Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 61.29
Liaison Bonnie Dong
Submission Date Aug. 31, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

MacEwan University
PA-1: Sustainability Coordination

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Kalen Pilkington
Director of Sustainability
Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have at least one sustainability committee?:
Yes

The charter or mission statement of the committee(s) or a brief description of each committee's purview and activities:

Sustainability Advisory Committee
The Sustainability Advisory Committee (SAC) advises and supports the Office of Sustainability and make recommendations on the strategic actions outlined in MacEwan University’s Campus Sustainability Plan (CSP). The SAC is also responsible for:
• Endorsing the sub-committee’s annual work plans
• Providing guidance and recommendations regarding planning, administration and leadership of the CSP
• Providing input into business cases developed by the sub-committees
• Reviewing sustainability-related plans for other governing bodies within the institution
• Providing feedback and advice to the Academic and Operations sub-committees
• Endorsing any projects, policies, initiatives, or reports (e.g. STARS, Annual Reports)

Academic Sustainability Sub-Committee
The Academic Sub-Committee will support the Sustainability Advisory Committee and the Office of Sustainability by reviewing, revising and guiding the implementation of, and report on the strategic actions outlined in the Academic section of the Campus Sustainability Plan. The Academic Sub-Committee is also responsible for:
• Co-creating and approving annual work-plans for the academic project-based working groups
• Forming project-based working groups with specific deliverables
• Providing feedback on project-based work from working groups
• Creating an annual report for all accomplishments relative to the academic section of the CSP
• Participating in STARS reporting
• Areas of focus for the Academic Sustainability Sub-Committee include advising on the development of an embedded certificate in sustainability, the future development of sustainability course, professional development opportunities offered to faculty specifically related to integrating sustainability into the curriculum

Sustainable Operations Sub-Committee
The Operations Sub-Committee will support the Sustainability Advisory Committee and the Office of Sustainability by reviewing, revising, and overseeing the implementation of, and report on the strategic actions outlined in the Operations section of the Campus Sustainability Plan. The Operations Sub-Committee is also responsible for:
• Co-creating and approving annual work-plans for the operations project-based working groups
• Forming project-based working groups with specific deliverables
• Providing feedback on project-based work to the working groups
• Creating an annual report for all accomplishments relative to the operations section of the CSP
• Participating in STARS reporting
• Areas of focus for the Sustainable Operations Subcommittee include advising on priority projects related to energy efficiency, fair trade campus, food security, waste reduction and transportation.

Project-Based Working Groups
The project-based working groups consist of members from the sub-committees; however if others from the university or community are interested in a specific project that the working groups are undertaking, they may be invited to join a working group. The working groups’ work-plans will be determined at the sub-committee level and will be based on priorities outlined in the CSP. The project leads from each working group will present their work to the respective sub-committees for feedback and further guidance. The project based working groups are established and abolished as projects and initiatives are started and completed.


Members of each committee, including affiliations and role (e.g. staff, student, or faculty):

Sustainability Advisory Committee Membership
-Academic membership includes:
1. One faculty member from Arts and Science - Jeff Davis (Assistant Professor, Engineering)
2. One faculty member from Health and Community Studies - Valerie Ouegraogo (Assistant Professor, Social Work)
3. One faculty member from Fine Arts and Communications - Scott Spidell (Assistant Professor, Theatre)
4. One faculty member from the School of Business - Joanne Loh (Assistant Professor, Accounting and Finance)
5. One faculty member from Faculty of Nursing - Emily Khalema (Assistant Professor, Psychiatric Nursing)
6. One representative from Library services - Tara Stieglitz (Librarian)
7. One representative from CAFÉ - Carolyn Ives (Curriculum Coordinator)
8. One representative from Continuing Education - Suzanne Fournier (Program Manager, Professional and Continuing Studies)
9. Two faculty members at large
i. Eliosa Perez (Associate Professor, School of Business)
ii. Mona Haimour (Assistant Professor, Nursing)
-Student Membership
i) President of Students Association of MacEwan University (SAMU) - Stephanie Nedoshyko
ii) One member from the Sustainability Student Leadership Committee - Lukas Burrows
-Staff/administrative membership includes:
1. Director, Office of Sustainability * - Kalen Pilkington
2. Executive Director, Campus Services * - Kris Bruckmann
3. Director, Health, Safety and Environment (HR) * - Lordana Longo
4. Director, Kihew Watston Indigenous Education Centre * - Terri Suntjens
5. Executive Director, MacEwan International * - Kimberly Howard
6. Executive Director, Institutional Analysis and Planning * - David McGlaughlin
7. Senior Manager, Operations and Maintenance* - Stephen Luyendyk
8. Director, Communications and Marketing * - Aimee Hill
9. Three staff members at large (includes out-of-scope)
i. Deb Maloney (Materials Clerk - Clinical Simulation Centre)
ii. Theresa Agnew (Editor - Web Services)
iii. Donna-Mae-Winquist (MacEwan Faculty Association President)
-One representative from Alberta College Campus - Lilian Dane (Librarian)
-Two community members
-One MacEwan University Alumni member.

