| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 47.76 |
| Liaison | Sarah Temple |
| Submission Date | March 1, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Louisiana State University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.75 / 4.00 |
Sarah
Temple Manager Campus Sustainability |
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
LSU will embody and promote comprehensive wellness while creating partnerships that foster environmentally sustainable living.
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)? :
A copy of the sustainability plan:
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)? :
A copy of the climate action plan:
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)? :
A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
Diversity Plan- http://www.lsu.edu/diversity/about_us/strategic_plan.php
Master Plan- http://lsu.edu/pdc/planning/master-plan.php
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
• Engage LSU senior administration annually to communicate sustainability progress
• Continue the Campus Committee on Sustainability as a mechanism for planning and goal-setting
Promote awareness among the University community of the environmental, human health, and economic impacts of transportation choices
• Celebrate National Bike Month annually through campus events or competitions
• Promote bicycle safety by offering other classes or seminars
• Continue to partner with Bike Baton Rouge to promote bicycling locally and on campus
• Get faculty involved with bicycle education
• Continue annual educational campaigns (e.g. Litterati, Refills Not Landfills) to reduce waste and increase recycling on campus
• Ensure all Departments are educated on the resources of both the LSU Surplus Department and the Campus Sustainability office for reuse and recycling of old/unneeded items and equipment
• Create signage that provides students, staff, and visitors with opportunities to learn about plant species(uses, functions, details, etc.), as well as planting purposes
• Continue to support Academic efforts in the development of a Sustainable Agriculture/Food Systems Minor and Major
• Continue to support the Hill Farm Student Research Project, in which fresh/local food is grown on the LSU campus
• Campus Sustainability continue its formal partnership with the Hill Farm Student Research Project
• Continue to expand edible landscape program, such as Student Government satsuma tree groves
(Sustainability Plan)
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Goals for 2030:
• Campus-wide 104 energy use intensity (kBtu/sf-yr), a 40% increase in energy efficiency for the campus based on the 2012 baseline
• 5% of overall electricity use with on-site renewable energy generation
• Purchase at least 10% of net electricity demand from renewable sources
• 30 buildings with at least heating and cooling energy submeters
Strategies:
• Formally sign on to the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) – determine net neutrality date and designate committee to work on climate action plan
• Develop a written Energy Conservation Plan for the LSU flagship campus, detailing strategies and a schedule for reducing energy in buildings
• Conduct at least an ASHRAE level 1 audit for existing buildings greater than 25,000 square feet, use to develop targeted lists for efficiency upgrades, to be coordinated with the 2017 Sightlines portfolio report
• Develop an outreach/education program targeting energy use reduction among staff, faculty, and students
• Use the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager software to track energy usage in campus buildings, automate meter reading through submetering and building automation systems where possible
• Install submetering on high priority campus buildings
• Conduct at least one energy efficiency competition utilizing benchmarking every year
• Install a public energy dashboard online and in a prominent public lobby
• Achieve the ENERGY STAR certification for buildings for at least 3 office buildings on campus by 2025
• Install solar photovoltaic and thermal systems on the LSU campus to offset conventional electricity usage
• Meet minimum LSU sustainability design requirements for all major capital projects (>5,000 square feet) based on LSU Performance Goals. Meet aspirational requirements for any project identified as a “sustainability feature” project
• Establish a green labs program which encourages best practices for energy conservation in laboratories
• Implement a university-wide IT energy conservation program
• Consider creative funding strategies for energy efficiency projects, using Harvard’s Green Campus Loan Fund as an example
• Explore biomass opportunities combined with sustainable forestry management as a renewable energy source
(Sustainability Plan)
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Goals for 2030:
• Campus-wide 104 energy use intensity (kBtu/sf-yr), a 40% increase in energy efficiency for the campus based on the 2012 baseline
• 5% of overall electricity use with on-site renewable energy generation
• Purchase at least 10% of net electricity demand from renewable sources
• 30 buildings with at least heating and cooling energy submeters
Strategies:
• Formally sign on to the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) – determine net neutrality date and designate committee to work on climate action plan
