Ithaca College
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Ithaca College's published "Strategic Vision and Current Intitiatvies" details how the campus IC 20/20 plan is directly in line with our published missions and values. Sustainability is a key focus in these and other high level guiding documents, including our Climate Action Plan and Campus Master Plan.

Details on the Master Plan can be found at this link: https://www.ithaca.edu/financeadministration/docs/MasterPlan15.pdf Details on the OEMS Sustainability Objectives can be found at this link: https://www.ithaca.edu/sustainability/docs/climateactionplan/Focus2025/ Details on the Comprehensive Environmental Policy can be found at this link, pages 49 to 52 of the Climate Action Plan: https://www.ithaca.edu/sustainability/docs/climateactionplan/iccapfinaldoc/

IC's Sustainability Literacy Assessment measures both students' general knowledge of sustainability and their knowledge of available programs and initiatives at Ithaca College. Students take the assessment upon entering Ithaca College as first-year students and repeat the assessment during their senior year. Examples of questions that cover curriculum include, but are not limited to: - Urban communities often make building and neighborhood improvements to reach environmental and climate goals. Sometimes, these improvements drive up property values and end up displacing low-incom residents, particularly in communities of color. What is this process called? - What is the definition of "systems thinking"? - Unused electronics that are plugged in (even when they're "off") draw some electrical current. This electricity use is called: With successful integration of sustainability in the curriculum, we expect scores will ipmrove from students' freshman to senior year.

Our goal is for scores to increase by 25% between the students' Freshman and Senior years. Please refer to the Sustainability Plan link: https://www.ithaca.edu/sustainability/docs/climateactionplan/Focus2025/ IC's Sustainability Literacy Assessment measures both students' general knowledge of sustainability and their knowledge of available programs and initiatives at Ithaca College. Students take the assessment upon entering Ithaca College as first-year students and repeat the assessment during their senior year. Examples of questions that cover campus engagement include, but are not limited to: - Alternative transportation options available to Ithaca College students include: (select all that apply) - What percent of Ithaca College's electricity is renewable? - The best way to decrease waste while eating in the dining halls is to:

Our Climate Action Plan goal is for the college to be carbon neutral by 2050. We currently measure and report our annual carbon emissions through Second Nature. For FY 2018, we reached nearly 30% of our target goals. We are currently finalizing our FY 2019 report and look to be right at 50% reduction, five years ahead of the initial 2025 target. Our formal reporting history is available at this link: http://reporting.secondnature.org/institution/detail!2746##2746

Our new buildings are designed meet LEED Silver or equivalent as a minimum design and construction standard. Please refer to the Climate Action Plan at this site, https://www.ithaca.edu/sustainability/docs/climateactionplan/iccapfinaldoc/ Please note the Comprehensive Environmental Policy starts on page 49 and includes our LEED building and other committments.

Our current goals are: 1. Add additional water sub-meters to help identify at least 50% of the usage from our main incoming water meter 2. Add electrical sub-meters to five more buildings Please refer to the Sustainability Plan link: https://www.ithaca.edu/sustainability/docs/climateactionplan/Focus2025/ We are working to more fully sub-meter our major buildings, and are working to better understand and minimzie our Total Cost of Ownership as well as our carbon footprint. Our goal is to install and upgrade water meters on 50% of our major buildings (currently we are at 20%) and to install electrical sub-meters on 5 additional buildings.

Our current goals are: 1. 25% local (within 250 miles) food and beverage purchases Please refer to the Sustainability Plan link: https://www.ithaca.edu/sustainability/docs/climateactionplan/Focus2025/

We closely monitor and track our efforts and are working to improve our sustainability. We are unable to seek credit as we do not have formal goals at this time.

Our current goals 1. Eliminate personal printers 2. Establish minimum recycled paper content of 30% for general purpose office and student printing Please refer to the Sustainability Plan link: https://www.ithaca.edu/sustainability/docs/climateactionplan/Focus2025/ Ithaca College is committed to becoming climate neutral and reducing our carbon footprint. In May 2007, former President Williams signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. Computing resources use a significant amount of energy. Information Technology has long been committed to business practices that minimize environmental impact. Purchasing TECHNOLOGY RENEWAL PROGRAM + The majority of college owned computer equipment is part of a technology renewal program. This equipment is used in faculty and staff offices and in labs and classrooms. The technology renewal program provides the following benefits: + Increased power to better negotiate vendor terms + Planned replacement to reduce obsolescence + The ability to purchase newer, more energy efficient hardware Equipment is leased not purchased and is returned to a reseller after 3 years The hardware is recycled not discarded + Equipment purchases, deliveries and disposal are done in bulk reducing possibly reducing transportation energy consumption LCD monitors are not part of the program but IT strongly encourages individuals and departments to order ENERGY star LCD monitors and peripherals ENERGY STAR HARDWARE + IC only purchases and leases ENERGY STAR rated hardware as part of the GetIT and Technology Renewal programs. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping individuals and organizations save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. For hardware to receive an ENERGY STAR rating, it must be designed to meet the ENERGY STAR specifications that ensure energy savings when computers are being used, performing a range of tasks, as well as when they are turned off or into a low power mode. ENERGY STAR qualified computers must also have efficient internal or external power supplies. + IC purchases are also lead-Free, RoHS Compliant and EPEAT registered. + RoHS, the Restriction of Hazardous Wastes Directive, restricts the use of lead, mercury, cadmium, Chromium VI, PBB (flame retardant), and PBDE (flame retardant) materials in electronic equipment EPEAT, the Electronics Products Environmental Assessment Tool, is an environmental procurement tool designed to help institutional purchasers compare and select desktop computers, laptops and monitors based on their environmental attributes. Dell products are recognized for environmental achievement by EPEAT Please refer to this link for specific details on one plan related to this objective: https://www.ithaca.edu/information-technology/about-itic/sustainability

