Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 65.42
Liaison Dayna Cook
Submission Date March 3, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Northern Arizona University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.75 / 4.00 Ellen Vaughan
Manager
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

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:

The sixth strategy in NAU's 2016 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


A copy of the strategic plan:
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The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the sustainability plan:
---

The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the climate action plan:
---

The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
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):

In 2010 a Campus Master Plan was completed with the intent of guiding the development of the Campus while balancing the needs of students, faculty, and visitors. The master plan was produced in collaboration between various Campus entities (student associations and University departments, among others), the community, and the City of Flagstaff. Emphasizing University values, sustainability and functionality were highlighted throughout: https://nau.edu/uploadedFiles/Administrative/Finance_and_Administration/Facility_Services/Folder_Templates/2010_MasterPlan.pdf

2015 NAU Landscape Master Plan: https://nau.edu/uploadedFiles/Administrative/Finance_and_Administration/Facility_Services/Documents/DP_Contract/2015%20Landscape%20Masterplan%20Final.pdf

Some sustainability related text from the landscape master plan:
Sustainability
▪ Be conscious of water use by utilizing native and adapted plants, zoning low-water use species together in irrigation design
to facilitate weaning off of irrigation, limiting the amount of stark gravel areas to decrease heat island effects, and limiting
or decreasing the amount of manicured turf areas;
▪ Avoid the use of pesticides/herbicides;
▪ Materials selection includes considerations such as longevity of the material/product and local availability in order to
minimize impacts associated with extraction, processing, transport, and maintenance;
▪ As discussed in the ‘Northern Arizona University Design Guidelines’, the University considers stormwater as a resource and
encourages designs to collect and infiltrate stormwater;


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:

http://nau.edu/Green-NAU/SAP-Academics---Research/

Academics
Objective 1: Embed environmental sustainability issues across the curriculum.
Objective 2: Prepare students to compete in and be agents of change for a more sustainability society and economy. Maintain and develop disciplinary and interdisciplinary programs in sustainability.
Objective 3: Partner with the community to provide opportunities for students in the green economy.


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:

http://nau.edu/Green-NAU/SAP-Academics---Research/

Research
Objective 1: Enhance and maintain the university’s emphasis on environmental and sustainability research and graduate education.
Objective 2: Increase the university’s impact on environmental and sustainability research through increased publication and outreach activity.
Objective 6: Promote the university as a responsible sustainable organization with experience in and commitment to sustainable practices.
Objective 7: Improve fundraising and sponsored projects activities related to sustainability.
Objective 8: Maintain and expand the opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student research and for student engagement in off-campus environmental and sustainability activities.
Objective 9: provide opportunities for improving green laboratory practices.
Objective 10: Create a voluntary carbon offset tracking and payment system for faculty and student research travel.


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:

In the Sustainability Action Plan, actions require the maintenance of:
1) Residence Life maintains one EcoRep in each Residence Hall every year.

2) The Green Fund has very detailed objectives and timeframes. Each semester they accept two rounds of Green Fund proposals. http://nau.edu/Green-NAU/NAU-Green-Fund/

3) SAP academics: "continue to promote campus-wide learning opportunities by incorporating sustainability themes into the lecture series and other community engagement activities."


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:

Our Sustainability Action Plan has multiple actions that address Public Engagement.

Successful progress on the Sustainability Action Plan will be measured by reporting achievements on 25% of each sections’ actions by 2015, 50% by 2016, 70% by 2017, 80% by 2018, 90% by 2019, and 100% by 2020. We measure our progress annually from this formal plan.
Formal objectives from the SAP include:

WASTE MINIMIZATION AND RECYCLING
Objective 1: Reduce waste generated on campus.
Action 4: Promote zero waste athletic and special events. (*This includes a great deal of recycling outreach to community members*)

TRANSPORTATION
Objective 1: Decrease emissions from commuting to and from campus.
Action 4: Continue to collaborate with the city, state, and intergovernmental agencies to improve public
transportation infrastructure to allow better bus access to campus and throughout the region. For
example, increase SafeRide stops, consider expanding EcoPass to students, collaborate with NAIPTA on
designing routes with respect to known densities, etc.
Action 7: Advocate for sustainable community design throughout campus and the region. The NAU and
Flagstaff region provides full-service amenities such as student housing, entertainment, dining,
recreation, and green spaces. Promotion and creation of local events and attractions will reduce the need
for out-of-region travel

OPERATIONS
Objective 5: Work with regional partners to negotiate sustainable products into future contracts and
large scale purchases.
Action 1: Coordinate and establish shared values with Arizona State University and the University of
Arizona sustainability offices to determine requirements for future contracts. (Example: at least some
recycled content in all paper purchases).
Action 2: Discuss sustainable purchasing with other regional partners.
Action 3: Continue to investigate opportunities to work with local businesses (Example: SCA).

