| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 52.65 |
| Liaison | Audrey McSain |
| Submission Date | July 13, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Lehigh University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Delicia
Nahman Sustainability Officer Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution have current and formal plans to advance sustainability in the following areas? Do the plans include measurable objectives?:
| Current and Formal Plans (Yes or No) | Measurable Objectives (Yes or No) | |
| Curriculum | Yes | Yes |
| Research (or other scholarship) | No | No |
| Campus Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| Public Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| Air and Climate | Yes | Yes |
| Buildings | Yes | Yes |
| Dining Services/Food | Yes | Yes |
| Energy | Yes | Yes |
| Grounds | Yes | Yes |
| Purchasing | Yes | Yes |
| Transportation | Yes | Yes |
| Waste | Yes | Yes |
| Water | Yes | Yes |
| Diversity and Affordability | No | No |
| Health, Wellbeing and Work | --- | --- |
| Investment | No | No |
| Other | --- | --- |
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
Please reference the Campus Sustainability Plan, available here:
Description: Through the creation of a campus that is a model of sustainability in practice, teaching and research and can serve as living laboratory, Lehigh will enhance awareness and knowledge of sustainable practices, ensure hands on learning is woven into Lehigh's educational experience. Lehigh is coordinating and integrating sustainability education and communication in the classroom.
Faculty and staff prepare students to address the significant challenges of the 21st century by creating experiential learning opportunities that explore the complex intersections of environmental, social and economic factors underlying today’s challenges. By doing so, Lehigh graduates are in a position to create truly sustainable solutions for our resource-strapped future. Through the creation of a campus that (1) is a model of sustainability in practice, teaching and research and (2) can serve as a living laboratory, Lehigh will enhance awareness and knowledge of sustainable practices, and ensure that these practices are woven into the educational experience.
Students graduate Lehigh prepared to lead, ready to solve today’s challenges while identifying opportunities to create a more healthy and sustainable future. As Lehigh continues to integrate sustainability into its courses and majors, students develop a better understanding of how learning across disciplines can further enhance environmental quality and economic well-being for current and future generations.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
Short Term (1-3 years)
1) Implement all electronic commerce, processes and web based equipment sharing
2) Identify Environmentally Preferable Products (EPP) opportunities
including implementing recycled content copy paper standards, making business case for baseline products and services and expanding purchase of organic/local foods
3) Implement Sustainable Purchasing Policy that aims at minimizing or reducing GHG emissions, expand education program
4) Complete an inventory of academic courses that include sustainability and make publicly available
5) Include sustainability as a learning outcome when graduating from degree earning programs.
6) Conduct an annual sustainability literacy assessment that focuses on knowledge of sustainability topics and may also address values, behaviors and/or beliefs
7) Establish an ongoing program that offers incentives for faculty in multiple disciplines or departments to develop new sustainability courses and/or incorporate sustainability into existing courses or departments. The program specifically aims to increase student learning of sustainability.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
Office of Sustainability, Environmental Initiative, Lehigh Environmental Advisory Committee Curriculum group
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
Campus Engagement plans are spread throughout the 9 focus areas. Please reference the Campus Sustainability Plan, available here:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
Goal: Expand healthy and sustainable dining program by educating campus population on food waste, healthy eating options, and current wellness and nutrition program
Goal: Incorporate sustainability into student experience at Lehigh with particular focus on student’s first
year, Greek accreditation requirements, residential living and co-curricular opportunities
Goal: Extend the faculty/staff peer-to-peer sustainability outreach program to reach more faculty and staff.
Goal: Cover sustainability topics in new employee orientation and/or in outreach and guidance materials distributed to new employees, including faculty and staff
Goal: Provide training and professional development opportunities about sustainability available to all staff at least once a year.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
Office of Sustainability, Eco-Reps, Community & Public Relations Office, and departmental coordinators.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
Please reference our Campus Sustainability Plan, available here:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
Goal: Create a formal sustainability partnership with the local community that catalyzes community resiliency and local/regional sustainability
Goal: Begin institution advocacy for national, state or local public policies that support campus sustainability, or otherwise advance sustainability.
Goal: Become an institutional member of the Fair Labor Association and/or the Workers’ Rights Consortium
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
Office of Sustainability, University Communications, Eco-Reps, and Community Engagement Office.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:
Please reference the Energy Policy and the Campus Sustainability Plan, available here:
Description: The recognition of the impacts of environmental degradation and climate change on the quality of life for humans call for creative and systemic shifts in the way we think about our demand for, and use of, finite resources. Worldwide demand for energy, a significant contributor to rising greenhouse gas emissions, and the management of its supply, delivery, economies and consumption, is one of the most vexing sets of challenges facing modern society.