We partner with a number of local coalitions to assist with this important effort. We are an original signator to the Finger Lakes Ride Share Coalition, and provide subsidized bus transportation through TCAT. From the Comprehensive Environmental Policy: Ithaca College supports 100% of bus fare cost for employees; 30% for students https://zimride.com/flxrideshare http://www.ithaca.edu/sacl/welcome/transit/

From the Comprehensive Environmental Policy: IV. Minimizing Solid Waste Production. The College recognizes the importance of minimizing solid waste generation by the community and will establish policies and processes to that end, first through reduction, then through reuse, and finally through recycling. A. The College commits to waste source reduction, especially at the point of purchase. B. The College supports reuse of materials to maximize fiscal, environmental, and energy efficiency. C. The College supports development of food scrap composting and bio-mass resource recovery programs. D. The College commits to a comprehensive recycling program as the final step in solid waste reduction and as a means to transform waste into a resource. We partner with Tompkins County, Cayuga Composting, and others to increase our waste diversion. We monitor and track our waste stream data.

From the Comprehensive Environmental Polciy: III. Efficient Use and Conservation of Energy, Water, and Other Resources. The College recognizes the importance of conservation efforts and efficient use of resources as the primary methods for reducing resource consumption. A. The College commits to minimizing the consumption of energy, water, and other resources by eliminating wasteful practices and promoting efficient use. B. The College strives to maximize energy efficiency in existing buildings, renovations, and new construction. C. The College commits to exploring and implementing well-considered and feasible conservation measures in existing buildings, renovations, and new construction. D. The College will explore the application of developing technologies for energy systems and renewable energy resources. We are working to improve our water usage, and during the recent drought, we instituted voluntary conservation measures that helped the college save ~ 20%.

Social justice is one of the guiding principles of our Diversity and Inclusion goals. All staff members are required to participate in at least one work shop or seminar. Faculty members are strongly encouraged to do likewise. Diversity Goals 1. Increase underrepresented ALANA student enrollment 2. Increase international student enrollment 3. Increase the graduation rate for underrepresented ALANA students to match the six-year graduation rate of their counterparts 4. Carry out a Campus Climate Survey for students, faculty, and staff on a regular basis and use the results to inform diversity initiatives across campus 5. Increase the number and retention of underrepresented ALANA faculty and staff 6. Ensure that student learning outcomes focused on diversity are incorporated into every student’s program of study (through the major, minor, general education curriculum, graduation requirement, or general elective) and are assessed 7. Develop/implement staff/faculty professional development opportunities related to diversity 8. Improve the student life/residence hall experience for ALANA/LGBT students 9. Create a physical campus environment that recognizes and celebrates diversity 10. Develop specific initiatives for achieving universal access and meeting the needs of students with disabilities in and out of the classroom 11. Increase the number and retention of international faculty and staff Please refer to this link for specific Diversity goals: https://www.ithaca.edu/diversity/statement/

Our current goal is to increase the availability of sustainability-focused funds for indiviudal retirement plans. Please refer to the Sustainability Plan link: https://www.ithaca.edu/sustainability/docs/climateactionplan/Focus2025/

The College offers the Mind, Body, Me Program to all employees. One requirement is an annual health assessment: Annual Health Assessments (required) When beginning to take charge of your own health, there are certain numbers that are important to know. By knowing your numbers, you'll be on the road to a healthier life. Mind, Body, Me ensures that you know these numbers through annual health screenings and assessments, which include: Biometric Screening: A nurse administers this screening and will check your blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Health Risk Assessment (HRA) & Health Coach Call: This assessment generates a report that identifies key areas of health and wellness concerns and gives recommendations designed to help you achieve optimal health. After completion, you meet with a health coach to review the HRA and help design a wellness plan that is aligned with your goals. Each assessment is given on an annual basis to help you determine and set annual goals. These assessments are a required feature of the Mind, Body, Me program. https://www.ithaca.edu/human-resources/employee-benefits-wellness Please refer to this link for specific details on one of our programs related to this objective: https://www.ithaca.edu/human-resources/employee-benefits-wellness/family-friendly-wellness-benefits/flexible-work

