Overall Rating Bronze - expired
Overall Score 37.54
Liaison Matthew Shockey
Submission Date Dec. 17, 2020
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Indiana University South Bend
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.50 / 4.00 Krista Bailey
Director: Center for a Sustainable Future
Sustainability Studies
"---" 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:

Indiana University's Bicentennial Strategic Plan addresses sustainability as one of its core values.

“Core Values”(Core value #7 of 10) Sustainability, stewardship and accountability for the natural, human, and economic resources and relationships entrusted to IU.

Bicentennial Priority 3: Catalyzing Research
Bicentennial Continuing Priorities: Support innovative campus “living laboratory” initiatives that provide opportunities to integrate campus operations, faculty and student research, education, student life, and community engagement to applied, solutions-oriented sustainability research.

Bicentennial Priority 8. Building for Excellence
IU has also become a leader in high-­­quality environmentally conscious design, and leads the Big Ten in LEED-­­certified green buildings with twelve certified to date, including four at the gold level (platinum is the highest certification). This strategy pays dividends for the life of each building in terms of occupant health and productivity, resource efficiency, life cycle cost savings and retention of human capital.

Bicentennial Action Item #3
3. IU will implement plans to solidify IU’s Focus on efficient and environmentally conscious campus design and operation by:
a. Completing and implementing pedestrian, transportation, and bicycle sub-master plans on each campus.
b. Certifying all major new buildings with the LEED Green Building Certification System and elevate the minimum certification level to Gold.
c. Continuing to explore and research a variety of energy and utility supply and delivery options that reflect changes in economies, demand, and climate variables.
d. Achieving the goals for energy efficiency and emissions reductions called for in the Campus Master Plan and the Integrated Energy Master Plan for the IU South Bend campus; expand that analysis to all campuses.
e. Increasing energy and utility system efficiency while reducing demand and consumption. Continuing Priorities Give special emphasis on all campuses to improving traffic flow, making them more “pedestrian and bicycle friendly,” and to improving parking and alternative modes of transportation for students, faculty, and staff.

Expand efforts to make all IU campuses more energy efficient and sustainable.


A copy of the strategic plan:
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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):

IU South Bend has a Center for a Sustainable Future Strategic Plan that outlines goals and objectives for the sustainability center. The current plan is for 2020-2023.
The Center for a Sustainable Future's Strategic Plan is at: https://clas.iusb.edu/docs/Sustainability%20Center%20strategic%20plan%2020-23_2020.pdf
and can also be accessed from the Center's home page at https://sustainthefuture.iusb.edu


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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum 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 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?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:

In the Center for a Sustainable Future's Strategic Plan, the following objectives address Campus Engagement:
- Educate and engage campus community about recycling
- Promote, manage, and celebrate collections from “Tops Off” (plastic water bottle lids) program each semester and summer.
- Attain official Bicycle Friendly Campus designation (currently honorable mention)by working with Sustainability Committee, staff, faculty, administration, and students to identify areas for improvement.
- Work with staff, faculty, and students to gather data for Tree Campus USA application, STARS, and Campus Pride Index
- Foster and support participatory learning and results oriented projects focused on campus and community sustainability.
- Support existing and emerging sustainability initiatives by hosting education and awareness events and programs. (Pollinator project, cross campus events, facilities, and dining services projects)

Enhance on-campus experience and cocurricular opportunities to attract the best students for every campus through:
Development of the iGPS advising support system
MyStudentInvolvement
Student fitness and wellness centers
On-campus employment opportunities
Assure a diverse student body that reflects a range of demographics, backgrounds, experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives; provide robust support for historically underrepresented students, first-generation students, and returning veterans to enhance retention and completion.

Support innovative campus “living laboratory” initiatives that provide opportunities to integrate campus operations, faculty and student research, education, student life, and community engagement to applied, solutions-oriented sustainability research.


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:

In the Center for a Sustainable Future's Strategic Plan, two of the four goals focus on growing and strengthening sustainability engagement in the community. They are:
- Develop more community connections to strengthen sustainability initiatives on and off campus (6 objectives)
- Expand Role, Capacity, and Impact of Center (3 objectives)

Objectives include:
- Partner with at least one new community partner each year that serves marginalized communities (immigrant, Latino, African American, and LGBTQ+) to promote diversity and inclusion initiatives
- Recruit and support up to 3 Sustainability Fellows projects per year
- Collaborate with South Bend Office of Sustainability to support and promote city plans and sustainability network
- Attend Green Ribbon Committee meetings and play an active and supporting role in its organization and related activities.
- Maintain active role on Bike South Bend Committee to support and enhance campus bike friendly status
- Secure multi-year funding for Center and related campus sustainability initiatives

Indiana University South Bend is a partner in Indiana Campus Compact which includes the following vision in it's strategic plan: http://indianacampuscompact.org/what-we-do-2/strategic-plan/

"The vision is to be a national exemplar by equipping every student in every institution with the competence, confidence, humility, and experience to be well-informed, engaged citizens through involvement in service engagement that advances the public good in their communities."

