MacEwan University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

1.1 Sustainability Course Identification
- Develop a definition of sustainability in the curriculum
- Inventory current courses offered that are sustainability focused or related
- Include inventory in a sustainability section in the Academic calendar

1.2 Environmental or Sustainability Institute
- Establish an Environmental or Sustainability Institute. Strategies may include adding funding for an environmental chair, student education, and outreach.

1.3 Sustainability Course
- Develop a general sustainability course open to all undergraduates, regardless of program of study

1.4 Undergraduate Program of Study in Sustainability
- Investigate offering either a Minor in Sustainability or a Certificate in Sustainability that covers the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability

1.5 Sustainability Literacy Assessment
- Conduct an assessment of the sustainability literacy of students, focusing on knowledge of sustainability topics

1.6 Assistance to Faculty to Develop Sustainability into Curriculum
-Develop a program, toolkit, or knowledge base that offers professional development or resources to faculty to assist them in incorporating sustainability into their curricula

1.1 Sustainability Course Identification
- Definition articulated in the academic calendar and online, along with courses that comply; 2011/2012
- Database of courses offered at MacEwan University that is managed by the Office of Sustainability and updated annually; 2011/2012
- Sustainability section added to academic calendar; 2012/2013

1.2 Environmental or Sustainability Institute
- Established Sustainability Institute Terms of Reference; 2012/2013

1.3 Sustainability Course
- Sustainability course offered to students in the 2013/2014 academic year. Minimum 20 students enrolled. 2013/2014

1.4 Undergraduate Program of Study in Sustainability
- Business case outlining the program, what courses will be offered to fulfill requirements, additional courses needed, and steps to launch the Sustainability minor or Certificate of Sustainability program; 2013/2014

1.5 Sustainability Literacy Assessment
- Development of literacy tool, conduct assessment reaching at least 25% of the student population, analyze results, develop follow-up assessment plan for benchmarking; 2012/2013

1.6 Assistance to Faculty to Develop Sustainability into Curriculum
-Conduct at least one workshop or presentation annually for faculty interested in Education for Sustainable Development. Develop and distribute toolkit to faculty; 2012/2013

Office of Sustainability, Sustainability Advisory Committee, Academic Governance Council, MacEwan Curriculum Committee, Academic Quality Assurance and Accreditation, Students' Association of MacEwan University, Office of the University Registrar

3.1 Identify Sustainable Research
- Initiate discussions for developing a definition of sustainability research

3.2 Assistant to Students and Faculty to Develop Sustainability Research
- Develop a business case for a program to encourage faculty and students to conduct research in sustainability topics

3.3 Provide subject matter expertise
- Peer review of Earth Common

3.1 Identify Sustainable Research
- Committee of at least three faculty members who conduct research and terms of reference established; 2013/2014

3.2 Assistance to Students and Faculty to Develop Sustainability Research
- Develop a business case outlining the program, which may include, but is not limited to, fellowships, financial support, mentorships, faculty development workshops, etc.; 2013/2014

3.3 Provide subject matter expertise
- Annual publication of Earth Common and ongoing journal entries; Ongoing

Office of Sustainability, Sustainability Advisory Committee, Provost and VP Academic, Director of Research Services, Students' Association of MacEwan University, MacEwan University Faculty Association, Earth Common Peer Review Board

Objective 2: Participating in Sustainability
2.1 Sustainability Eco-Reps Program
-Coordinate an ongoing peer-to-peer student sustainability outreach and education program

2.2 Student Sustainability Outreach Campaigns
-Engage the student body in sustainability issues and raise student awareness about sustainability

2.3 Sustainability Student Orientation
-Develop an ongoing sustainability focus in the New Student Orientation

2.4 Sustainability Publications
-Produce outreach materials and publications to enhance student learning about sustainability
-Produce an annual report every July (to align with academic year) to highlight the previous years’ efforts

2.5 Support Sustainability Student Organization
-Provide resources and support to sustainability student groups on campus

