Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 65.60
Liaison Dayna Cook
Submission Date May 1, 2014
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Northern Arizona University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00 Ellen Vaughan
Manager
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have current and formal plans to advance sustainability in the following areas? Do the plans include measurable objectives?:
Current and Formal Plans (Yes or No) Measurable Objectives (Yes or No)
Curriculum Yes Yes
Research (or other scholarship) Yes Yes
Campus Engagement Yes Yes
Public Engagement --- ---
Air and Climate Yes Yes
Buildings Yes Yes
Dining Services/Food Yes Yes
Energy Yes Yes
Grounds Yes Yes
Purchasing Yes Yes
Transportation Yes Yes
Waste Yes Yes
Water Yes Yes
Diversity and Affordability --- ---
Health, Wellbeing and Work --- ---
Investment --- ---
Other --- ---

A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:

Climate Action Plan 2010

1. Embed environmental sustainability issues across the curriculum.
2. Prepare students to compete in the green economy. Maintain and develop disciplinary and interdisciplinary programs in environmental sustainability.
3. Partner with the community to provide opportunities for students in the green economy (in concert with Research, Goal 4).


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):

Climate Action Plan 2010
1) Embed environmental sustainability issues across the curriculum.

Action 1. Establish environmental sustainability as one of three new university-level student learning outcomes: The Global Learning Recommendations of the Task Force on Global Education.

The Task Force on Global Education was established to address the university’s Strategic Plan, Goal 4 on global engagement. This will be achieved through the following three student learning outcomes.

Global education: analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the interconnectedness and interdependence of the human experience on a global scale

Environmental sustainability: acquire the skills and knowledge to understand the importance of, and options, for environmental sustainability in local and global terms, and acquire an understanding of the range of ethical perspectives concerning the uses of natural resources and the impact of these
perspectives on creating a sustainable relationship to the natural environment

Diversity: learn about, and critically reflect upon, the nature and consequences of diversity in the social (e.g., ethnic, religious, cultural) world and the natural environment

The Faculty Senate adopted three core university thematic student learning outcomes in January 2010 that will apply to all undergraduate students in their majors, the Liberal Studies Program, and in co-curricular programming. The university will provide students with opportunities within their degree and minor programs, the Liberal Studies Program, international study and experiences, and co-curricular learning experiences to acquire knowledge and develop competencies associated with global engagement, diversity, and environmental sustainability.

Action 2. Develop the Environmental Caucus at Northern Arizona University.

To address the university’s Strategic Plan, Goal 3: commitment to a vibrant sustainable community, the Environmental Caucus (EC) provides discussion and feedback from members to identify the integral connections between areas emphasized in the strategic plan (elevate the environmental, economic, social, and cultural vitality of our communities through collaborative stewardship of place). The EC facilitates creative and strategic communication across campus and the community to advance the commitment to sustainability and to promote education, research, and collaboration on the environment. The caucus is open to faculty, staff, students, and environmental partners of the university, and operates through consensus-based decision making. Self-organized action teams develop recommendations and oversee implementation of projects.

Improve Curriculum: the Ponderosa 2.0 Project
The Ponderosa 2.0 Action Team of the caucus builds on a long-established history at the university of “greening” the curriculum through the Ponderosa Project. Ponderosa 2.0 consists of faculty, staff, and students working together to develop and conduct continuing education workshops for faculty on issues of sustainability and the teaching of sustainability. It also is working to establish 10 to 12 First Year Seminars in partnership with related graduate programs to address issues of sustainability and linkages to community. Faculty will work together to improve existing and
planned courses across the curriculum by developing course components emphasizing sustainable practices. The group will convene a student-focused forum to identify what important issues need to be addressed and how to create the opportunities to meet them.

Action 3. Northern Arizona University will promote campus-wide learning opportunities by incorporating sustainability themes into the Provost’s and President’s Lecture Series, the Building for Community series, or other lecture opportunities.

Responsible Party
Global Learning Committee (working on implementation) and Chief Academic Officer (Provost). Chair of the Environmental Caucus is responsible for the success of the caucus’ activities and initiatives.

Measure of Success
Evidence of success will be measured through regular assessment of student learning conducted within degree programs,
Liberal Studies, international program, and co-curricular programs.

Goal 2
Prepare students to compete in the green economy. Maintain and develop disciplinary and interdisciplinary programs in environmental sustainability.