Academic Sustainability Sub-Committee
-SAC staff, faculty or administration members at large

-Standing Members
1. Vice President Academic and Provost (Co-Chair) - John Corlett
2. Director, Office of Sustainability (Co-Chair) - Kalen Pilkington
3. Director of Research Services* - Cynthia Zutter
4. Dean of Library Services* - Debbie McGugan
5. Dean of Arts and Science* - Craig Monk
6. Dean of Health and Community Studies * - Fred McGinn
7. Dean of Fine Arts and Communications * - Allan Gilliland
8. Dean of School of Business * - Wanda Costen
9. Dean of Faculty of Nursing * - Vince Salyers
10. Dean of Continuing Education * - Heather McRae
11. Student Association of MacEwan University (SAMU) VP Academic - Robbie Lepp
*or designate
-Ex-Officio Members
1. President - Deb Saucier
2. Registrar - Mike Sekulic


Operations Sustainability Sub-Committee
-SAC staff, faculty or administration members at large
-Standing Members
1. Associate Vice-President of Facilities (Co-Chair) - Stuart McLean
2. Director, Office of Sustainability (Co-Chair) - Kalen Pilkington
3. Executive Director from Campus Services * - Kris Bruckmann
4. Director from Residence Services * - Wendy Brost
5. Senior Manager from Facilities department * - Stephen Luyendyk
6. Director from Procurement and Contract Services * - Carol Robinson
7. Senior Manager or Director from Information Technology * - Lachell Baron
8. Director from Sport and Wellness * - Lisa Pittet
9. Senior Manager from Capital Planning and Asset Management * - Colleen Panno Olson
10. Director from Space Planning * - Jacqueline McLeod
11. Director from Human Resources * - Karen Boros
12. Director from Communications * - Aimee Hill
13. Student Association of MacEwan University (SAMU) VP Operations & Finance
*or designate

-Ex-Officio Members
1. President - Deb Saucier



Does the institution have at least one sustainability office that includes more than 1 full-time equivalent (FTE) employee?:
Yes

A brief description of each sustainability office:

MacEwan University's Office of Sustainability was founded in 2009.

The Office of Sustainability provides sustainability expertise and leadership at MacEwan University, working with students, faculty, staff and the community to enhance sustainability in education and campus operations.We strive towards creating the foundation for a thriving, equitable, resilient and ecologically healthy campus.
As outlined in the Strategic Campus Sustainability Plan our efforts are guided by four overarching goals:
(1) Academic programming, teaching and research: To promote the growth of sustainability-related opportunities for student learning, faculty research and academic collaboration.
(2) Engagement, outreach and communications: To create a community where sustainability matters and is lived, shared and celebrated.
(3) Campus operations: To create a model sustainable campus that fosters well-being for individuals, communities, and ecosystems.
(4) Leadership: Goal: To guide, coordinate and inspire sustainability planning, initiatives and innovation across the university.

Our services encompass:
•Deliver programming designed to empower the campus community to actively contribute to sustainability;
•Provide guidance, advice and tools on sustainability to all areas of the university;
•Initiate, coordinate and/or support sustainability initiatives, trainings and events;
•Collaborate with local and global partners to enhance sustainability opportunities;
•Report on MacEwan University’s sustainability performance.


Full-time equivalent (FTE) of people employed in the sustainability office(s):
3.50

Does the institution have at least one sustainability officer?:
Yes

Name and title of each sustainability officer:
Kalen Pilkington, Director Sustainability (full-time, non-term); Kerstyn Lane, Engagement and Outreach Advisor (full-time, non-term) Romy Kupfer, Sustainability Projects - STARS Coordinator (term) Tai Munro, Instructional Designer (part time, term)

Does the institution have a mechanism for broad sustainability coordination for the entire institution (e.g. a campus-wide committee or an officer/office responsible for the entire campus)?:
Yes

A brief description of the activities and substantive accomplishments of the institution-wide coordinating body or officer during the previous three years:

2016: Development and implementation of the Strategic Campus Sustainability Plan
2016: Launch of Urban Beekeeping Project
2016: Founding of Sustainability Leadership Council
2017: Introduction of Sustainability Fellowship Program
2018: Advocacy for and adaption of instituion wide sustainability learning outcomes
2018: Preparation of Annual Sustainability Report


