Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 74.94
Liaison Yumiko Jakobcic
Submission Date March 5, 2021

STARS v2.2

Grand Valley State University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.00 / 4.00 Yumiko Jakobcic
Campus Sustainability Coordinator
Office of Sustainability Practices
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Part 1. Measurable sustainability objectives 

Academics

Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in curriculum and/or research?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to academics and the plan(s) in which they are published:
During the 2016-2021 strategic planning timeframe, GVSU will increase the number of sustainability related courses to 250 from a baseline of 200 in 2015.

During the 2016-2021 strategic planning timeframe, GVSU will increase the number of programs with at least one sustainability related learning outcome to 25 from a baseline of 12 in 2015.

https://www.gvsu.edu/strategicplan-view.htm?entityId=8D1A401D-FDC2-01FC-3EBA1D77DCBFD053&entityType=division

Engagement 

Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address student, employee, or community engagement for sustainability?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to engagement and the plan(s) in which they are published:
The objective is to provide three awards for sustainability-related efforts on campus by 2021. The hope is to raise awareness by providing more incentives.

https://www.gvsu.edu/strategicplan-view.htm?entityId=8D1A401D-FDC2-01FC-3EBA1D77DCBFD053&entityType=division

Operations

Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in operations?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to operations and the plan(s) in which they are published:
The University monitors energy usage on a daily basis and compares yearly consumption for benchmarking purposes. It will continue to pursue long term energy contracts and look for renewable energy options, and will continue to look at renewable energy in the form of wind, solar, biomass, and photovoltaics; this is included in the Campus Sustainability Strategic Plan (https://www.gvsu.edu/strategicplan-view.htm?entityId=8D1A401D-FDC2-01FC-3EBA1D77DCBFD053&entityType=division).

Administration

Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address diversity, equity, and inclusion; sustainable investment/finance; or wellbeing?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:
During the 2016-2021 strategic planning timeframe, finance and administration will:

Increase the number of minority employees in the Finance and Administration Division to 18% by Dec. 2021.

Development of diverse staff so they have greater opportunity for promotions or opportunities as they open.

Follow and maintain Healthy Campus 2020 guidelines for faculty, staff and students. Be recognized as a partner with Partnership for a Healthier America - Healthy Campus Initiative. Earn additional awards and recognition at the national level.

https://www.gvsu.edu/strategicplan-view.htm?entityId=82F8F09C-06D0-D99D-2DA742A8273A6FFF&entityType=division

Part 2. Sustainability in institution’s highest guiding document

Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
Yes

The institution’s highest guiding document (upload):
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Website URL where the institution’s highest guiding document is publicly available:
Which of the following best describes the inclusion of sustainability in the highest guiding document?:
Minor theme

Optional Fields

The institution's sustainability plan (upload):
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Website URL where the institution's sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body?:
Yes

The formal statement in support of sustainability:
The University values the guiding principles of sustainability in helping to meet the current needs of our faculty members, staff members, and students without compromising the needs and resources of future generations. We are committed to working with our community partners to create a sustainable future for our University, our community, our region, our state, our nation, and the world. We model applied sustainability best practices in our operations and administration, education for sustainable development, student involvement, and community engagement by promoting social responsibility, practicing fiscal responsibility, and encouraging environmental stewardship. We provide our students with excellence in education for sustainable development by imbedding theory, systems-oriented thinking, and service learning into our curricular and extracurricular programs.

The institution’s definition of sustainability:
Helping to meet the current needs without compromising the needs and resources of future generations.

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
Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability ---
SDG Accord ---
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:
We are a partner in the City of Grand Rapid's United Nation's Regional Center of Expertise in Sustainable Development.

Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.