Action
Northern Arizona University acknowledges that to develop new careers for the green economy will require more than one discipline or program of study. The university currently offers an undergraduate environmental studies degree with a focus on sustainability. Our interdisciplinary graduate programs include environmental sciences and policy, sustainable communities, and climate science and solutions. These programs develop professional skills for the green economy in three general areas.

Develop specific technologies within engineering and natural sciences disciplines, including: biology; chemistry; chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineering; environmental sciences and policy; forestry; and physics.

Implement new technologies, practices, and policies. To ensure that new technologies are economically and socially viable and widely utilized, our business, economics, environmental studies, political science, sociology, psychology, humanities, and environmental studies students apply their education to sustainability issues. Majors in sociology, psychology, and the humanities also work on environmental education and environmental justice issues to provide a more fertile social setting for acceptance and use of sustainable concepts and technologies.

Improve ecosystems services. A fundamental concept of sustainable living is to recognize, value, and protect the services that healthy ecosystems provide. Majors in environmental sciences, biology, forestry, geology, civil and environmental engineering, and resource management all study ecosystems and their components from different perspectives.

Responsible Party
Chief Academic Officer (Provost) is responsible for all academic initiatives.
Measure of Success

Evidence of success as outlined in the assessment plan for each academic program.

Goal 3
Partner with the community to provide opportunities for students in the green economy (in concert with Research, Goal 4).

Action 1. Technology Research Initiative Fund (TRIF) and Education, Research, and Development for the New Economy (ERDENE)

TRIF is a special investment in higher education made possible by the passage of Proposition 301 by Arizona voters in 2000. TRIF proceeds are administered by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) and allocated to the state’s public universities. Every five years, ABOR approves a TRIF budget plan for the three state universities. The current TRIF budget period is FY2007-2011. During this period, Northern Arizona University’s TRIF agenda is focusing on the following goals:

• stimulate entrepreneurship, innovation, and research and development (R and D) to support Arizona’s knowledge-based economy
• increase access to higher education to prepare a skilled workforce to meet the needs of Arizona’s expanding economy
• invest in infrastructure that will promote R and D partnerships with business, enhance technology transfer, and connect knowledge creators with knowledge users
• develop new, and expand existing, programs to prepare students for high technology industries in Arizona

ERDENE, supported through a TRIF program, builds on the university’s well-established leadership in environmental science and technology and emphasizes five major areas: ecological restoration, renewable energy technologies, water resources, applied research for sustaining rural communities, and comprehensive monitoring and management of complex systems. The program also builds on the university’s strong connection with rural Arizona and success in building collaborative partnerships with private, public, tribal, and non-profit entities. It encourages research, teaching, and public outreach, and enables the university faculty, staff, and students to address the interrelated environmental, economic, and social needs of the 21st century.

Action 2. Northern Arizona University will continue to develop sustainable practices and technologies through its continued support of the Northern Arizona Center for Emerging Technologies (NACET) and the Coconino County Sustainable Economic Development Initiative (SEDI).

NACET is a small-business assistance program founded through collaborative relationships among the university, the City of Flagstaff, the Northern Arizona Council of Governments, and many others in the local business community to help entrepreneurs and startups succeed in northern Arizona. NACET offers hands-on consulting to high-tech, science, and renewable energy firms and links client companies to specialty labs and equipment, intellectual property, and capital resources. It also creates synergies through an extensive network of faculty, staff, interns, and alumni from local academic institutions.

SEDI fosters innovative approaches to economic development appropriate to who we are and where we live. Five areas of development include: sustainable tourism, resource-based industries, energy efficiency and renewable energy, green materials and projects, and micro-enterprises.

Responsible Party
The Office of Vice President for Research is responsible for reporting measures of success for TRIF and ERDENE to ABOR. Directors are responsible for other organizations.

Measure of Success
Evidence of success will be outlined in the assessment plan for each organization.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):

See above


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):

Climate Action Plan 2010
Research
1. Enhance and maintain the university’s emphasis on environmental and sustainability research and graduate education.
2. Increase the university’s impact on environmental and sustainability research through increased publication and outreach activity.
3. Promote the university as a responsible sustainable organization with experience in, and commitment to, sustainable practices.
4. Maintain and expand the opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student research and for student engagement in off-campus environmental and sustainability activities.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):

Climate Action Plan 2010

Goal 1
Enhance and maintain the university’s emphasis on environmental and sustainability research and graduate education.

