Cal Poly Humboldt

HSU offers a broad range of co-curricular programs focused on sustainability. Every April is Water Awareness month at the University where students are informed about water consumption issues. Humboldt State runs an online forum, The … read more

HSU offers a broad range of co-curricular programs focused on sustainability. Every April is Water Awareness month at the University where students are informed about water consumption issues. Humboldt State runs an online forum, The Green Scene, where students can learn about sustainability related news, events and opportunities to get involved on campus. The residence halls offer a green room certification for those students who demonstrate a commitment to sustainable living. For outreach to those students not in the residence halls, the Schatz Energy Resource Center has held a Sustainable Futures Speaker Series every year since 2005 to ignite discussion around issues of energy, the environment and society. These are just some of the many events held by campus organizations to promote sustainability awareness.

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All of our sustainability focused courses on campus explore the relationship between the environment, economics and society. Humboldt State University currently offers 137 sustainability-focused courses and 192 sustainability-related courses to students in a broad list … read more

All of our sustainability focused courses on campus explore the relationship between the environment, economics and society. Humboldt State University currently offers 137 sustainability-focused courses and 192 sustainability-related courses to students in a broad list of majors ranging from Anthropology to Wildlife Management.

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The Office of Sustainability currently offers internship opportunities that promote student sustainability research. This for-credit internship is offered in both the Fall and Spring semesters and allows for students to chose from projects that allow … read more

The Office of Sustainability currently offers internship opportunities that promote student sustainability research. This for-credit internship is offered in both the Fall and Spring semesters and allows for students to chose from projects that allow them to apply research and planning efforts.

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In August 2006 HSU adopted a CSU wide policy ordered by the Office of the Chancellor pertaining to energy conservation and sustainable building practices. HSU has not completed any LEED certified new construction or renovations … read more

In August 2006 HSU adopted a CSU wide policy ordered by the Office of the Chancellor pertaining to energy conservation and sustainable building practices. HSU has not completed any LEED certified new construction or renovations in the last three years. Although they are not LEED certified, the Housing Department’s College Creek residence hall and the Schatz Energy Research Center are both in accordance with green building guidelines and policies. Indoor Air Quality is extremely important to the University. To recognize this, Environmental Health and Safety and Plant Operations incorporate Injury and Illness Prevention Program inspection and correction methods to monitor IAQ in all campus buildings.

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Sustainability is given great consideration for Dining throughout all of the department’s operations. A majority of Dining’s seafood and dairy purchases are from local businesses, some of which are just miles away from campus. The … read more

Sustainability is given great consideration for Dining throughout all of the department’s operations. A majority of Dining’s seafood and dairy purchases are from local businesses, some of which are just miles away from campus. The Dining Department is recognized by PETA as a top vegan friendly school. At all dining locations either students bus their own meals or dining employees do so using both composting and recycling bins. Dining maintains a minimal surplus of food during the academic year and at the end of each year excess food is donated to local food banks. For patrons eating on-the-go, reusable containers are available for a small deposit. Deposits are reimbursed when students return these containers to the dining faciltiy on their next visit. Many sustainble practices are currently being implemented by the Dining Department and they continue to strive for future improvement in this area.

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HSU’s total building energy consumption has decreased by 38,659 MMBtu since 2005 while the total campus building space has increased by 293,076 sq ft. This decrease is due to a number of energy related renovations … read more

HSU’s total building energy consumption has decreased by 38,659 MMBtu since 2005 while the total campus building space has increased by 293,076 sq ft. This decrease is due to a number of energy related renovations made by the University. There have been installments of occupancy sensors connected to lighting fixtures in many of the classrooms and office spaces on campus. All of the dining locations on campus recently replaced their fluorescent bulbs with LED lighting in their walk-in refrigerators and freezers. In the serving areas and dining halls halogen lights have been replaced with LED lighting as well. 100% of our on campus building space has energy metering and the campus is looking at all opportunities to increase sub-metering of individual buildings to improve detail consumption data. During the performance year the University had two cogeneration plants on campus. Only one of these co-generators was in operation during the performance year, and it produced 6,634 MMBtu of electricity.

