Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 63.22
Liaison Jody Jones
Submission Date Oct. 17, 2019
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Mount Royal University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.25 / 4.00 Courtney Stange
Administrative Assistant
Institute for Environmental 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:
Within Mount Royal University's Strategic Plan Goal 10: Advance Economic, Environmental and Social Sustainability outlines the goal for sustainability on campus. -Promote growth of economic, environmental and social sustainability throughout our campus and become leaders within our community through thoughtful planning and deliberate action. The Campus Master Plan incorporates the goals for making campus more sustainable including grounds, energy use, and transportation. Sections 4.2 and 4.3 specifically outline the plan.

A copy of the strategic plan:
mru_strategic_plan.pdf

The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
http://www.mtroyal.ca/AboutMountRoyal/OfficesGovernance/OfficePresident/StrategicPlan2025/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:
pdf_campusmaster_2016.pdf

The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
https://www.mtroyal.ca/cs/groups/public/documents/pdf/pdf_campusmaster_2016.pdf

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):
https://www.mtroyal.ca/IndigenousMountRoyal/indigenous-strategic-plan/index.htm The Indigenous Strategic Plan's Guiding Principles are: - We honour and uphold the commitment to Indigenous education. - We recognize, value and apply Indigenous knowledge, culturally responsive pedagogies and practices. - We value partnerships with all Indigenous communities and will align our ethical practices and protocols. - We are committed to efforts and initiatives that build reconciliation based on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action. - We are committed to ongoing mutual learning and growth, and understanding that this living process will have no “finish” or “end” date.

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:
Goal 5 in the Indigenous Strategic Plan is: Respectful and inclusive curricula and pedagogies. Strategies include: Indigenization of the Curriculum and Student Learning, Faculty Development, Enrolled Indigenous Students, and Indigenous Students seeking Admission.

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:
Strategic Plan, Goal 10.3: We will actively promote and support environmental sustainability implementing the key recommendations from the President's Task Force on Campus Sustainability, which includes: C5. Curriculum and Research C5.1 Complete a comprehensive review of MRU course offerings that include environmental sustainability as part of the direct content. C5.2 Develop and promote a set of guidelines for environmentally sustainable course delivery practices and monitor their implementation across campus. C5.3 Develop and circulate materials to all MRU instructors on how to incorporate environmental sustainability and ecological literacy into all course offerings. C5.4 Explore the potential for the development and delivery of a suite of courses specifically focused on environmental sustainability. These should be interdisciplinary and could potentially be offered through General Education. C5.5 Examine the feasibility of offering a certificate in environmental sustainability open to all undergraduate students at MRU. C5.6 Explore the potential for the development and implementation of an Environmental Humanities program (major and/or minor) at MRU. C5.7 Encourage the development of collaborative, interdisciplinary research with a focus on environmental sustainability. This could be coordinated through the Institute for Environmental Sustainability.

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:
Strategic Plan, Goal 4, Strategy 10.4: Foster social sustainability by developing a Social Sustainability Plan that identifies, addresses and removed barriers to access, to ensure full and meaningful participation in our learning, living and working community.

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:
As stated in the Strategic Plan Goal 9 = Enhance community outreach Continue to strategically support the work of our community focused programs and services for the broader community utilizing Continuing Education, Conservatory, Recreations, Cougar Athletics, and the Riddell Library and Learning Center as ambassadors in our community.

Air & Climate 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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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:
As stated in the Campus Master Plan Designing buildings to reduce water consumption (potable water demand), collect, use, and restore needed water. Design new buildings to reduce stormwater impacts, and could incorporate, or contribute to, rainwater capture and re-use systems. Design new buildings for efficiency and resiliency and, where feasible, to generate their own clean energy. Design new building to achieve sustainability performance targets, such as LEED Gold or higher, as feasible.

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:
As stated in the Campus Master Plan Consider options for sustainable energy generation at a district and building level in order to improve the sustainability and resilience of the Campus. This may include: co-generation or combined heat and power generation, tri-generation (heating, power, and cooling systems), district energy, micro-generation, renewable energy systems.

Food & Dining 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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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:
As stated in the Campus Master Plan To encourage a sustainable approach to landscaping on Campus, indigenous trees and plantings should be used, appropriate to southwestern Alberta and suitable to its climate. Design to minimize or eliminate need for irrigation, conserve existing plants and landscape features and enhance the character of these areas.

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:
As stated in the Strategic Plan We will secure our economic sustainability by developing comprehensive implementation plans, including management of current assets and resources and planning for future resource development with diversified revenue sources. The implementation plans will also include enhanced internal controls to ensure responsible management of resources to capitalize on returns on investment.

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:
As stated in the Campus Master Plan Plan proposes shift to reduce car dependency: redesign streets to support bicycles, connect to wider bicycle networks through off street paths, transit network with local and BRT transit routes with stops within 5 min walk of all buildings, compact and walkable development with range of services to create a complete community on Campus, promote car-pooling, leverage internal resources and message boards, create additional residences, present opportunities for people to live where they work, manage parking supply and pricing.

Waste 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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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:
As stated in the Campus Master Plan Incorporate stormwater management strategies, including increased permeable surfaces, and collection, filtering, and reuse techniques. Design new buildings to reduce stormwater impacts, and incorporate, or contribute to, rainwater capute and re-use systems.

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:
As stated in the Strategic Plan Develop a socially sustainable campus community that nurtures and celebrates diversity, inclusion, equity and justice and facilitates a service culture. Tuition at Mount Royal is based on a standardized fee for all courses and is competitive within the province of Alberta. Specifically Goal 5.2 regarding developing financial supports for students, to assist in alleviating the stress that can negatively impact students' ability to succeed in their studies. This goal includes measures such as: the value of available student bursaries, scholarships, and awards equals 5% of Mount Royal's operating budget and the availability of part-time student employment on campus is at or above the national average. Goal 8.3 regarding fundraising with intention. This goal includes measures related to scholarships and bursaries available to students.

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:
Strategic Plan, Goal 10.3: We will actively promote and support environmental sustainability implementing the key recommendations from the President's Task Force on Campus Sustainability, which includes: C1. Commitment and Leadership C1.4 Senior leadership will commit to ensuring that environmental sustainability values are incorporated into all relevant university policies and procedures, including those regarding external donors and investment of university endowment and reserve funds. C1.5 Senior leadership and the Board of Governors will commit to allocating adequate funding to support sustainability coordination and initiatives at Mount Royal, beginning with the 2014-15 operating budget. Although this will entail an initial up-front investment, the potential for a positive return on investment is high given resulting cost savings and proven sustainable funding models such as revolving green funds.

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:
As stated in the Strategic Plan Goal 6 = Foster a healthy work environment Provide services that support a healthy and productive work environment. Foster a safe and positive working environment which is respectful and inclusive. Foster an environment that promotes trust through transparency in decision making. Foster career development among our faculty, staff and management.

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)?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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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)? :
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The formal statement in support of sustainability:
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The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
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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:
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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
indigenous-strategy_publication_digital_feb2018.pdf

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.