IU South Bend is pursuing a Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, has created a Center for Community Engagement, supports student internships and faculty fellowships that are community engaged.


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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate 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 Buildings?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Building to LEED Gold for all new construction and major renovation over $5 million.
This covers all campuses statewide, with 18 LEED Certified Buildings to date and 14 LEED registered projects in progress. (https://strategicplan.iu.edu/)
Two buildings at IU South Bend meet the criteria and are LEED certified.


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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy 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 Food & Dining?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:

The IU South Bend campus food vendor, Sodexo (at time of publication), adheres to its own set of published sustainability objectives: https://us.sodexo.com/about-us/sustainability/reducing-carbon-emissions.html

Their measurable sustainability objectives cover global sustainability supply chain; local, seasonal and sustainable products; sustainable fish and seafood; sustainable equipment and supplies; energy and emissions; water and effluents; and organic and non-organic waste.


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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds 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 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?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation 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 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?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water 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 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:

The Bicentennial Strategic Plan, page 4, Principle of Excellence One, Objective One, states:
Indiana University will ensure an affordable education, through:
a. Keeping IU tuition and fees as low as possible in relation to its peer institutions.
b. Increasing undergraduate scholarships that reduce net tuition and fees.
c. Providing competitive graduate student financial support.
d. Maintaining a multi-faceted program of incenting and supporting students in graduating on time.
e. Providing comprehensive programming and advising for students regarding financial aid and debt management.

AND

IU will continue to seek out and support undergraduate and graduate students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, including first-generation college students, veterans, students from under-represented minorities, returning students, and part-time
students.

a. Recruiting and retaining a highly motivated, diverse, academically prepared and global complement of undergraduate and graduate students.
b. Sharpening our focus on the diversity of our student populations, and on the retention and success of underrepresented and first-generation students.
c. Ensuring the integration of diversity, global empathy, and intercultural understanding at all points of shared student experience, such as orientation.

Principle of Excellence 2, and Bicentennial Objective 5, "A Global, Diverse, Inclusive Community of Excellent Scholars and Teachers" states the following objective:
1. IU will make our academic community a global beacon for faculty diversity and
inclusivity that attracts an excellent faculty, by:
a. Investing in human and financial capital to develop the infrastructure to excel in recruiting and retaining diverse faculty.
b. Providing career development opportunities designed for a diverse faculty.
2. IU will align faculty recruitment and retention with campus mission and
priorities, by:
a. Fostering serious conversations and aligning recruitment strategies across schools and departments with respect to hiring priorities and leveraging strengths.

Though not part of a Master or Strategic Plan, the following has goals which relate to Diversity and Affordability:
21st Century Scholars goals
o support 21st Century Scholars academically
o increase cohort GPAs and year-to-year retention rates for 21st Century Scholars attending IU South Bend
o integrate 21st Century Scholars into the campus community
o connect them with campus resources
o provide Scholars with financial aid and financial management information and resources, as well as direct financial support
o encourage and support the pursuit of graduate education among 21st Century Scholars


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:

The Healthy IU 2020 Plan states the following:
Attain 50% healthy food option in vending machines and ensure there are nutrient purchase points; enhance tobacco free culture with expanded awareness, education, and counseling; provide stress management classes on all campuses; install signage to encourage stair use; expand the diabetes prevention program to all campuses; establish an ambassador program; and reassess health/wellbeing of IU employees using the Fairbanks Study in spring 2015.
https://healthy.iu.edu/doc/2020-plan-objectives.pdf

And Principle of Excellence Ten: Responsible Stewardship of IU's Resources (page 40 above linked document)
IU’s University Human Resources will review all university policies and programs in the following areas for effectiveness and recommend new policies and programs that might be
needed. Of particular importance are:
a. Policies and programs that support an inclusive, respectful, family-friendly, and healthy workforce and work environment
b. Policies and programs that support career development and succession for staff members.

This has thus far been partially accomplished with the University's new Paid Family Leave policy for all staff (minimum 6 months employment): http://hr.iu.edu/relations/parental-leave.html


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)? :
Yes

The formal statement in support of sustainability:

Bicentennial Strategic Plan
Core value #7
Sustainability, stewardship and accountability for the natural, human, and economic resources and relationships entrusted to IU.


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:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

The data for this credit was retrieved from the Director of the Center for a Sustainable Future.


The data for this credit was retrieved from the Director of the Center for a Sustainable Future.

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.