2.6 Participate in Student Job Fair
-Provide green job information and support to the annual student job fair

Objective 2: Participating in Sustainability
2.1 Sustainability Eco-Reps Program
-Annually hire a student coordinator to coordinate eco-rep volunteers
-Provide formal training to eco-rep volunteers on how to conduct outreach
-Outreach activities that serve at least 50% of all students; 2013/2014

2.2 Student Sustainability Outreach Campaigns
- At least one sustainability-related outreach campaign directed at students that yields measurable, positive results in advancing sustainability.
- One feasible campaign is the Earth Hour: One Hour. No Power Campus Challenge. With benchmarks from 2010, and 2011; Ongoing

2.3 Sustainability Student Orientation
- Information online for students new to sustainability at MacEwan Univeristy, participation in new student orientation week events, presenting on sustainability; 2011/2012, Ongoing

2.4 Sustainability Publications
-A central sustainability website that consolidates information about sustainability efforts
-A sustainability walking map, tour, or case study updated annually
-At least five columns, articles, advertisements, in the “Griff” in the academic year
-Annual report published on the website and made publicly available to highlight initiatives in the previous academic year; Ongoing

2.5 Support Sustainability Student Organization
-Provide assistance to at least one student organization dedicated to sustainability; Ongoing

2.6 Participate in Student Job Fair
- At least one information piece provided to student job fair organizers regarding “green collar” jobs; Ongoing

Sustainability Advisory Committee, NSO Coordinating Committee, Students’ Association of MacEwan University, Office of Communications and Marketing, Student Services, Student Resource Centre

Goal 4: Sustainability Public Engagement
4.1 Community Sustainability Partnerships
-Develop a program to promote partnership with local community groups, schools, non-profit organizations, or other entities to work together to advance sustainability within the community

4.2 Inter-Campus Collaboration on Sustainability
-Continuously collaborate with other institutions on sustainability

4.3 Sustainability in Continuing Education
-Develop a program to provide continuing education courses and programs in sustainability to the community

4.4 Graduation Pledge
-Administer a graduation pledge through which students pledge to consider social and environmental responsibility in future job and other decisions

4.1 Community Sustainability Partnerships
-At least one community sustainability partnership each year to promote sustainability in the community; 2013/2014

4.2 Inter-Campus Collaboration on Sustainability
At least two meetings each year with other campuses to find synergy with sustainability endeavours
At least one inter-campus campaign or project each year; Ongoing

4.3 Sustainability in Continuing Education
-Develop a proposal for at least one course to be offered in the continuing education area that is focused on or related to sustainability; 2013/2014

4.4 Graduation Pledge
- Approved Graduation pledge; 2013/2014

Office of Sustainability; Parnerships with NAIT, Norquest, University of Alberta, and other institutions; MacEwan Continuing Education; Office of the University Registrar

1.1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
-Annually complete a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, using GHG Protocol. Include Scope 1, 2, and 3.
-Research comparative GHG inventories based on FLE at other universities

1.2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Target and Strategy
-Develop a strategy and implementation plan to be carbon neutral by 2020

1.3 Carbon Offsets
-Develop a carbon offset program. Consider local offsets program, through which MacEwan University would participate in projects that reduce GHG emissions in the local community

1.4 Renewable Energy
-Incorporate solar thermal heating for the swimming pool during 2011/2012 retrofit

1.5 Energy Consumption
-Continue to install RT5 Relight fixtures in classrooms and offices to reduce energy consumption
-Install Vending Misers for vending machines on campus (USAT Vending Miser Master Unit Model VM150)

1.6 Air Quality
-Participate on the Alberta Capital Airshed Alliance, an Airshed management zone in the capital region that addresses air quality issues in the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area.

