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-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00 Kalen Pilkington
Director of Sustainability
Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Published Plans That Address Sustainability 

Strategic Plan

Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
Yes

A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
MacEwan University has adopted sustainability as one of the 8 foundational pillars of the institution. Excerpt from the executive summary of the Comprehensive Institutional Plan: "Sustainability is one of the MacEwan University Pillars, which articulate the values most fundamental to the institution. Recently the Board of Governors approved a renewed sustainability plan. The Strategic Campus Sustainability Plan confirms how sustainability will inform all the institution's activities, both academic and non-academic."

A copy of the strategic plan:
PA 2_Institutional Plan.pdf

The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
https://www.macewan.ca/wcm/Administrative/InstitutionalAnalysisandPlanning/InstitutionalPlan/index.htm

Sustainability Plan 

Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the sustainability plan:
PA_2 - Strategic Campus Sustainability Plan 2017-2021.pdf

The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
https://www.macewan.ca/wcm/Administrative/OfficeofSustainability/StrategicPlan/index.htm

Climate Action Plan 

Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
No

A copy of the climate action plan:
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The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
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Other Published Plans 

Does the institution have other published plans that address sustainability or include measurable sustainability objectives (e.g. campus master plan, physical campus plan, diversity plan, human resources plan)? :
Yes

A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
Integrated Strategic Plan (ISP): https://www.macewan.ca/wcm/Discover/OurPriorities/IntegratedStrategicPlan/index.htm - ISP Framework: https://www.macewan.ca/contribute/groups/public/documents/document/d29y/a18y/~edisp/isp_framework_2018.pdf Sustainability Policy D6000: https://www.macewan.ca/contribute/groups/public/documents/policy/sustainability.pdf Strategic Plan for Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity, 2017–2020: https://www.macewan.ca/contribute/groups/public/documents/document/research_strategic_plan.pdf

Measurable Sustainability Objectives 

Curriculum

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Campus Sustainability Plan: AC 1: Promote sustainability learning pathways, by increasing sustainability-related course offerings and developing a sustainability program of study. AC 1.1 Increase the number of sustainability-related courses. AC 1.2 Ensure that graduating students have an understanding of sustainability concepts and principles. AC 1.3 Develop a sustainability credential at MacEwan University. AC 1.5 Create an environment where faculty are supported and encouraged to integrate sustainability into teaching and learning. AC 1.6 Facilitate collaborative projects that link the operational and academic aspects of the university.

Research 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Campus Sustainability Plan: AC 2: Advance innovative, cross-disciplinary sustainability-related research. AC 2.1 Encourage and support research in sustainability. AC 2.2 Promote sustainability projects and research through providing open access to the public via online tools.

Campus Engagement 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Campus Sustainability Plan: EO 1: Increase sustainability-related non-credit programming and learning experiences for staff, students, and faculty. EO 1.1 Develop innovative and participatory engagement experiences to educate staff, students, and faculty about sustainability. EO 1.2 Create opportunities for staff, students, and faculty to work together collaboratively on projects to further sustainability at MacEwan. EO 1.3 Employ campus-as-a-living-lab principles to provide interactive and experiential sustainability learning. EO 1.4 Build internal partnerships to foster collaboration through co-development and delivery of programs and initiatives. EO 1.5 Provide students with sustainability learning experiences outside the classroom. EO 1.6 Provide information and opportunities to communicate the culture of sustainability and how to get involved to new staff, students, and faculty.

Public Engagement 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Campus Sustainability Plan: EO 2: Create partnerships outside the university to foster collaboration and the co-creation of sustainability initiatives both on and off campus. EO 2.1 Improve the public’s knowledge of sustainability by offering accessible education and engagement opportunities. EO 2.2 Provide non-credit educational opportunities to community members. EO 2.3 Increase sustainability-related course offerings and programs through continuing education. EO 2.4 Engage the local community in MacEwan’s sustainability initiatives. EO 2.5 Collaborate with other post-secondary institutions to help further inter-campus sustainability and build a collective body of knowledge. EO 2.6 Utilize sustainability as a recruitment tool to attract and retain high-quality staff, students, and faculty. EO 2.7 Advocate for sustainability in policies on a municipal, provincial, national, and international scale. EO 2.8 Expand MacEwan’s relationships with Edmonton partners through increasing community partnerships and community service agreements. EO 2.9 Strengthen awareness of sustainability and citizenship through community service.

