| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 61.60 |
| Liaison | Megan Curtis-Murphy |
| Submission Date | Feb. 28, 2023 |
Northeastern University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 4.00 |
Megan
Curtis-Murphy Director of Campus Sustainability & Engagement Climate Justice & Sustainability Hub |
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in curriculum and/or research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to academics and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address student, employee, or community engagement for sustainability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to engagement and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in operations?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to operations and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Northeastern University has a “Sustainable Action Plan: Roadmap Towards Carbon Neutrality” that was developed in 2010. The Plan includes measurable sustainability objectives including a goal to reduce emissions 80% from 2005 levels by 2050 on a gross square foot (gsf) basis. The Plan also addresses emissions from transportation and waste management. An update to the Plan in 2017 included several new measurable objectives including on water conservation, stormwater, waste reduction, sustainable transportation and climate resiliency.
The Planning, Real Estate and Facilities department includes strategies to reduce emissions through its policies, guidelines and systems as detailed in the "Sustainable Practices and Operations Guidelines". The university is also in the process of updating this work through the development of the Climate Justice Action Plan which includes a larger focus on the community and intends to center the needs of those more vulnerable and impacted by the climate crisis.
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address diversity, equity, and inclusion; sustainable investment/finance; or wellbeing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:
The following goals and objectives are included in the President’s Diversity Action Plan:
1. Create a Community Advisory Board for NUPD
2. Increase diversity and representation at all levels and for Northeastern to reflect the diversity of our nation and society by 2025.
3. Elevate the President’s Council on Diversity and Inclusion
4. Improve Universitywide Accountability
5. Appoint a Deal for Cultural and Spiritual Life
6. Improve support for Black Students
7. Enact cultural competency and anti-racism training
8. Deepen community engagement
9. Amplify our impact through our employer partners
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
The institution’s highest guiding document (upload):
Website URL where the institution’s highest guiding document is publicly available:
Which of the following best describes the inclusion of sustainability in the highest guiding document?:
The institution's sustainability plan (upload):
Website URL where the institution's sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body?:
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
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 |
| Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability | No |
| SDG Accord | No |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | Yes |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | No |
| 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:
City of Boston Pacesetter Program
Green Ribbon Commission and Higher Education Working Group
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.