1.1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
-Annually complete an audit and make it publicly available through the Sustainability website; Ongoing, 2011/2012

1.2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Target and Strategy
-Develop a comprehensive strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2020; 2012/2013

1.3 Carbon Offsets
-Develop a program that will achieve at least a 25% reduction in emissions through the carbon offset program; 2012/2013, 2013/2014

1.4 Renewable Energy
-30-40% energy savings and up to 30 tonnes of GHG reduction
-Financial savings to be reinvested into sustainability revolving fund; 2011/2012

1.5 Energy Consumption
-6500 T12 lights changed to T5. Savings to be reinvested into sustainability revolving fund
-Reduce vending machine energy consumption by 45% by installing at least ten Vending Misers on Campus. Payback is less than one year. Savings to be reinvested in sustainability revolving fund; Ongoing, 2012

1.6 Air Quality
-Board members on Alberta Capital Airshed Alliance; Ongoing

Office of Sustainability, Facilities, Procurement and Contract Services, Student Services for student partnerships, Retail and Campus Services, ITS, ACAA members

Single Sustainable Campus model 3.1.5
Integration of the university community into a single sustainable campus will support the
learning culture by enhancing interdisciplinary opportunities for students, program development, student support services and campus life.

LEED silver certification as a standard for new buildings and BOMA Best used to certify existing buildings.

Facilities, Space Management

Goal 2: Food Services
2.1 Food Purchasing
-Develop policy and procedures to purchase food within 100 miles of the institution
-Ensure that the institution provides vegetarian and vegan dining services
-Develop a sustainability policy for food service franchises operating on campus to operate sustainably

2.2 Sustainable Food/Beverage for events/conference/ meetings
-Develop a green events package

2.3 Host a Farmers’ Market
-Host or support a Farmers’ Market on campus

2.4 Biodegradable Supplies
-Continue to purchase biodegradable supplies, including napkins, cutlery, dinnerware, etc.

2.1 Food Purchasing
-25% of food budget is based on 100 mile radius food based on approved policy and procedures
-15% of available food will be vegetarian
-5% of available options will be vegan
-Approved policy mandating sustainability code of conduct for vendors; 2012/2013, Ongoing, 2013/2014

2.2 Sustainable Food/Beverage for events/conference/ meetings
-One year after the development of a green events package, 20% of all events booked with conference services will agree to greening in the service agreement; 2011/2012

2.3 Host a Farmers’ Market
-Host at least one annual Farmers Market on Campus, 2012/2013

2.4 Biodegradable Supplies
-100% of disposable dinnerware, napkins, cutlery, cups, takeaway containers, and others materials will be biodegradable; Ongoing

Retail and Campus Services, Food Services, Office of Sustainability, Conference Services

Objective 1: Climate Change, Energy, and Air Quality
1.1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
-Annually complete a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, using GHG Protocol. Include Scope 1, 2, and 3.
-Research comparative GHG inventories based on FLE at other universities

1.2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Target and Strategy
-Develop a strategy and implementation plan to be carbon neutral by 2020

1.3 Carbon Offsets
-Develop a carbon offset program. Consider local offsets program, through which MacEwan University would participate in projects that reduce GHG emissions in the local community

1.4 Renewable Energy
-Incorporate solar thermal heating for the swimming pool during 2011/2012 retrofit

1.5 Energy Consumption
-Continue to install RT5 Relight fixtures in classrooms and offices to reduce energy consumption
-Install Vending Misers for vending machines on campus (USAT Vending Miser Master Unit Model VM150)
-Join Energy Star Low Carbon IT Program for automatic shut off of computers

1.6 Air Quality
-Participate on the Alberta Capital Airshed Alliance, an Airshed management zone in the capital region that addresses air quality issues in the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area

1.1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
-Annually complete an audit and make it publicly available through the Sustainability website
-Compile report comparing at least ten post secondary institutions; Ongoing, 2011/2012

1.2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Target and Strategy
-A comprehensive strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2020; 2012/2013

1.3 Carbon Offsets
-Develop a program that will achieve at least a 25% reduction in emissions through the carbon offset program, 2012/2013
-Achieve at least a 25% reduction in emissions; 2013/2014