This goal will be accomplished through continued strategic investment and effort. Northern Arizona University’s Research and Graduate Education Task Force report, a basis for institutional strategic planning, identified Environment and Sustainable Systems as one of four areas and emerging directions in which the university should focus.

Become the number one university for environmental and sustainability research.

Maintain and expand partnerships with federal, state, tribal, and non-governmental organizations and agencies, and with the private sector to improve sustainable practices.

Action

Northern Arizona University will assist faculty and staff in the successful completion of an increasing number of sponsored projects in environmental and sustainability fields. Currently, the university ranks in the top three of its peer group for sponsored project dollars received. The goal is to remain at the top of our peer group and to join the top 100 research universities in the country—something no other peer institution has accomplished. The State of Arizona’s Technology Research Initiative Fund enables the ERDENE program to develop initiatives with off-campus partners to promote private enterprise initiatives in sustainability, and to develop green jobs. Our relationships with SEDI and the NACET continues to grow.

Responsible Party
The Office of Vice President for Research is responsible for reporting measures of research performance to ABOR, including environmental and sustainability research.

Measure of Success
One of the metrics to be used by the Vice President for Research will be the National Science Foundation (NSF) determinations of the amount of sponsored project support in environmental fields. The number of new partnerships established with off-campus partners in sustainability and environmental management will be tracked.

Goal 2
Increase the university’s impact on environmental and sustainability research through increased publication and outreach activity. The university particularly interested in demonstrating how non-traditional interdisciplinary approaches can be used to improve sustainable practices.

Action
Northern Arizona University will continue to emphasize the importance of research and scholarly activities for tenure-track faculty. Increasing the number of publications in environmental and sustainability fields can now be tracked more successfully using the Web of Science search tool.

Responsible Party
The Office of Vice President for Research is responsible for reporting measures of research performance to ABOR, including environmental and sustainability research.

Measure of Success
The field of ecology is already the number one area of publication for the university and we look to build upon that success. We will use Web of Science search tools to determine increases in university publications in environmental and sustainability fields and to look for evidence of increased interdisciplinary partnerships.

Goal 3
Promote the university as a responsible sustainable organization with experience in and commitment to sustainable practices.

Action
The university will develop targeted initiatives to promote work in the environment and sustainability. Some of these initiatives will be directly tied to completing components of the Climate Action Plan. NAU will continue to develop and promote the use of the Green NAU website to promote interdisciplinary initiatives.

Responsible Party
The Vice President for University Advancement will oversee targeted initiatives to promote the university’s work in environment and sustainability.

Measure of Success
Evidence of successful promotion of Northern Arizona University will be in the form of increased development activity related to environmental and sustainability programs at the university.

Goal 4
Maintain and expand the opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student research and for student engagement in off-campus environmental
and sustainability activities.

Action
Northern Arizona University will build upon successful programs that provide students with research and internship activities in environmental and sustainability fields. Students are involved in local projects that reduce the energy impact of housing, transportation, and food and water systems. Existing programs such as the Ecological Restoration Institute’s internship program, the Undergraduate Mentoring in Environmental Biology program, the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates program in environmental sciences, biology, and chemistry, the Hooper Undergraduate Research Awards, and Hooper Sustainability Awards will be maintained and new programs developed (see Opportunities, below). The Office of Sustainability continues to seek support for its internship program originally established through the Center for Sustainable Environments.

Responsible Party
The principal investigator or program director for each program will be responsible for its continued success. Coordinators in the College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences, the School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, and the Master of Sustainable Communities will track the number of student participants.

Measure of Success
The number of student participants in research, internships, and engaged learning experiences will be tracked.

Benefits
Embedding environmental sustainability issues across the curriculum will increase student awareness and assist in creating a culture of sustainability on campus. It will also encourage students to seek out research opportunities in the areas of environment and sustainability, and help to make the campus a living laboratory.

Timeline
Efforts in this area are currently underway and will adapt to changing needs over time.

Challenges
A variety of pressures on public research universities has resulted in decreased resources available for research, outreach, and public service.
Expected declines in state funding and continued financial pressures on the TRIF/ERDENE programs will pose serious challenges as the university continues to promote partnerships and sustainable activities, expand sustainability curriculum, and provide in-depth learning experiences to an increasing population of students.