Job title of the sustainability officer position:
Director Sustainability

Job description for the sustainability officer position:
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Job description for the sustainability officer position:

PA 1 - Director of Sustainability Job Description

General Accountability
The Director, Sustainability will provide expertise and leadership to all areas of the university for sustainability. The incumbent will lead MacEwan University's Office of Sustainability in the development and implementation of the strategic efforts to enhance sustainability at the university. This position is accountable for developing, reviewing, overseeing the implementation of, reporting on, and making recommendations in relations to the strategic actions of MacEwan University's Campus Sustainability Plan. The position will engage the university in sustainability activities relating to the Plan's four sections: i) Academic Education & Research, ii) Sustainable Operations, iii) Engagement, Outreach and Communications, iv) and Leadership. The position will also manage the Sustainability Fund and the delivery of approved business-cases for the use and replenishment of the Fund.

Major Duties and Accountabilities
1. Planning and Governance (40%)
Leading the development of the Campus Sustainability Plan for approval by the Board of Governors to serve as the masterplan for sustainability efforts at MacEwan University by working collaboratively with senior University officers and the Sustainability Advisory Committee
Leading the review of the Campus Sustainability Plan on an annual basis to ensure the sustainability targets outlined and defined action plans for achieving these targets by all University units are relevant and achievable
Working with University constituents to develop and enhance the Campus Sustainability Plan
Supervising, mentoring and managing Office of Sustainability staff, interns and student communication positions
Collaborating with other areas of the institution to embed sustainability into planning and practices
Establishing appropriate Key Performance Indicators for sustainability initiatives and working with University constituents on their implementation
Establishing and implementing processes and systems in support of a coordinated university-wide approach to sustainability practices
Preparing an annual report summarizing the sustainability related activities and projects at MacEwan University and their impact on campus sustainability
Managing the Sustainability Fund and the delivery of approved business cases for the use and replenishment of the Fund Updating and maintaining MacEwan University’s Sustainability Policy
Budgeting financial resources and managing costs associated with the Office of Sustainability
Completing other duties pertaining to sustainability as required

2. Initiate and Coordinate Sustainability Activities (30%)
Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to implement sustainability initiatives as defined in the Campus Sustainability Plan

Working with the Student's Association of MacEwan University to provide volunteer and internship opportunities, as well as, supervision on all assignments to reporting staff and volunteers
Working with CAFÉ to develop and deliver programming to faculty integrate sustainability into the curriculum
Leading and influencing sustainability activities in context to the University values pillars and best practices
Monitoring progress of projects and reporting back to University departments, groups, and committees
Leading the collection of data and submission of a STARS report on behalf of MacEwan University
Providing expertise and leadership to all areas of the university for sustainability
Providing input and advice on sustainability opportunities and challenges, making recommendations on sustainability to senior University officers, as requested
Supporting the operations of university-wide sustainability governance

3. Advocate, Educate, and Communicate (30%)
Promoting MacEwan University as a sustainability leader and increase the visibility of MacEwan University's sustainability internally and externally
Serving as a representative of sustainability issues at University related stakeholder meetings
Representing the university to external stakeholders to build productive relationships and partnerships
Strengthening partnerships and collaboration with other educational institutions• Developing and implementing educational campaigns within MacEwan University to inform students, faculty, and staff about sustainability initiatives
Gathering information about sustainability best practices, alternative technologies, and the sustainability activities of other organizations

Reporting Relationships
Reports directly to the Vice President, Finance and Administration.
The position works collaboratively with a Sustainability Advisory Committee and various other sustainability working groups

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Education and Experience
Master’s degree in environmental science, engineering, public administration or another sustainability related discipline
Experience in coordinating and implementing sustainability initiatives in an institutional setting is preferred
LEED accreditation and project management professional (PMP) certification would be an asset

Skills and Abilities
Understanding of a wide range of sustainability topics including environmental responsibility (water and energy conservation, environmental management, building design, social equity, waste reduction, transportation, and air quality), social equity, and economic vitality.
Strong oral and written communication skills, with proven experience writing reports and giving presentations.
Demonstrated leadership ability especially relating to developing and implementing sustainability initiatives.
Demonstrated experience in public relations and working with the media.
Experience in managing projects and developing business cases and proposals.


Job title of the sustainability officer position (2nd position):
Engagement and Outreach Advisor

Job description for the sustainability officer position (2nd position):
Job description for the sustainability officer position (2nd position):
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Job title of the sustainability officer position (3rd position):
STARS Assistant

Job description for the sustainability officer position (3rd position):
Job description for the sustainability officer position (3rd position):
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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.