1.4 Renewable Energy
-30-40% energy savings and up to 30 tonnes of GHG reduction
-Financial savings to be reinvested into sustainability revolving fund; 2011/2012

1.5 Energy Consumption
-6500 T12 lights changed to T5. Savings to be reinvested into sustainability revolving fund; Ongoing,
-Reduce vending machine energy consumption by 45% by installing at least ten Vending Misers on Campus. Payback is less than one year. Savings to be reinvested in sustainability revolving fund; 2012/2012
-Computers automatically go to hibernate mode after 20 minutes of inactivity
-4000 computers estimated to save $400/day or $146,000/year (based on computer shut off for 12 hours a day – NAIT Case Study)
-Savings to be reinvested in sustainability revolving fund

1.6 Air Quality
-Board members on Alberta Capital Airshed Alliance; Ongoing

Office of Sustainability, Facilities, Procurement and Contract Services, Student Services for student Partnerships, Retail and Campus Services, ITS, ACCA members.

Grounds
3.1 Integrated Pest Management Plan
-Implement an Integrated Pest Management Program
-The IPMP should set thresholds, monitor pests, use preventative action, and control measures

3. 2 Low Impact Vegetation
-Develop a program or policy to prioritize the use of native plant species in landscaping

3.3 Snow and Ice Removal
-Develop strategies to reduce the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal

3.4 Grounds Composting Practices
-Develop strategies to compost or mulch waste from grounds keeping, including grass trimming

3.1 Integrated Pest Management Plan
-Integrated pest management practices utilized on 100% of campus grounds; 2013/2014

3. 2 Low Impact Vegetation
-At least 50% of landscaping is natural to the Alberta landscape; 2013/2014

3.3 Snow and Ice Removal
-100% of snow and ice removal uses sustainable practices; 2013/2014

3.4 Grounds Composting Practices
-100% of waste from grounds is composted; 2013/2014

Office of Sustainability

Goal 4: Purchasing and Asset Management
4.1 Sustainable Paper Use
-Develop a strategy to reduce paper consumption among students, staff, and faculty
-Develop a policy promoting the purchase of post-consumer recycled content and FSC certified paper

4.2 Vendor Code of Conduct
-Develop a vendor code of conduct to ensure that vendors meet standards of environmental and social responsibility

4.3 Supporting Local Vendors
-Investigate giving preference to local products and businesses, other things being equal, in purchasing decisions.

4.4 Surplus Asset Redeployment
-Develop strategies to dispose of surplus assets. Examples: Habitat for Humanity, Alberta Computers for Schools, Deliver Good, etc.

4.5 Green Cleaning
-Ensure that all custodial services comply with the Green Housekeeping Program

4.1 Sustainable Paper Use
-10% reduction in consumption;
-100% of MacEwan printer paper purchases are FSC certified and contains at least 50% post consumer recycled content; 2012/2013

4.2 Vendor Code of Conduct
-100% of vendors must comply with the vendor code of conduct; 2013/2014

4.3 Supporting Local Vendors
-All vendors will be reviewed for their support of the local economy; 2013/2014

4.4 Surplus Asset Redeployment
-100% of usable surplus assets will be diverted from the landfill and redistributed; Ongoing

4.5 Green Cleaning
-100% of cleaning products comply with the program; Ongoing

Sustainability Advisory Committee, Procurement and Contract Services, Capital Asset Management, Office of Sustainability

Goal 5: Transportation
5.1 Campus Fleet
-Support alternative fuel and power technology by including these in the motorized vehicle fleet

5.2 Student U-Pass
-Continue to support the Student U-Pass. The Universal Transit Pass is a transit fare program providing eligible students unlimited access to regular Edmonton, St. Albert, and Strathcona County Transit Services. Available to full-time students

5.3 Employee ETS @ Work Program
-Implement the Employee ETS@Work Program to provide staff a discount to ETS passes
-Develop community-based social marketing campaigns to promote public transit around campus