Opportunities
Our unique cultural setting on the Colorado Plateau provides us with special opportunities to develop strong partnerships with federal and tribal agencies. These partnerships not only allow the university to use its expertise in outreach and public service, but also allow programs like Applied Indigenous Studies to draw upon traditional ecological knowledge in sustainable practices and seek partnerships with the tribal colleges.

University faculty, staff, and students provide a broad base of support for campus-wide and community sustainability initiatives such as the Global Learning Initiative and three university student learning outcomes on global engagement, diversity, and environmental sustainability.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):

See above


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:

Not in Climate Action Plan.

There are multiple offices and groups on campus that have CE part of their mission or responsibilities:

The Office of Sustainability plans to advance CE by organizing multiple events like Campus Sustainability Day, the Better World Film Series and Earth Hour. The OS also financially supports sustainability related events and speakers.

The Green NAU Energy Initiative (GNEI) trains faculty and staff Energy Mentors so those mentors can take what they've learned about conservation back to their respective offices and engage their co-workers in sustainable practices. GNEI also holds RA competitions where RA's create conservation themed hallway designs aimed to engage students living in residence halls in conservation efforts.

Residence Life trains "EcoReps" so there are individuals in residence halls throughout campus that educate their peers about EE and conservation. The EcoReps also organize and participate in events such as tabling and the Eco-Fashion Show.

The Environmental Caucus holds monthly meetings open to all of campus to educated attendees about sustainable research, initiatives, and events happening around campus and in the greater community. The EC also funds a communications intern who works to update their Green Calendar and promote sustainable initiatives and events around campus.

The Green Jacks are the student environmental group that hold regular meetings and work to engage students in on- and off-campus sustainable initiatives. They are integral to the organization, promotion, and running of NAU's Earth Week - which has a heavy focus on campus engagement.

The Green Fund's mission is to promote student participation in and provides funding for projects that reduce NAU’s negative impact on the environment and create a culture of sustainability on-campus.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:

The Office of Sustainability is run by one FTE who is required under the position's job description to organize events and meetings that promote campus engagement.

GNEI meets with RA's at least twice a year. They provide Energy Mentor training every two months.

Residence Life has the goal of having one EcoRep in each Residence Hall every year.

The Green Fund has very detailed objectives and timeframes. Each semester they accept two rounds of Green Fund proposals.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):

Each office or group is responsible for its own objectives. The Office of Sustainability and GNEI report to Facility Services and the Residence Life Sustainability Coordinator reports to the director of Residence Life.


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
---

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
---

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
---

A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:

Climate Action Plan 2010

Energy and Climate Change
1. Return to 2000 carbon levels by 2014.
2. Return to 1990 carbon levels by 2018.
3. Achieve carbon neutrality by 2020.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):

Climate Action Plan 2010

Goal 1
Return to 2000 carbon levels by 2014.

Action 1. Complete the University Master Plan by 2011, including space optimization and strategies for building footprint efficiency.

Action 2. Develop conservation programs, using tactics such as residence hall energy competitions to encourage student engagement.

Action 3. Select an energy services company to perform an investment grade audit to identify energy efficiency retrofits and upgrades needed in existing buildings. Implement all suggested changes as funding becomes available.

Responsible Party
The Office of Sustainability, the Utilities Department, and Residence Life will work together to develop conservation programs. The Utilities Department is currently working with Purchasing Services to select an energy services company.

Measure of Success
Greenhouse gas emissions reduced to 2000 levels by 2014. This will be measured on the annual emissions inventory, and progress will be noted at the end of each fiscal year.

Goal 2
Return to 1990 carbon levels by 2018.

Action
Develop renewable or alternative energy production on campus. A feasibility study will have to be completed to determine which
renewable production source will be the most cost effective.
Responsible Party

The Utilities Department will work in collaboration with various campus research groups to perform the feasibility study and initiate a project.

Measure of Success
Greenhouse gas emissions reduced to 1990 levels by 2018. This will be measured on the annual emissions inventory and progress will be noted at the end of each fiscal year.

Goal 3
Achieve carbon neutrality by 2020.

Action
Continue to develop onsite renewable energy systems and look to purchasing carbon offsets if necessary.

Responsible Party
The Utilities Department will continue to lead this effort with the assistance of academic units performing research in this area.

Measure of Success
Carbon neutrality.