• Develop a written Energy Conservation Plan for the LSU flagship campus, detailing strategies and a schedule for reducing energy in buildings
• Conduct at least an ASHRAE level 1 audit for existing buildings greater than 25,000 square feet, use to develop targeted lists for efficiency upgrades, to be coordinated with the 2017 Sightlines portfolio report
• Develop an outreach/education program targeting energy use reduction among staff, faculty, and students
• Use the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager software to track energy usage in campus buildings, automate meter reading through submetering and building automation systems where possible
• Install submetering on high priority campus buildings
• Conduct at least one energy efficiency competition utilizing benchmarking every year
• Install a public energy dashboard online and in a prominent public lobby
• Achieve the ENERGY STAR certification for buildings for at least 3 office buildings on campus by 2025
• Install solar photovoltaic and thermal systems on the LSU campus to offset conventional electricity usage
• Meet minimum LSU sustainability design requirements for all major capital projects (>5,000 square feet) based on LSU Performance Goals. Meet aspirational requirements for any project identified as a “sustainability feature” project
• Establish a green labs program which encourages best practices for energy conservation in laboratories
• Implement a university-wide IT energy conservation program
• Consider creative funding strategies for energy efficiency projects, using Harvard’s Green Campus Loan Fund as an example
• Explore biomass opportunities combined with sustainable forestry management as a renewable energy source
(Sustainability Plan)
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Goals for 2030:
• Campus-wide 104 energy use intensity (kBtu/sf-yr), a 40% increase in energy efficiency for the campus based on the 2012 baseline
• 5% of overall electricity use with on-site renewable energy generation
• Purchase at least 10% of net electricity demand from renewable sources
• 30 buildings with at least heating and cooling energy submeters
Strategies:
• Formally sign on to the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) – determine net neutrality date and designate committee to work on climate action plan
• Develop a written Energy Conservation Plan for the LSU flagship campus, detailing strategies and a schedule for reducing energy in buildings
• Conduct at least an ASHRAE level 1 audit for existing buildings greater than 25,000 square feet, use to develop targeted lists for efficiency upgrades, to be coordinated with the 2017 Sightlines portfolio report
• Develop an outreach/education program targeting energy use reduction among staff, faculty, and students
• Use the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager software to track energy usage in campus buildings, automate meter reading through submetering and building automation systems where possible
• Install submetering on high priority campus buildings
• Conduct at least one energy efficiency competition utilizing benchmarking every year
• Install a public energy dashboard online and in a prominent public lobby
• Achieve the ENERGY STAR certification for buildings for at least 3 office buildings on campus by 2025
• Install solar photovoltaic and thermal systems on the LSU campus to offset conventional electricity usage
• Meet minimum LSU sustainability design requirements for all major capital projects (>5,000 square feet) based on LSU Performance Goals. Meet aspirational requirements for any project identified as a “sustainability feature” project
• Establish a green labs program which encourages best practices for energy conservation in laboratories
• Implement a university-wide IT energy conservation program
• Consider creative funding strategies for energy efficiency projects, using Harvard’s Green Campus Loan Fund as an example
• Explore biomass opportunities combined with sustainable forestry management as a renewable energy source
(Sustainability Plan)
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Goals for 2030:
• 75% of dining services food and beverage expenditures that are local and community-based
o 44% in 2015 according to Princeton Review Rankings for LSU
• 25% of total dining services food purchases comprised of sustainably produced animal products
Strategies:
• Continue to support Academic efforts in the development of a Sustainable Agriculture/Food Systems Minor and Major
• Continue to support the Hill Farm Student Research Project, in which fresh/local food is grown on the LSU campus
• Campus Sustainability continue its formal partnership with the Hill Farm Student Research Project
• Continue to expand edible landscape program, such as Student Government satsuma tree groves
• Develop a campus composting pilot program to compost food from Dining waste
• Expand the “trayless” dining program by converting all dining halls to a plate- only dining experience. Market to both current and prospective students the sustainable choice of this program
• Continue to promote “Refills Not Landfills” Campus Sustainability program (in conjunction with grant from Keep Louisiana Beautiful) past the grant period to encourage campus community to reuse containers
• Provide discounts to patrons who use reusable bottles and containers
• Phase out Styrofoam use on campus
• Revamp to-go boxes with durable plastic containers that can be returned for cleaning in exchange for tokens, payment, etc.