Lehigh University understands this grand challenge and is invested in doing its part to
reduce our impact. By conducting comprehensive energy audits and creating an Energy Plan, Lehigh will be able to prioritize projects and recommendations for all university buildings that will lead to sustainability in the area of energy and climate, thereby helping to constrain growth in energy use.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
1) Reduce Lehigh’s energy consumption by 3% by 2015
2) Create and expand comprehensive baseline of energy consumption by building
3) Create energy assessment guidelines for new construction and renovations and set timeline for
performing audits all existing buildings
4) Create an Energy Plan that addresses campus growth and building needs, energy efficiency retrofits,
behavior change opportunities, renewable energy opportunities, and future reduction targets
5) Install occupancy sensors and programmable thermostats / timers for lighting/power/HVAC
6) Reduce energy loss to open fume hood sashes
7) Define a set of temperature control guidelines for new and existing buildings
8) Convert underused public computing sites to wireless lounges
9) Develop a plan to improve energy efficiency within our computing
services
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):
Facilities Services
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:
Please reference the Campus Sustainability Plan, available here:
Description: Lehigh can reduce these impacts by retrofitting existing buildings with high efficiency, low waste systems, properly diverting and disposing of construction and demolition waste and ensuring all new buildings are up to standards for LEED certification. Lehigh will facilitate the implementation of sustainable practices and procedures for built structures and natural landscapes that support the education, research, and neighborhood revitalization goals of Lehigh’s sustainability plan.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
1) Identify and adopt the for new construction and renovation projects and use environmentally friendly materials wherever possible, 1-3 years
2)Identify and implement green practices related to chemical usage and elimination and/or control of invasive plants and select new plantings based on adaptation to the natural environment, 1-3 years
3) Establish a policy that all new construction and renovation projects will be built to USGBC LEED Silver or equivalent standards
4) Develop a set of guiding principles regarding the selection of preferred products and materials for construction and renovation projects
5) Develop a list of preferred products and materials for ongoing building and maintenance
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):
Campus Planning
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
Please reference the Campus Sustainability Plan, available here:
Description: Sustainability should be at the forefront of every food decision - quality of food, impact and knowledge of where and how it is produced, purchased and disposed of. Lehigh University will be a leader in the local food system: partnering, producing and educating the consumer.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Short-term (1-3 years)
1) Create baseline of current food purchases based on categories such as
local, organic, and Fair Trade
2) Set clear and achievable % increase(s) in the aforementioned
categories for food and beverage related purchases to be met by years 2015, 2022, 2025
3) Create a Sustainable Food Policy that includes food and beverages targets, waste practices
4) Divert “usable” food from the trash and create a food donation program, where feasible
5) Promote reusable mug and container program and provide continued incentive for its use
Intermediate (4-9 years)
1) Expand healthy and sustainable dining program by educating campus population on food waste, healthy eating options, and current wellness and nutrition program
2) Move toward a sustainable food system on campus by starting to grow select produce for consumption on campus and for distribution in the community
3) Ensure that all pre and post consumer waste in dining halls is composted by 2015 with an expansion to eateries by 2020
4) Increase the total food purchases that meet at least one of the four sustainability criteria (local, humane, eco-sensitive, and fair trade)
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Dining Services, Auxiliary Services
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:
Please reference the Energy Policy and the Campus Sustainability Plan, available here:
Description: Lehigh will be a leader in fostering multi-disciplinary and interdepartmental collaboration toward net climate neutrality.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
1-3 years:
1) Reduce Lehigh’s energy consumption by 3% by 2015
2) Create and expand comprehensive baseline of energy consumption by building
3) Create energy assessment guidelines for new construction and renovations and set timeline for performing audits all existing buildings
4) Create an Energy Plan that addresses campus growth and building needs, energy efficiency retrofits, behavior change opportunities, renewable energy opportunities, and future reduction targets
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):
Facilities Services
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:
Please reference the Campus Sustainability Plan, available here:
Description: Lehigh can reduce these impacts by retrofitting existing buildings with high efficiency, low waste systems, properly diverting and disposing of construction and demolition waste and ensuring all new buildings are up to standards for LEED certification. Lehigh will facilitate the implementation of sustainable practices and procedures for built structures and natural landscapes that support the education, research, and neighborhood revitalization goals of Lehigh’s sustainability plan.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):
Identify and implement green practices related to chemical usage and elimination and/or control of invasive plants and select new plantings based on adaptation to the natural environment, 1-3 years
Implement a comprehensive forest management plan, 4-9 years
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):
Facilities Services
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
Please reference the Campus Sustainability Plan, available here:
Description: Leveraging the University’s buying power by partnering with local businesses and local peer institutions, when possible, can impact the strength of the local community. As an institution for higher learning, Lehigh is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to be proactive in our transition toward sustainability and the ability to educate our campus community about the importance and feasibility of these initiatives. By facilitating the acquisition of resources in a manner that supports the education, research, and neighborhood revitalization mission, the university will be able to transition the campus community towards a cradle-to-cradle approach that supports environmentally
preferable and socially responsible products.