Benefits
All efforts to reduce energy consumption will have a direct effect on greenhouse gas emissions, pushing the university closer to the goal of carbon neutrality.

Timeline
The Utilities Department is currently working on the selection of an energy services company. All other actions will follow in sequence.

Challenges
The biggest challenges to achieving emissions reductions are financing and technology limitations. The university will have to look to public-private partnerships and utility rebates to fund the development of onsite renewable energy generation. Technologies are rapidly changing and the university will need to consider a variety of cutting-edge options in low carbon technologies.

Opportunities
There are endless opportunities for research in this area. The campus can be used as a living laboratory as students work with faculty and staff to develop new renewable and alternative energy technologies.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):

See above


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:

All new buildings will be LEED Silver.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):

All new buildings will be LEED Silver.

Also, from the Goal 1 from the Operations section of the 2010 Climate Action Plan
Goal 1
Implement and maintain university technical standards so all new construction is built to strict energy standards.

Action
To ensure that the technical standards are holding design professionals and contractors to the highest possible standards, the
university shall research new standards such as ASHRAE 189.1 which clearly outlines methods for constructing a LEED Silver building while placing emphasis on the energy efficiency category.

Responsible Party
The Planning and Development Department will perform this work.

Measure of Success
A final draft of the university technical standards will be completed.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):

Facility Services


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:

Our Dining Services provider, SODEXO, has 14 Commitments to a Better Tomorrow
http://nau.edu/uploadedFiles/Administrative/EMSA_Sites/Dining/_Media/14CommitmentsFlyer.pdf

Also, Climate Action Plan, Operations section, Goal 3:
Increase the use of local, organic, and fair-trade food in dining halls as local food production increases.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):

Our Dining Services provider, SODEXO, has 14 Commitments to a Better Tomorrow
http://nau.edu/uploadedFiles/Administrative/EMSA_Sites/Dining/_Media/14CommitmentsFlyer.pdf


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):

Dining Services


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:

Reach climate neutrality by 2020. This will be achieved thorough conservation, EE, and renewable energy development.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):

Reach climate neutrality by 2020.
18 million dollar investment into an EE and conservation project with NORESCO.
$65 investment in a biomass feasibility study.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):

Facility Services, Utilities and Office of Sustainability


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:

Reduce the impact of chemicals used on campus.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):

The Sustainable Landscape Maintenance Project identifies environmentally-friendly landscaping practices which will reduce or eliminate the need for chemical inputs on the NAU campus. http://nau.edu/Green-NAU/Sustainable-Landscape-Maintenance-Project/

Also, Climate Action Plan, Operations section, action :
Reduce the impact of chemicals used on campus.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):

Facility Services, Grounds


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:

Climate Action Plan 2010

Procurement section:
Improve Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) on campus through enhanced cooperation between the Purchasing Department and the Office of Sustainability, with the goal being of a formalized EPP policy.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):

Climate Action Plan 2010

Action 1. Immediately begin to create a list of all environmentally and socially responsible vendors with which the university can currently do business. Publish the list, making it available to all business managers on campus. Update the list annually.

Action 2. Assess and improve the availability of environmentally preferable products available through Campus Supply. Create a tab on the Campus Supply website that would allow direct access to all products that meet the criteria of being “environmentally preferable.”

Action 3. Promote, provide incentives for, and encourage the use of the green vendor list through outreach and communication efforts such as presentations and information sessions.

Responsible Party
The Purchasing Department, the Office of Sustainability, and Campus Supply will work together to ensure all actions are taken.

Measure of Success
These actions can be measured in two ways. First, the creation of a green vendor list, a formalized policy, and increases in green product offerings through campus supply will be self evident and reported in updates of this report. Second, the change to EPP among buyers will be measured using annual purchasing records. These records will indicate whether there is an increase in the use of “green” vendors among faculty and staff.

Benefits
As the number of green purchases increases, the amount of waste that the university generates will decrease, which will aid in meeting the goal of creating a zero waste campus, discussed in Section 5.

Timeline
The development of a formalized EPP policy will begin immediately and the campaign to increase the number of green purchases will be ongoing.

Challenges
Educating the entire target audience on EPP will be difficult due to varying schedules and turnover of personnel responsible for making purchases. It may also be a challenge to create a policy that is reasonable from a cost standpoint while maintaining the intended purpose.