5.4 Bicycle Plan
-Develop a Bicycle Plan that identified opportunities to increase cycling to and from campus

5.5 Telecommuting
Investigate reinvigorating the 2008 telecommuting pilot project.

5.6 Carpooling
-Develop carpooling strategies around campus

5.7 Idling
-Develop Idle-Free campaigns that align with messaging from the Alberta Capital Airshed Alliance (ACAA)

5.8 Car Sharing
-Investigate car sharing opportunities (such as the Hertz Car Share Program)

5.9 Mobility Surveys
-Develop Employee and Student Mobility Surveys to evaluate average vehicle ridership, alternative transportation, average commute time, carbon emissions

5.10 Travel for work
-Work with Travel Office to develop procedures to increase sustainable alternatives for traveling for work

5.1 Campus Fleet
-100% of new vehicles purchased will support alternative fuel and power when the technology is available

5.2 Student U-Pass
Goal of 50% of students to take alternative transportation to MacEwan University including transit, cycling, walking, or carpooling by 2020; Ongoing

5.3 Employee ETS @ Work Program
Goal of 50% of staff to take alternative transportation to MacEwan University including transit, cycling, walking, or carpooling by 2020; 2011/2012

5.4 Bicycle Plan
-Goal of 50% of students to take alternative transportation to MacEwan University including transit, cycling, walking, or carpooling by 2020
Goal of 50% of staff to take alternative transportation to MacEwan University including transit, cycling, walking, or carpooling by 2020; 2012/2013

5.5 Telecommuting
Goal of 50% of students to take alternative transportation to MacEwan University including transit, cycling, walking, or carpooling by 2020
Goal of 50% of staff to take alternative transportation to MacEwan University including transit, cycling, walking, or carpooling by 2020; 2013/2014

5.6 Carpooling
-Goal of 50% of student to take alternative transportation to MacEwan University including transit, cycling, walking, or carpooling by 2020
-Goal of 50% of staff to take alternative transportation to MacEwan University including transit, cycling, walking, or carpooling by 2020; 2013/2014

5.7 Idling
-Reduction in MacEwan University’s contribution of PM and O3; 2012/2013

5.8 Car Sharing
-Goal of 50% of students to take alternative transportation to MacEwan University including transit, cycling, walking, or carpooling by 2020
-Goal of 50% of staff to take alternative transportation to MacEwan University including transit, cycling, walking, or carpooling by 2020; 2013/2014

5.9 Mobility Surveys
-Data report to identify transportation behavior change strategies
-Goal of 50% of students to take alternative transportation to MacEwan University including transit, cycling, walking, or carpooling by 2020
-Goal of 50% of staff to take alternative transportation to MacEwan University including transit, cycling, walking, or carpooling by 2020; 2012/2013

5.10 Travel for work
-Policy or program to offset 50% of travel related emissions; 2012/2013

Facilities, Procurement and Contract Services, Office of Sustainability, Sustainability Advisory Committee, Parking Services, Human Resources, Travel Office, Students' Association of MacEwan University

Goal 6: Waste
6.1 Recycling Program
-Continue to participate in and enhance the campus-wide blue box recycling program

6.2 Waste audit
-Perform waste audit to determine waste that is recycled, redistributed, composted, or sent to the landfill

6.3 Composting
-Continue to participate in and enhance the campus-wide composting program as part of the City of Edmonton Centre for Excellence in Waste Management

6.4 Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion
-Continue to divert, where possible, construction and demolition waste from new projects on campus and pursue LEED credits

6.5 Electronic Waste Recycling Program
-Continue to participate and enhance electronic recycling on campus

6.6 Hazardous Waste Management
-Continue to minimize and safely dispose of all hazardous waste

6.7 Online Materials
-Ensure that wherever possible, course calendars, schedules, publications, and directories are available online

6.8 Residence Move-In/Out Waste Program
-Develop a program to reduce residence move–in/out waste

6.9 CAPS OFF Program
-Continue to participate in the CAPS OFF program to collect bottle caps with proceeds going to the Alberta Rainbow Society