Air & Climate 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Campus Sustainability Plan: OP 1: Design and update buildings so they use less energy and emit fewer greenhouse gases.

Buildings 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Campus Sustainability Plan: OP 2: Employ sustainable building best practices, to reduce the negative impacts of the built environment during design, construction and operation of campus buildings. OP 2.1 Apply best practices in low impact development throughout the entire building process. OP 2.2 Reduce the negative impacts of the built environment and employ sustainable practices during design, construction, and operations. OP 2.3 Participate in benchmarking programs to help drive best practices and innovation in the built environment. OP 3: Employ best practices for indoor air quality management to protect and promote human health and wellness. OP 3,1 Employ best practices for indoor air quality management. OP 3.2 Design, construct and operate buildings to promote health and wellness.

Energy 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Campus Sustainability Plan: OP 1: Design and update buildings so they use less energy and emit fewer greenhouse gases. OP 9: Reduce the consumption of energy, waste, and resources by Information Technology Services and print services. OP 9.1 Ensure print services are delivered with responsible procurement, energy management and waste reduction in mind. OP 9.2 Implement pilots and programs to reduce the use of resources across campus. OP 11: Improve the energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable purchasing, and waste management of all campus spaces.

Food & Dining 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Campus Sustainability Plan: OP 8: Promote and support sustainable food practices and green event management for on-campus dining and catering. OP 8.1 Promote and support sustainable food practices for on-campus dining and catering. OP 8.2 Support innovative pilot programs that increase food security at MacEwan. OP 8.3 Promote sustainable-event management practices for all on-campus events.

Grounds 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Campus Sustainability Plan: OP 4: Plan and maintain grounds to promote ecosystem health, social interaction, and cultural expression. OP 4.1 Plan and maintain grounds with positive contributions to the local ecosystem health, including biodiversity, native species, food production, and pollinator habitat. OP 4.2 Reduce the negative environmental impact of hardscapes. OP 4.3 Improve social interaction and cultural expression through the installation of public art.

Purchasing 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Campus Sustainability Plan: OP 10: Ensure that products and services are sourced responsibly and that all procurement meets a range of sustainability criteria. OP 10.1 Support socially equitable and environmentally responsible businesses through procurement and asset management. OP 10.2 Ensure all custodial services comply with the Green Housekeeping Program. OP 9: Reduce the consumption of energy, waste, and resources by Information Technology Services and print services. OP 9.1 Ensure print services are delivered with responsible procurement, energy management and waste reduction in mind.

Transportation 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Campus Sustainability Plan: OP 5: Minimize our ecological footprint by promoting sustainable transportation to and from campus. OP 5.1 Maintain a pedestrian friendly campus that promotes multi-modal transportation to campus that reduces transportation related emissions. OP 5.2 Ensure the availability of viable, safe, and convenient low-impact modes of transportation to and from campus. OP 5.3 Create a bicycle friendly campus that is connected to the larger municipal transportation plan. OP 5.4 Utilize a campus vehicle fleet that uses clean, efficient fuels, or alternate energy sources.

Waste 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Campus Sustainability Plan: OP 6: Minimize the amount of waste on campus seeking reuse and responsible disposal opportunities. OP 6.1 Reduce the amount of waste on campus. OP 6.2 Decrease the amount of hazardous waste on campus and ensure that it is safely and efficiently managed. OP 9: Reduce the consumption of energy, waste, and resources by Information Technology Services and print services. OP 9.1 Ensure print services are delivered with responsible procurement, energy management and waste reduction in mind. OP 11: Improve the energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable purchasing, and waste management of all campus spaces

Water 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Campus Sustainability Plan: OP 7: Design and operate buildings, facilities, and grounds to use less potable water though employing sustainable water management practices. OP 7.1 Design and operate buildings, facilities and grounds to use less potable water though employing sustainable water management practices. OP 11: Improve the energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable purchasing, and waste management of all campus spaces

Diversity & Affordability 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Campus Sustainability Plan: LD 7: Improve access to post-secondary education and support diversity, equity, inclusivity and social justice with staff, students, and faculty on campus and in the community. LD 7.1 Support diversity, equity, inclusivity and social justice initiatives for staff, students and faculty on campus and in the community. LD 7.2 Improve access to post-secondary education to underrepresented groups.