Opportunities
The university will develop relationships with green vendors through the use of EPP. The vendors will supply information to the university about new technology and new products allowing the university to stay at the forefront of the green movement. Additionally, the creation of an EPP policy will provide an opportunity for student internships. Student interns would be responsible for compiling and presenting the green vendor list to departments across campus. They would also act as liaisons between the Purchasing Department and Campus Supply to ensure that green products were added to the Campus Supply stock.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):

See above


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:

Climate Action Plan 2010

Transportation
1. Decrease greenhouse emissions from commuting each year.
2. Reduce campus fleet emissions each year.
3. Develop a system to centrally track all air travel.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):

Climate Action Plan 2010

Goal 1
Decrease greenhouse emissions from commuting each year.

Action 1. Advance carpool and vanpool programs from areas that do not have access to public transportation such as Kachina Village and Mountainaire by creating a web-based forum on the university website to connect people in the area.

Action 2. Improve bicycle access to campus and increase the scope of the Yellow Bike Program, Northern Arizona University’s bicycle share program.

Action 3. Improve the public transportation infrastructure to allow better access to campus through the construction of the transportation spine. The spine will be a dedicated bus route through the center of campus. In addition, parking options will be moved to the periphery of campus.

Action 4. Increase on-campus housing capacity so commuting is not required. Work with the community to create housing options near campus.

Action 5. Create opportunities for staff telecommuting.

Responsible Party
The Office of Sustainability will continue to work with various campus organizations to coordinate the defined actions.

Measure of Success
A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with commuting reported on the annual inventory.

Goal 2
Reduce campus fleet emissions each year.

Action 1. Continue to add hybrid vehicles to the motor pool and phase out all others.

Action 2. Promote the use of video conferencing to avoid travel to Phoenix and Tucson for meetings.

Responsible Party
The university administration will allocate funding for vehicle purchases as it becomes available. The Office of Sustainability will work with Information Technology Services to educate faculty and staff on video conferencing technologies available on campus and create an internal marketing campaign to encourage use.

Measure of Success
The campus fleet reports a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the annual inventory.

Goal 3
Develop a system to centrally track all air travel.

Action
Add a place in the Advantage System for departments and units to report air travel.

Responsible Party
The Comptroller’s Office will be responsible for crafting and implementing this change to the Advantage system.

Measure of Success
A successful program modification that will allow for accurate tracking of annual campus air travel.

Benefits
Transportation is responsible for 18 percent of the university’s carbon footprint. As a result, campus carbon neutrality depends upon a reduction of transportation emissions. Health benefits attributed to more walking and biking are a positive result of using alternative methods of travel.

Timeline
Campaigns to increase carpool and vanpool use are currently underway and will be enhanced as additional resources become available. Construction of the transportation spine is scheduled to begin in 2011. Marketing campaigns to promote on-campus living for students will continue as existing facilities are updated and new facilities are built. Efforts to create a virtual workplace will continue and be ongoing as technology improves.

Challenges
Issues concerning personal inconvenience are coupled with funding challenges. Individual commuting habits are hard to change. Any new programs and initiatives will need to assure flexibility. Additional video conferencing sites will be needed as well as telecommuting systems modifications. Hybrid cars are considerably more expensive than traditional vehicles and could result in fewer cars being replaced each year.

Opportunities
Students will have the opportunity to participate in the reduction of transportation emissions through possible internships.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):

See above


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:

Climate Action Plan 2010

Recycling and Waste Minimization
1. Create a zero waste campus.
2. Improve the utilization of Property Surplus Services on campus, encouraging reuse across campus.
3. Promote the “move-out” donation program in the residence halls.
4. Create a graduate assistant position responsible for recycling and waste minimization initiatives.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):

Climate Action Plan 2010

Goal 1
Create a zero waste campus.

Action 1. Improve and increase recycling visibility on campus so that faculty, staff, students, and visitors clearly understand how and where to recycle. Create labels in administrative and classroom buildings to clearly mark recycling and landfill waste bins. Implement an outdoor recycling system consistent with the interior system.

Action 2. Identify alternatives to Styrofoam on campus.

Action 3. Increase the scope of the composting program on campus by including the North Campus dining hall and gradually incorporating faculty lounges, building kitchens, and retail locations across campus.