(Sustainability Plan)
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Goals for 2030:
• 30% reduction of total water use per student
• 100% of campus grounds managed sustainably, organically, or 3rd party certified/protected (Met as of Feb. 2018)
o 70% in 2015 according to Princeton Review Rankings for LSU
• 5% of water demands met by recycled/reused sources
o 5% average for universities that report data in AASHE
• 50% reduction of total square footage of pervious surfaces
Strategies:
• Maximize the use of locally-sourced, native plant material that is well suited for the Southeastern Louisiana environment. Such plant material will require less fertilizer, irrigation, or pesticide. Emphasis should be placed upon perennials rather than annuals
• Utilize the widest genetic base among individual species
• Eliminate existing invasive exotic species when possible (e.g. ball moss)
• Include endangered, rare species in plantings to the extent possible
• Include useful plants (e.g., pest deterrents, nitrogen-fixing plants, edibles and medicinals) for pedagogical and practical purposes
• Reduce turf area and monocultures in favor of diverse native ground covers, tree canopies, prairies, understory trees and shrubbery
• Integrate stormwater best management practices (BMPs) into social amenities, transportation infrastructure, and buildings to capture and treat stormwater
• Install green / vegetative roofs to reduce runoff and help buildings cool
• Maintain and update the campus tree inventory on an annual basis
• Support the College of Agriculture Hill Farm Student Research Project if/when needed
• Create signage that provides students, staff, and visitors with opportunities to learn about plant species(uses, functions, details, etc.), as well as planting purposes
• Reduce the quantity and impact of harmful, chemical based, landscaping maintenance products and techniques
• Use organic fertilizers to the maximum extent possible
• Continue to incorporate integrated pest management practices to deal with seasonal pests
• Work to minimize or eliminate toxic chemicals from landscape management
• Continue to work with the LSU Foundation to promote and manage the Endow an Oak program
• Install cisterns for capturing rainwater and reusing on landscape beds, where possible
• Continue to participate in Tree Campus U.S.A. program, and advertise program more with signage, etc.
(Sustainability Plan)
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Goals for 2030:
• 25% of total purchases from disadvantaged businesses, social enterprises, and/or local community-based businesses
• 25% of expenditures on cleaning and janitorial products that are 3rd party verified to be healthy and sustainable
o 2012 AASHE Report for LSU = 9.5%
Strategies:
• Develop University-wide standards for targeted environmentally preferred products by 2019
• Establish a “Product Standards Committee” to pool current data, establish next steps and ultimately issue a master contract that includes standardization for products
• In general, procure commodities that are certified to meet sustainability standards in the areas of paper, electronics, cleaners, lab products, energy and vehicles:
o Paper and Forest Products:
Forest Stewardship Council www.fsc.org
Chlorine Free Products Association www.chlorinefreeproducts.org
o Electronics and Appliances:
Continue purchase of Energy Star certified products www.energystar.gov/purchasing
Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) - www.epeat.net
o Green Cleaners and Lab Products:
Environmental Choice www.environmentalchoice.com
Green Guard www.greenguard.org
Green Seal www.greenseal.org
Scientific Certification Systems www.scscertified.com
o Renewable Energy:
Green-e www.green-e.org
o Vehicles
Federal Fuel Economy Summary www.fueleconomy.gov
• Reduce waste at point of purchase. Procure recycled content paper, recycled toner cartridges, and items that can be remanufactured, recycled or composted
• Purchase durable and reusable goods
• Use life-cycle cost analysis, rather than automatically choosing goods with the lowest purchase price
• Consider durability and reparability of products prior to purchase
• Invest in goods with extended warranties
• Conduct routine maintenance on products/equipment
• Continue to require ENERGY STAR certified appliances and equipment
• When possible, purchase goods in bulk or concentrated form
• Manage surplus effectively by eliminating excess purchases, reviewing past needs to minimize procurement of unneeded items, and periodically ensuring offices clean out supply cabinets prior to placing new orders
• Ensure all Departments are educated on the resources of both the LSU Surplus Department and the Campus Sustainability office for reuse and recycling of old/unneeded items and equipment
(Sustainability Plan)
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
• 50% of institution’s fleet non-purely fossil-fuel based*
• 50% of students, faculty, staff use sustainable commuting options
• 50% of faculty and students use sustainable commuting options
Strategies:
• Continue efforts (e.g. Easy Streets Phase II) to become a more pedestrian-oriented campus and provide safe travel for bicyclists and pedestrians
• Improve bicycle facilities, including the expansion of bike lanes and routes on campus
• Promote awareness among the University community of the environmental, human health, and economic impacts of transportation choices
• Install covered bike storage and shower facilities in new buildings
• Enhance historic core pedestrian experience through adding a “Dismount” signage and bike rack parking along perimeter.