In contributing to a sustainable future, Lehigh envisions:
Campus wide engagement toward sustainable practices through policy, analysis, implementation, and action
Incentives for programs that meet or exceed goals established for environmentally preferable processes and sustainable design
Shifts toward greater energy-efficiency and conservation, environmentally preferable products and services, and socially responsible business practices
Standardization of sustainable commodities/services across the University
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
Short Term (1-3 years)
1) Implement all electronic commerce, processes and web based equipment sharing
2) Identify Environmentally Preferable Products (EPP) opportunities including implementing recycled content copy paper standards, making business case for baseline products and services and expanding purchase of organic/local foods
3) Implement Sustainable Purchasing Policy that aims at minimizing or reducing GHG emissions, expand education program
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
Purchasing Department
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:
Please reference the Campus Sustainability Plan, available here:
Description: Lehigh University can be a leader in the Lehigh Valley by modeling sustainable transportation systems. While the university’s topography is challenging, there are creative solutions that can result in reductions in transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions and costs in the long term. By strengthening the campus shuttle system and creating incentives for alternative modes of transportation use, Lehigh will not only realize cost savings through a decreased need for capital-intensive parking structures but also see health benefits for Lehigh campus and the community.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
1) Lehigh will begin to phase-in parking adjustments that will reduce the number of vehicle permits issued by 15%, proposing to eliminate cars for sophomores and improve use of a car sharing service
2) Lehigh will optimize the fuel efficiency of our fleet vehicles and bus services by optimizing bus routes, developing a plan for vehicle and bus replacement, and utilizing 20% biodiesel in our buses
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):
Transportation Department
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:
Please reference the Campus Sustainability Plan, available here:
Description: Lehigh will foster a waste-conscious culture through continuous education, student involvement in classroom and real-world experiences, and by raising awareness of resources used. The university will monitor and measure consumption, implement operational improvements, and minimize economic costs to reduce, reuse, and divert waste. By adopting a cradle-to-cradle approach, Lehigh will create the appropriate incentives and disincentives to move the campus toward zero waste. As an institution that continually seeks to improve waste towards zero waste, we need to ask these questions:
How can we eliminate waste at the input source? How can we make this a higher priority than waste disposal?
How can we tie disposal costs to the initial purchase cost?
Where are we using disposable goods and what durable alternatives are there?
How can we motivate individuals and departments to be more responsible in resource use, and to make choices that reduce waste?
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
1) Establish consistent, regular, comparable measures of all kinds of waste on campus and within one to two years of establishing comprehensive measures, set an overarching goal for waste reduction
(e.g. 50% reduction over 2011/12 figures)
2) Increase participation in repurposing and recycling through procurement of products that reduces packaging waste and one-time use, new signage, awareness and incentive programs, and through greater participation in current diversion programs such as Move-Out
3) Implement campus-wide e-waste program for all Lehigh community members
4) Expand Lehigh’s composting program to encompass more food/dining areas
5) Find strategies to minimize hazardous waste on campus such as increasing visibility of battery disposal options, strengthening coordination among departments and researchers purchasing the same materials, and exploring chemical substitution strategies and inventory control to reduce hazardous substances in laboratories
6) Explore the use of sustainable construction and renovation practices including local material purchasing and material reuse
7) Ensure that materials from construction and demolition are recycled and/or reused
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):
Facilities Services
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:
Please reference the Campus Sustainability Plan, available here:
Description: Lehigh will educate members of the campus community as to the sources and fate of our water, both locally and on a global scale, with the goal of promoting sustainable practices. Lehigh University will use water more efficiently as well as increase the quality of water leaving its campus, by researching current areas for improvement, improving infrastructure and fostering positive behavioral change.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
1) Reduce water consumption on campus by performing water-use audits based on meter readings
2) Regularly monitor and publish quantity and quality of water in effort to improve access to quality drinking water on campus
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):
Facilities Services
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
N/A
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
N/A
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
N/A
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
N/A
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
N/A
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
N/A
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
N/A
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
N/A
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
The Office of Sustainability plans to advance sustainability in other areas such as athletics as well as residence halls. The office plans to partner with Athletics to increase the waste diversion rate at all athletic events at Lehigh and to make its food vendor/supplies contract more sustainable and consistent. The Office of Sustainability also plans to partner with Residential Life to increase the recycling rate in residence halls on campus Lastly, the Office of Sustainability plans to collaborate more with Community Service Office during move out in April/May to increase waste diversion rates in the dorms.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
(Short-term 1-3 years)
1) Increase recycling rates at games by adding signage, increasing awareness, and making adjustments to contract
2) Make the food/vendor contract more sustainable in terms of the single-use products for games
3) Ensure that the contractor/vendor uses these products at all games, not just some
4) Increase recycling rates in residence halls by doing an awareness campaign as well as adding signage and appropriate bins
5) Increase waste diversion rates in the dorms during move out in April/May by better advertising donation bins and recycling bins and putting them in convenient locations
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
Office of Sustainability, Athletics, Athletics contractor(s)/vendor(s), Residential Life, Community Service Office.
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
Needs to be formulated
Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
Lehigh has identified grand challenges in the strategic plan including health, community building and energy and the environment
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.