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Much of the grounds perimeter and some of the inner campus interfaces with a Redwood Forest Ecosystem. For this reason, HSU has made a commitment to non-disturbance of wildlife environments whenever possible. HSU also prides … read more

Much of the grounds perimeter and some of the inner campus interfaces with a Redwood Forest Ecosystem. For this reason, HSU has made a commitment to non-disturbance of wildlife environments whenever possible. HSU also prides itself on the fact that the grounds department has not used “restricted use” or higher pesticides on any area of campus in over 6 years. The extremely moist Northern California climate allows for a broad integration of native species as well as non-native species and the grounds department uses a 4-tiered Integrated Pest Management system for the University.

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While current state law requires that at least 30% post-consumer recycled paper is used, HSU created a policy in 2005 indicating 100% post-consumer recycled content for 20 lb. bond paper shall be purchased. To reduce … read more

While current state law requires that at least 30% post-consumer recycled paper is used, HSU created a policy in 2005 indicating 100% post-consumer recycled content for 20 lb. bond paper shall be purchased. To reduce the environmental impact from chemicals, Green Seal and EcoLogo cleaning products are used by the custodial departments on campus. The California State University has a policy in place that establishes conduct of work standards that outline the environmental responsibilities of the contractor for all construction and remodeling done at Humboldt State.

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Based on the most recent Parking & Mobility Survey rendered by Humboldt State, 50.83% of students use more sustainable modes of transportation when commuting to campus. HSU’s Jack Pass is a free mass transit program … read more

Based on the most recent Parking & Mobility Survey rendered by Humboldt State, 50.83% of students use more sustainable modes of transportation when commuting to campus. HSU’s Jack Pass is a free mass transit program and in 2011-2012 it registered over 320,000 university-associated bus rides to students. HSU has also been taking steps toward a more pedestrian and bicycle friendly campus and since 2004 they have installed an additional 300 bike racks on campus. In 2011 HSU established a car sharing program, Zipcar, which allows students access to a vehicle that can be rented daily. During the summer months, some departments allow employees to work condensed work weeks and this also helps to minimize the number of cars commuting to campus.

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HSU has a number of programs in place to promote waste reduction. The Waste Reduction & Resource Awareness Program (WRRAP) helps facilitate on-campus events like student BBQ’s and staff luncheons to ensure that they are … read more

HSU has a number of programs in place to promote waste reduction. The Waste Reduction & Resource Awareness Program (WRRAP) helps facilitate on-campus events like student BBQ’s and staff luncheons to ensure that they are zero-waste events. The Reusable Office Supply Exchange (R.O.S.E.) provides an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to both donate and receive lightly used office supplies. For larger donations such as furniture or electronics, Plant Operations holds public auctions at their off campus storehouse. Electronics that are not sent to public auction are shipped to ECS Refining, a company that recycles electronic waste. In recent years the ITS department has instituted a pay-for-print system on all the student printers, which has dramatically reduced student paper consumption. All hazardous and chemical waste is removed by a CSU-wide contracted waste hauler where they are either recycled and burned for reclaimed fuel usage or disposed of at the appropriate facility.

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The University follows the Executive Order 987 of the CSU Chancellor’s Office to conserve energy and resources by adopting an approach that includes sustainable materials and practices. HSU is actively partnering with the City of … read more

The University follows the Executive Order 987 of the CSU Chancellor’s Office to conserve energy and resources by adopting an approach that includes sustainable materials and practices. HSU is actively partnering with the City of Arcata to enhance storm water projects in areas of mutual concern, such as, the campus parking lots and enhance their storm water runoff capabilities. The University also harvests rainwater via a cistern system at our Behavioral and Social Science Building, which is LEED Gold certified.

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Both the University’s Master Plan and the Sustainability Plan have standards in place that promote progress in University-wide sustainability. For example, according to HSU’s Master Plan, all new buildings must meet the minimum standard of … read more

Both the University’s Master Plan and the Sustainability Plan have standards in place that promote progress in University-wide sustainability. For example, according to HSU’s Master Plan, all new buildings must meet the minimum standard of a LEED Silver building or equivalent. The campus Sustainability Plan, in conjunction with the University’s AASHE STARS Report, will be a benchmark for the Office of Sustainability to track any progress made by HSU in the future. The Sustainability Steering Committee, (comprised of representatives from all three colleges, auxiliaries and facilities representatives) works with the Office of Sustainability on cross-division, large scale projects.