Responsible Party
The Office of Sustainability in cooperation with Merriam Powell Center for Environmental Research and Custodial Services will propel the recycling visibility initiatives on campus. Campus Dining will continue to work toward finding alternatives to Styrofoam as it is currently the largest unit using Styrofoam materials. Students for Sustainable Living and Urban Gardening will be responsible for the composting program.

Measure of Success
Recycling tonnage is a measurable benchmark that will be assessed through annual audits done by the City of Flagstaff. Success will be measured through increases in tonnage each year. The expansion of the compost program will be measured by increases in the number of pounds per week being composted. Becoming a Styrofoam free campus will be the measure of success.

Goal 2
Improve the utilization of Property Surplus Services on campus, encouraging reuse across campus.

Action
Internally market Property Surplus Services as a means to reduce waste.

Responsible Party
The Office of Sustainability and Purchasing Services will be responsible for the development of an internal marketing campaign.

Measure of Success
An increase in supply and demand of surplus property.

Goal 3
Promote the “move-out” donation program in the residence halls.

Action
Train student groups such as Greek Life to conduct end of school year presentations in the residence halls in order to educate residents about the importance of donating gently used items and canned food to local charities.

Responsible Party
The Office of Sustainability will initiate the campaign in cooperation with Residence Life and Greek Life.

Measure of Success
The increase of charitable donations made at the end of each semester.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):

See above


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:

Climate Action Plan 2010

Water

1. Reduce the annual use of potable water per square foot of building space by 20 percent by 2015 (using 2002 as the baseline year).
2. Develop ways to make water consumption data available to users.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):

Climate Action Plan 2010

Goal 1
Reduce the gallons of potable water per square foot of building space used annually by 20 percent by 2015 (using 2002 as the baseline year).

Action 1. Continue to expand the reclaimed water system to reach 100 percent of landscaped areas. Also use reclaimed water to flush toilets in all new buildings.

Action 2. Utilize Environmentally Preferable Purchasing discussed in Section 4 to purchase all water fixtures. Ensure that the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy includes standards for water fixtures.

Action 3. Develop a water conservation educational outreach campaign that can be presented to all incoming students informing them of water consumption goal.

Responsible Party
The Utility Department will work with Planning and Development to ensure that reclaimed water infrastructure is included in all new development. The Office of Sustainability will work with Purchasing Services to incorporate water fixture standards in the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing policy. Various student groups will work in conjunction with the Office of Sustainability to develop educational outreach strategies for incoming students.

Measure of Success
A 20 percent reduction in water consumption per square foot by 2015 (using 2002 as a baseline year). This information can be found on the annual utility consumption report issued by the Utility Department.

Goal 2
Develop ways to make water consumption data available to users.

Action 1. Search for grants or other sources of funding that would make meter installation possible so building water use could be made available in real time to building occupants.

Action 2. Develop a system that could meter individual showers and report the shower duration, amount of water consumed, and amount of energy used to heat and distribute the water so the resident would be able to understand in real time the impact shower length has on the environment.

Responsible Party
The Utility Department would be responsible for locating funding and creating the project.

Measure of Success
A successful metering system that allows the campus community to follow real time consumption data.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):

See above


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
---

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
---

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
---

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
---

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:

The Environmental Caucus plans to fund sustainability interns.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):

In 2013, the Environmental Caucus received University funding of $52,800. In 2014, the Caucus will fund and the Office of Sustainability will over-see the following interns: Environmental Caucus communications intern, environmentally preferable purchasing intern, Better World Film Series intern and a climate action plan intern.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):

The Environmental Caucus and the Office of Sustainability


The institution’s definition of sustainability:
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Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:

The sixth strategy in NAU's 2013 Strategic Plan is:

6. Sustainability and Effectiveness: Exemplify a sustainable, innovative, and effective university community

Strategies:
a. Model environmentally responsible and sustainable operations and education
b. Continue to improve institutional effectiveness and organizational performance
c. Maximize faculty, and staff commitment through workforce practices and services that contribute to the long-term viability of the university
d. Develop fundraising opportunities in support of expanded capacity to meet the strategic goals


The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

Our Climate Action Plan was created in 2010. Many of the Goals have been achieved and actions have been completed. in 2014 we will be rewriting the plan to begin accomplishing new goals.


Our Climate Action Plan was created in 2010. Many of the Goals have been achieved and actions have been completed. in 2014 we will be rewriting the plan to begin accomplishing new goals.

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.