 2007 as a baseline. For additional details on our climate goals, click here.
- Assess and improve institutional resiliency to climate change.
The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities and Facilities and Operations are accountable for this objective.
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:
2024 FUture Focused 5-yr Strategic Plan https://www.furman.edu/news/furman-launches-strategic-plan-with-focus-on-innovation-community-sustainability/
https://www.furman.edu/strategic-plan/
Priority Two: Thriving Community
Objective 1: Prioritize Wellbeing, Growth, and a Sense of Belonging
II. Foster Diversity and Belonging
- Demonstrate a steadfast commitment to recruit and retain a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff.
- Reinforce the essential role of cultural understanding, inclusiveness, and belonging and implement initiatives aimed to improve these outcomes.
2022-23 Strategic Diversity Plan: Furman has made an institutional commitment to scrutinize its practices and abolish those that undermine the values of diversity and equality, and is committed to expanding those that cultivate an environment that encourages the success of students, staff, and faculty.
https://www.furman.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/institutional-commitment/
The Shared Equity Leadership team is accountable for these objectives.
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:
2024 FUture Focused 5-yr Strategic Plan https://www.furman.edu/news/furman-launches-strategic-plan-with-focus-on-innovation-community-sustainability/
https://www.furman.edu/strategic-plan/
Priority 2: Thriving Community
OBJECTIVE 3: IMPROVE FINANCIAL STABILITY FOR THE FURMAN COMMUNITY: Meet the financial needs of students, faculty, and staff in a variety of ways, alleviating barriers and promoting access to help pave the way for their ultimate success.
I. Meet Student Financial Need • Determine costs and potential resources to develop a strategy to meet 100% of financial need for students.
II. Support Employee Recruitment and Investment • Reaffirm Furman’s commitment to competitive salaries and benefits for faculty and staff. • Invest in employee recruitment, engagement, and retention.
The Offices of Financial Aid and Human Resources are accountable for these objectives.
Priority 3: Sustainable Future
OBJECTIVE 1: BOLSTER OUR FINANCIAL FOUNDATION: Secure the university’s long-term success through strategic prioritization of revenue generation and financial strength.
IV. Optimize Campus Resources
• Evaluate ways to optimize existing infrastructure, technology, and human capital.
• Capitalize on economic savings attained by making progress toward sustainability goals.
Administration, The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities and Facilities and Operations are accountable for these objectives.
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:
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:
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.