Our IT Department has a through plan that details the current focus: Ithaca College is committed to becoming climate neutral and reducing our carbon footprint. In May 2007, former President Williams signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. Computing resources use a significant amount of energy. Information Technology has long been committed to business practices that minimize environmental impact. Purchasing TECHNOLOGY RENEWAL PROGRAM The majority of college owned computer equipment is part of a technology renewal program. This equipment is used in faculty and staff offices and in labs and classrooms. The technology renewal program provides the following benefits: Increased power to better negotiate vendor terms Planned replacement to reduce obsolescence The ability to purchase newer, more energy efficient hardware Equipment is leased not purchased and is returned to a reseller after 3 years The hardware is recycled not discarded Equipment purchases, deliveries and disposal are done in bulk reducing possibly reducing transportation energy consumption LCD monitors are not part of the program but IT strongly encourages individuals and departments to order ENERGY star LCD monitors and peripherals ENERGY STAR HARDWARE IC only purchases and leases ENERGY STAR rated hardware as part of the GetIT and Technology Renewal programs. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping individuals and organizations save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. For hardware to receive an ENERGY STAR rating, it must be designed to meet the ENERGY STAR specifications that ensure energy savings when computers are being used, performing a range of tasks, as well as when they are turned off or into a low power mode. ENERGY STAR qualified computers must also have efficient internal or external power supplies. IC purchases are also lead-Free, RoHS Compliant and EPEAT registered. RoHS, the Restriction of Hazardous Wastes Directive, restricts the use of lead, mercury, cadmium, Chromium VI, PBB (flame retardant), and PBDE (flame retardant) materials in electronic equipment EPEAT, the Electronics Products Environmental Assessment Tool, is an environmental procurement tool designed to help institutional purchasers compare and select desktop computers, laptops and monitors based on their environmental attributes. Dell products are recognized for environmental achievement by EPEAT The Park Laptop and the School of Business laptop programs have also identified laptops that are ENERGY star models. The college also recommends hardware that has built in longevity, is upgradable and provides the best possible performance/price ratio; models that are manufactured to provide as little downtime as possible (whether institutional purchase or laptop program purchase). Systems are chosen that can be repaired in-house, have better standard warranties and upgrade options, and have many years of optimum use. The end result is fewer resources and repairs are put into the computers once they are obtained. TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS IC purchases Dell and Apple computers and Hewlett-Packard network printers. All three manufacturers are on the front of integrating sustainable design in their product manufacture and who have responsible “end of life” resource management programs. Paper and Printing Recycled paper in labs and recommended in office. In recycled paper, recovered paper consisting of trimmings and scraps from printing and other processes is reused to make pulp for paper. IT manages the main computer labs on campus. In these facilities, IT purchases 30% recycled paper products to meet the printing needs of the labs. When possible, IT sets networked printers to print duplex by default. Individuals and departments are also encouraged to limit printing, use electronic files and archive data in electronic not paper formats. Lab Management Over 600 computers are in labs across campus. IT takes effort to ensure that these labs are being managed in an environmentally friendly way: Lab toner is recycled Recycled paper product is used in the labs Paper, bottles and can recycling containers are available in the public labs The computers automatically shut down at 3 AM if not in use In Williams Hall where there are many "unstaffed" labs, the consultants walk through the building at the end of the evening shift and shut down all unused computers Duplex printing is the default print option in the main public labs Data Center Centralization Ithaca College maintains several centralized data centers. Data centers are typically huge energy consumers because of the number of servers maintained in these types of facilities. Centralizing servers helps to reduce energy consumption by pooling resources, centralizing management and using energy efficient air conditioning designs. Hardware servers also meet ENERGY STAR requirements. https://www.ithaca.edu/information-technology/about-itic/sustainability

The Ithaca College mission statement includes the following guiding principles: "The IC educational experience is focused on the development of intellect, creativity and character through curricular, co-curricular, and campus life experiences. Studies in the liberal arts are enriched by professional practice and other curricular opportunities, and studies in the professional schools are grounded in the liberal arts tradition. We are committed to active learning that develops knowledge and skill through a variety of experiences in the classroom, community, laboratory, and other settings. We prepare students for success in college and in life. We believe intellectual and personal growth reach their highest potential in an atmosphere that is both challenging and supportive. We embrace diversity as an integral part of the educational experience and of the community we create. We strive for inclusivity and excellence in our educational and operational endeavors. We commit to the responsible and sustainable management of natural, human, and financial resources." Available here: https://catalog.ithaca.edu/undergrad/mission/

IC is a Non-Government Organization (NGO) observer to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Conference of the Parties (COP). https://unfccc.int/process/parties-non-party-stakeholders/non-party-stakeholders/admitted-ngos/list-of-admitted-ngos