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HSU has a range of systems in place to support diversity and affordability on campus. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion recommends and coordinates the implementation of campus policies that seek to institutionalize diversity as … read more

HSU has a range of systems in place to support diversity and affordability on campus. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion recommends and coordinates the implementation of campus policies that seek to institutionalize diversity as a core part of the HSU educational process, and to overcome the historical and social inequities that continue to challenge students, faculty and staff from underrepresented groups. An Advisory Council and Collaborative Working Group are key contributors to these efforts, and are involved in diversity and inclusive student success initiatives across campus. HSU implements an arrary of assessment strategies relative to measuring campus diversity culture, from annual benchmarking reports and student surveys, to an annual formal review of diversity goals in all degree programs. Additionally, HSU sponsors a variety of programs that support underrepresented students, staff, and faculty, including resource centers, academic support programs, funding for diversity-related projects, and professional networks. HSU participates in several programs that aim to support future faculty. To better serve students from low-income backgrounds, HSU also supports and participates in a range of affordability and access programs, including community-based college preparation programs, grant and scholarship programs, and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.

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There are a number of collective bargaining units to ensure that faculty, non-management, and graduate student assistants are given a sustainable compensation. While management positions are non-union, they are protected by the CSU Chancellor’s Office … read more

There are a number of collective bargaining units to ensure that faculty, non-management, and graduate student assistants are given a sustainable compensation. While management positions are non-union, they are protected by the CSU Chancellor’s Office policies and guidelines for equity and market salary increases and benefits. HSU employees are participate in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS strives to achieve the highest return possible while maintaining minimal risk to foster energy savings, sustainable growth and sound environmental practices. Professional development training in sustainability is offered to University employees via the Human Resources Department. Specific campus trainings, like Storm Water Pollution Prevention and General Environmental Compliance, help raise awareness of sustainability amongst campus staff and faculty.

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The HSU Advancement Foundation has a Finance and Investor Responsibility Committee that monitors and reviews investment reports on a quarterly basis as a way of addressing social and environmental concerns. All meetings of the FIRC … read more

The HSU Advancement Foundation has a Finance and Investor Responsibility Committee that monitors and reviews investment reports on a quarterly basis as a way of addressing social and environmental concerns. All meetings of the FIRC are open to the public and agendas, minutes and other meeting materials are posted to the Advancement Foundation’s website. The University also has a student-managed sustainable investment fund, The Humboldt Energy Independence Fund (HEIF), which was formed in 2007. The funding for this program is generated by a $10 student fee which creates real world experience opportunities for student interns in design and implementation of projects. Past Projects have included HVAC building retrofits, installation of automated hydration stations, a waste diversion study and installation of a photovoltaic system.

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In the past year alone HSU has teamed up with more than 74 community organizations. The HSU Center for Service Learning and Academic Internships (CSLAI) has created numerous partnerships and volunteer programs with outside organizations … read more

In the past year alone HSU has teamed up with more than 74 community organizations. The HSU Center for Service Learning and Academic Internships (CSLAI) has created numerous partnerships and volunteer programs with outside organizations including Food for People (county food bank), United Way, and the Friends of the Dunes Humboldt Coastal Nature Center. As well as being a member of AASHE, Humboldt State University is also a proud member of the Alliance to Save Energy, the Power Save Green Campus Program and the North Coast Plug-in Electric Vehicle Coordinating Council. Sustainability in continuing education is addressed with the Ecotourism Planning & Management Certificate Program, which is for those interested in careers in the rapidly growing field of ecological tourism. This program is offered online and is designed to be completed in one year. The University’s graduation pledge, which was created in 1987, received 948 signatures in 2012 and promised that HSU graduates will take into account social and environmental consequences of any job considered and strive to improve these aspects for the organization in which they work.

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