ENERGY AND CLIMATE
Objective 4: Utilize renewable energy
Action 1: Investigate and pursue opportunities for on-campus renewable energy development through
discussions with the Energy Action Team, feasibility studies, class projects, and Green Fund proposals.
Action 2: Investigate and pursue opportunities for off-campus renewable energy development through
discussions with the Energy Action Team, APS, and community and state partnerships.


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:

http://nau.edu/Green-NAU/SAP-Energy---Climate/

Objective 1: Complete administrative actions to develop the necessary foundation for achieving climate neutrality goal
Objective 2: Implement diverse and comprehensive energy conservation programs
Objective 3: Implement energy efficiency policies and upgrades
Objective 4: Utilize renewable energy


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:

All new buildings have been (since 2014) and will be LEED Gold.
http://nau.edu/Green-NAU/SAP-Operations/

Objective 1: Construct, operate, and maintain buildings sustainably
Action 1: Build all new construction and major renovations to LEED Silver standards. Place an
emphasis on the LEED energy efficiency category and ensure that buildings are 30% more efficient than
the national average
Responsible Party: Construction, Design and Planning
Action 2: Investigate opportunities for LEED Existing Building Operation and Maintenance (EBOM)
certification.
Responsible Party: Construction, Design and Planning, Housing and Residence Life, Office of
Sustainability
Action 3: Move towards a “Group Relamp Program” to decrease resource expenditure associated with
individual lamp replacement and to improve indoor environment for occupants.
Responsible Party: Operations, Utilities
Action 4: Fund operations and maintenance to levels consistent with the national average.
Responsible Party: Finance and Administration
Action 5: Incorporate formal Life Cycle Analysis into planning and prioritizing for deferred
maintenance efforts as well as for planning construction.
Responsible Party: Planning, Design and Construction, Operations


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:

http://nau.edu/Green-NAU/SAP-Energy---Climate/

Objective 1: Complete administrative actions to develop the necessary foundation for achieving climate neutrality goal
Objective 2: Implement diverse and comprehensive energy conservation programs
Objective 3: Implement energy efficiency policies and upgrades
Objective 4: Utilize renewable energy


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:

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

http://nau.edu/Green-NAU/SAP-Procurement/

Objective 3: Support sustainable food purchasing
Action 1: Support Dining Services efforts to purchase sustainable food as outlined by the Real Food
Challenge’s guidelines for real food. The four guidelines are:
 Local/Community based food
 Socially just companies; fair treatment of employees
 Ecologically sound conditions: conservation and environmental stewardship
 Humane treatment of animals

Action 2: Support Dining Services efforts to convert all retail, catering, and concessions take-away
materials to be either recyclable or compostable and continue to investigate sustainable or zero-waste
opportunities within food service operations


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:

http://nau.edu/Green-NAU/SAP-Operations/

Objective 2: Reduce the impact of chemicals used in operations of campus buildings and grounds.

Action 1: Commit to use 100% Green Seal Certified, or other “Green” 3rd party certified paints, cleaning, and other chemical products.
Responsible Party: Operations

Action 2: Continue test-plot research on non-toxic grounds maintenance methods until a successful method is discovered and herbicide and pesticide use on campus is eliminated.
Responsible Party: Operations, Housing and Residence Life, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

Action 3: Pursue landscape design and plant material selection to minimize or eliminate need for pest and weed control measures (e.g., native plant selection, semi-natural plant assemblages where appropriate in campus open areas, use of hardscape elements to reduce turf).
Responsible Party: Operations, Housing and Residence Life, Planning, Design and Construction

Objective 3: Increase conservation of on- and off-campus natural resources

Action 1: Create a University Tree Preservation Policy
Responsible Party: Operations, Office of Sustainability

Action 2: Meet and maintain requirements of the Arbor Day Foundation for yearly certification of Tree Campus USA designation.
Responsible Party: School of Forestry, Operations, Office of Sustainability

Action 3: Maintain, improve, and expand campus organic gardens.
Responsible Party: Campus Organic Gardener, University College Action Research Teams, Office of
Sustainability

Action 4: Create designated areas for wildlife habitat and pollinator friendly gardens.
Responsible Party: Campus Organic Gardener, Office of Sustainability, Operations

Action 5: Obtain long-term protection for NAU managed research and education lands such as the Historic School Forest and the Centennial Forest.

