Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 67.33
Liaison Scott Doyle
Submission Date Nov. 25, 2019
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Ithaca College
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.00 / 4.00 Greg Lischke
Director EM&S
OEMS
"---" 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:

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.


A copy of the strategic plan:
The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the sustainability plan:
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The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the climate action plan:
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The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
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):

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/


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
Yes

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

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.


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:

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:


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

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

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

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


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:

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.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
Yes

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

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.


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:

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/


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:

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.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
Yes

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

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


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:

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/


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
Yes

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

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.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
Yes

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

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%.


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:

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/


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
Yes

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

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/


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

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

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


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
Yes

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

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


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:

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/


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 Yes
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:

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


The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives 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.