Overall Rating Silver
Overall Score 61.60
Liaison Megan Curtis-Murphy
Submission Date Feb. 28, 2023

STARS v2.2

Northeastern University
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.33 / 2.00 Megan Curtis-Murphy
Director of Campus Sustainability & Engagement
Climate Justice & Sustainability Hub
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Local advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
Northeastern is a member of the Boston Green Ribbon Commission (GRC) whose mission is to accelerate the implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan by convening, organizing, and enabling leaders from Boston’s key sectors, including Higher Education. The GRC has built a robust civic leadership network that is informed, engaged and connected on climate action.

The Higher Education Working Group (HEWG), has had a pivotal role in the City’s climate action success to date by sharing and transferring their knowledge and lessons learned to other sectors for the effective and equitable implementation of the City’s climate goals.

Thomas Nedell, Northeastern's Senior Vice President for Finance and Treasurer, is an active contributor to the Green Ribbon Commission. As a result of a recent meeting focused on climate resilience with Boston's Mayor, NU will be hosting a cooling center pilot program this summer called "Hot Summer Cool Break" which will help strengthen community connections. One goal of the program is to expand access and reduce barriers-to-entry to cooling for residents at risk of heat-related illness.

Regional advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:
The University considers advocacy efforts at the state and regional level as they relate to greater university goals and policies. As the University is working toward becoming fossil fuel free by 2040, it is critical that the state moves toward policies that will support these efforts. Recently, Northeastern signed on to a letter in support of a bill that would advance Massachusetts’ offshore wind and clean energy sectors. The letter specifically called for the final bill to: Strengthen the clean energy economy, invest in green infrastructure and prioritize equity and justice.

National advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
No

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
---

International advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
No

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
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Optional Fields 

A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
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None
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
---

Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:
https://www.northeastern.edu/governmentrelations/

Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
greenribboncommission.org
https://news.northeastern.edu/2022/05/23/congress-global-competitiveness-bill/?utm_source=News%40Northeastern&utm_campaign=e6e20469a7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_03_03_02_54_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_508ab516a3-e6e20469a7-279214572

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