Responsible Party: Legal Affairs, Government Affairs, School of Forestry, Finance and Administration
Action 6: Preserve existing Green Space and incorporate new Green Space into campus planning where appropriate.
Responsible Party: Planning, Design and Construction


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:

http://nau.edu/Green-NAU/SAP-Procurement/

Objective 1: Quantify the amount of green products purchased on campus
Objective 2: Improve sustainable purchasing requirements in future contracts
Objective 3: Support sustainable food purchasing
Objective 4: Improve marketing and awareness of available green products
Objective 5: Work with regional partners to negotiate sustainable products into future contracts and large scale purchases
Objective 6: Implement a life cycle cost (financial and environmental) analysis for the purchase of any major energy or water using products


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:

http://nau.edu/Green-NAU/SAP-Transportation/

Objective 1: Decrease emissions from commuting to and from campus
Objective 2: Decrease emissions from commuting on campus
Objective 3: Decrease NAU vehicle emissions each year
Objective 4: Decrease emissions from domestic and international travel


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:

http://nau.edu/Green-NAU/SAP-Waste-Minimization-and-Recycling/

Objective 1: Reduce waste generated on campus
Objective 2: Increase the reuse of all reusable materials on campus
Objective 3: Increase recycling for all recyclable materials on campus


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:

http://nau.edu/Green-NAU/SAP-Water/

Objective 1: Reduce the gallons of potable water used annually
Objective 2: Implement water conservation practices for landscaping
Objective 3: Improve stormwater management


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:

Under our Affirmative Action Plan, you can find our Affirmative Action Recruitment Goals for Minorities and Women
There are 100's of goals to attain regarding the hiring of diverse populations on this page:
http://nau.edu/uploadedFiles/Offices_and_Committees/Affirmative_Action/_Forms/Goals%20report%202015%20final.pdf
The third tenant of sustainability is social justice so this relates to sustainability.

The Office of Diversity has four main plans and reports:
Affirmative Action Plan
Latino/Hispanic Study
President's Diversity and Equity Statement
University Strategic Planning


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:

http://nau.edu/Green-NAU/SAP-Operations/

Objective 4: Invest sustainably
Action 1: Work towards implementing sustainable investment best practices such as the creation of a
Committee on Investor Responsibility or investment in sustainable categories as defined by the Association for the Advancement for Sustainability in Higher Education’s (AASHE) Sustainable Tracking, Assessing and Rating System (STARS) report.
Responsible Party: NAU Foundation


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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:

The Health Promotions Department have different requirements for their many different initiatives: http://nau.edu/health-services/health-promotions/

Same for Office of Employee Assistance and Wellness
http://nau.edu/EAW/Services/


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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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:

The sixth strategy in NAU's 2016 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 institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
---

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 Yes
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:
---

The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
---

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

To find the link to our Climate Action Plan, you have to click on the "2010 Action Plan" link on the given page: http://nau.edu/Green-NAU/SAP-Home/

Our Climate Action Plan was created in 2010. Many of the Goals have been achieved and actions have been completed. In 2015 we rewrote the plan with specific goals, objectives, actions, and responsible parties.

Many of the responses to this page relate directly to specific sections of that report.

Successful progress on the Sustainability Action Plan will be measured by reporting achievements on 25% of each sections’ actions by 2016, 50% by 2017, 70% by 2018, 80% by 2019, 90% by 2020, and 100% by 2021.


To find the link to our Climate Action Plan, you have to click on the "2010 Action Plan" link on the given page: http://nau.edu/Green-NAU/SAP-Home/

Our Climate Action Plan was created in 2010. Many of the Goals have been achieved and actions have been completed. In 2015 we rewrote the plan with specific goals, objectives, actions, and responsible parties.

Many of the responses to this page relate directly to specific sections of that report.

Successful progress on the Sustainability Action Plan will be measured by reporting achievements on 25% of each sections’ actions by 2016, 50% by 2017, 70% by 2018, 80% by 2019, 90% by 2020, and 100% by 2021.

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.