6.10 Waste Receptacles
-Evaluate current waste receptacles to determine if new and improved receptacles should be purchased for blue bag, bottles, paper, waste, etc. in common areas

6.1 Recycling Program
-90% landfill diversion rate by 2020; Ongoing

6.2 Waste audit
-Information to help achieve 90% landfill diversion rate by 2020; 2012/2013

6.3 Composting
-90% landfill diversion rate by 2020; Ongoing

6.4 Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion
-75% landfill diversion rate in all construction projects; Ongoing

6.5 Electronic Waste Recycling Program
-90% landfill diversion rate by 2020; Ongoing

6.6 Hazardous Waste Management
-90% landfill diversion rate by 2020; Ongoing

6.7 Online Materials
-90% landfill diversion rate by 2020; Ongoing

6.8 Residence Move-In/Out Waste Program
-90% landfill diversion rate by 2020; Ongoing

6.9 CAPS OFF Program
-90% landfill diversion rate by 2020; Ongoing

6.10 Waste Receptacles
-90% landfill diversion rate by 2020; 2012/2013

Office of Sustainability, Faculties, Residence

Goal 7: Water
7.1 Water Consumption Audit
-Complete a water consumption audit to determine water use on campus

7.2 Innovative Water Conservation Measures
-Continually improve water conservation though innovative technologies:
• Waterless urinals
• Low flow faucet aerators, shower heads, toilets
• Greywater use
• Building water metering

7.3 Water Fountains
Determine opportunities to increase accessibility of water refill stations for students, staff, faculty, and visitors to fill reusable water bottles.
Examples include:
• Waterfilz kiosks
• More water fountains
• Water spouts on sinks

7.1 Water Consumption Audit
-Strategy to address water consumption and conservation; 2013/2014

7.2 Innovative Water Conservation Measures
-30-40% water efficiency through efficient fixtures; Ongoing

7.3 Water Fountains
-Reduced bottled water consumption; 2011/2012

Office of Sustainability, Facilties

Goal 3: Investment in Sustainability
3.1 Positive Sustainability Investments
-Develop a program, policy, or strategy that seeks positive investments promoting sustainability. These investments support socially and environmentally responsible practices

3.2 Socially Responsible Investment Policy
-Develop a policy or directive to consider the social and/or environmental impacts of investment decisions in addition to financial considerations

3.3 Sustainability Revolving Fund
-Develop a Sustainability revolving fund in which savings from sustainability initiatives (i.e., energy savings, water savings, etc.) will build a fund that can be invested in future sustainability projects

3.4 Student Sustainability Fund
-Develop an annual sustainability grant that students can apply for to develop sustainability initiatives on campus

Investment in Sustainability
3.1 Positive Sustainability Investments
-5% of the institutional investments will be invested in a community development, social enterprise, sustainable, or socially responsible endeavour; 2013/2014

3.2 Socially Responsible Investment Policy
-Approved policy; 2013/2014

3.3 Sustainability Revolving Fund
-Approved funding model to utilize monetary savings from efficiency upgrades to invest in sustainability projects; 2012/2013

3.4 Student Sustainability Fund
-Terms of reference and approved process for grant; 2013/2014

Office of Sustainability, Fund Development, Finance, Students’ Association of MacEwan University

According to institutional policy D6000, Sustainability is the practice of managing human and ecological systems in accordance with our global responsibility to conserve and restore the environment while advancing social equity.

MacEwan University’s Campus Sustainability Plan (CSP) signals our commitment to sustainability and provides a framework which addresses our stewardship goals and performance.

This plan incorporates sustainability across three main pillars:
1. Education for Sustainable Development;
2. Sustainable Operations; and
3. Planning, Administration, and Engagement.

The CSP Strategic Framework outlines the university’s mission, scope, guiding principles and sustainability goals. The CSP Action Plan details the strategic actions, deliverables and measurements to reach the goals.