• Support and promote Baton Rouge Bike Share program on LSU campus
• Ensure short term bicycle parking (racks) within 50 feet of all occupied, non-residential buildings. Ensure long term bicycle storage available within 330 feet of all residence halls.
• Achieve Bicycle Friendly University Gold Status from the League of American Bicyclists (Note: Silver status achieved in Fall 2016)
• Decrease the prevalence of single occupancy vehicles on campus through enhanced alternative transportation infrastructure, programs and incentives
• Expand on existing car and rideshare programs available to campus (Geaux Ride, ZipCar)
• Continue to promote the existing electrical vehicle charging stations on campus, and acquire new stations as the number of users grows
• Procure electric vehicles for university fleet
• Continue to switch Tiger Trails fleet to low sulfur diesel and greener technology
• Celebrate National Bike Month annually through campus events or competitions
• Formally track bicycle usage on campus
• Conduct a transportation satisfaction survey with students, faculty and staff
• Increase ratio of bicycle parking to campus population
• Develop a theft prevention program for bicycles
• Develop a formal transportation safety training program for students similar to “my Student body” training (to launch Fall 2017)
• Promote bicycle safety by offering other classes or seminars
• Continue to partner with Bike Baton Rouge to promote bicycling locally and on campus
• Consider financial incentive programs to encourage bicycle use
• Develop alternative transportation education programs for targeted groups on campus
• Get faculty involved with bicycle education
• Convert unnecessary parking lots into pedestrian amenities and open green space.
(Sustainability Plan)
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Goals for 2030:
• 75% of waste diverted (recycled, reused, etc.) from the landfill or incinerator.
• 90% of construction and demolition materials recycled, donated, or otherwise recovered.
Strategies:
• Develop a campus-wide waste reduction policy, including a comprehensive materials management strategy
• Continue annual educational campaigns (e.g. Litterati, Refills Not Landfills) to reduce waste and increase recycling on campus
• Recycle at least 90% of all construction and demolition waste from projects
• Expand the number of Bigbelly solar units on campus
• Quantify carbon impacts associated with the LSU campus waste stream in order to identify opportunities to better manage waste and reduce emissions.
• Develop a food composting pilot program for Dining Operations. Eventually expand this into other areas such as residence halls
• Develop strategies for improving management of university materials and identify opportunities to utilize recovered materials as inputs for local and non-profit ventures (e.g. a Chuck it for Charity program for Move in/Move out)
• Continue to identify strategies for decreasing waste sent to the landfill as part of game day (football, basketball and baseball) operations
• Continue participating in the GameDay Recycling Challenge each year
• Continue to apply for and receive grants for waste reduction, recycling, sustainability education and awareness programs, and campus beautification
(Sustainability Plan)
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Goals for 2030:
• 30% reduction of total water use per student
• 5% of water demands met by recycled/reused sources
• Integrate stormwater best management practices (BMPs) into social amenities, transportation infrastructure, and buildings to capture and treat stormwater
• Install green / vegetative roofs to reduce runoff and help buildings cool
• Install cisterns for capturing rainwater and reusing on landscape beds, where possible
(Sustainability Plan)
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The 2015-2020 Goals and Objectives
1. LEAD: Demonstrate leadership and support of the LSU mission and strategic plan
2. IMPACT: Impact the academic mission of the University and increase the diversity of the faculty, administration and students
3. TRANSFORM: Infuse diversity into the LSU campus culture and establish a reputation of inclusive excellence, regionally, nationally and globally
4. SUSTAIN: Increase leadership and support for the advancement of diversity initiatives and priorities at LSU
(Diversity Plan)
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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)? :
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
| Yes or No | |
| The Earth Charter | --- |
| The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) | --- |
| ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter | --- |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | --- |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | --- |
| UN Global Compact | --- |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | --- |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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.