Investment & Finance 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Campus Sustainability Plan: LD 5: Incorporate sustainability as a key component to evaluating investment opportunities. LD 5.1 Incorporate sustainability as a key component in evaluating investment opportunities. LD 5.2 Ensure that the Office of Sustainability has diverse, secure, and adequate sources of long-term funding.

Wellbeing & Work 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Campus Sustainability Plan: OP 7: Create an environment that supports staff, student, faculty and community wellness.

Other Impact Areas 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Campus Sustainability Plan: Communications EO 3: Create and implement a comprehensive communications plan that shares and promotes MacEwan’s sustainability story. EO 3.1 Increase visibility and access of the university’s sustainability features, practices, and resources to the campus and community. EO 3.2 Engage with media channels to help enhance MacEwan’s sustainability profile. EO 3.3 Develop, promote, and distribute a variety of publications to communicate relevant sustainability information. EO 3.4 Elevate the sustainability profile of MacEwan, celebrating campus-wide collaboration and engagement, by sharing our story. EO 3.5 Create a dynamic and engaging online presence for the Office of Sustainability. EO 3.6 Communicate and celebrate the Campus Sustainability Plan’s progress through a variety of different communications mediums. Governance LD 2: Create an inclusive implementation framework for the Campus Sustainability Plan. LD 2.1 Create an inclusive implementation framework for the Campus Sustainability Plan. LD 2,2 Include sustainability criteria in Macewan University policies. LD 2.3 Include sustainability as an evaluation criteria in all decision making for initiatives and programs at MacEwan. Recognition LD 4: Recognize sustainability accomplishments and leadership through campus awards. LD 4.1 Recognize sustainability accomplishments and leadership. LD 4.2 Create and highlight opportunities for students to gain recognition for their work in the field of sustainability. Art OP 4.3 Improve social interaction and cultural expression through the installation of public art.

Optional Fields 

Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body (e.g. a mission statement that specifically includes sustainability and is endorsed by the Board of Trustees)? :
Yes

The formal statement in support of sustainability:
MacEwan University has adopted sustainability as one of the 8 foundational pillars of the institution: We are committed to creative approaches to sustainability in education and campus operations – activating solutions for positive environmental, social and economic impact. FOCUS: Demonstrate our commitment to sustainability in education and campus operations.

The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
The overarching goal of sustainability is to contribute positively towards the well-being of individuals, communities, and ecosystems. To this end, sustainability in higher education balances environmental responsibility, economic health, social equity, and cultural vitality. (...) Sustainability should be purposefully integrated into the institution through academics, operations, engagement, and leadership. Integration and support from the institution as a whole will help create more informed, engaged, and responsible citizens.

Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
Yes or No
The Earth Charter No
The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) No
ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter No
Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment No
The Talloires Declaration (TD) Yes
UN Global Compact No
Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) Yes

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
Talloires Declaration (signed in 2009) Through endorsement of the Talloires Declaration, MacEwan University has pledged to support environmental citizenship at all levels on campus, with the goal of advancing global environmental literacy and sustainable development. Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability (signed in 2009) The Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability commits signatories to foster sustainability practices and principles across all campus functions and encourages a participatory process in achieving these goals. University and College Presidents' Climate Change Statement of Action (signed in 2009) The University and College Presidents’ Climate Change Statement of Action commits the University to address climate change. This will involve developing a comprehensive Greenhouse Gas Emissions inventory, establishing reduction targets, and facilitating an implementation plan and reduction strategy. Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) (signed in 2011) PRME, an initiative of the United Nations Global Compact Office, focuses on integrating human rights, labour rights, environmental sustainability and anti-corruption into the university curriculum. Several School of Business courses include sustainability as part of their curricula. UN Academic Impact (signed in 2017) Our commitment to the United Nations Academic Impact aligns MacEwan University with other institutions of higher learning in supporting and contributing to the realization of UN goals and mandates, including the promotion and protection of human rights, access to education, sustainability and conflict resolution.

The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
https://www.macewan.ca/wcm/Administrative/OfficeofSustainability/Governance/index.htm

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.