Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 72.61
Liaison Brandon Trelstad
Submission Date Dec. 20, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Oregon State University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.00 / 4.00 Leticia Cavazos
Sustainability Program Specialist
Sustainability Office
"---" 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 three Signature Areas of Distinction of the OSU Strategic Plan are:
- Advancing the Science of Sustainable Earth Ecosystems
- Improving Human Health and Wellness
- Promoting Economic Growth and Social Progress


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:
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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:
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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):

The OSU Master Plan (physical development plan) includes many elements that address sustainability. A few examples include dense development that prevents campus sprawl into surrounding neighborhoods and farmland, parking requirements that limit parking development and promote alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle, and other parameters related to development.
http://fa.oregonstate.edu/university-land-use/osu-district-plan

Also, Diversity Strategic Plan was published in 2018 as a key step toward the realization of Oregon State's vision to become a national model for inclusive excellence. It was developed through extensive engagement with stakeholders who contributed their expertise and experience to the development process. The plan represents a roadmap to advance inclusive excellence by leveraging existing successful initiatives and embracing new innovative ideas.
More information is at https://diversity.oregonstate.edu/diversity-strategic-plan.


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:

Both the OSU Strategic Plan and the 2009 Climate Plan address curriculum development around sustainability. Specifically, one of the three Signature Areas of Distinction in the Strategic Plan is "Advancing the Science of Sustainable Earth Ecosystems." The focus of the Strategic Plan is academic (curriculum, co-curricular, and research). The Strategic Plan includes measurable outcomes for all learners.

The 2009 Climate Plan section 6.2.2, The Classroom Experience, focuses on actions to include sustainability and climate issues in curriculum. Example actions include: 1) Incorporate elements of climate and/or sustainability into all fields of study and 2) Encourage and provide resources to faculty to incorporate material on climate change in their curriculum.


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:

The 2009 Climate Plan included the following elements specific to research: 1) Incorporate marketing of sustainability and climate research as part of OSU’s integrated marketing campaign, 2) Broaden information availability to external audiences about regional climate change impacts and, 3) Reward and evaluate faculty for promotion and tenure based on interdisciplinary (non‐“silo”) activities.


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:

The 2009 Climate Plan addresses elements of engagement. Among other steps, a revolving loan fund was a tactic established in 2009 and implemented in 2010 that engaged students in the financial aspects of GHG reduction projects. Other actions included strengthening hiring and marketing process for paid positions within the Student Sustainability Initiative.


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:

Strategies in the Climate Plan include providing access to members of the academic community and departments and community groups with student organizations in order to facilitate internship, volunteer, and work opportunities. A specific tactic includes providing tours of campus sustainability features.


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:

OSU has specified a target date of 2025 for net carbon neutrality as part of it's 2009 Climate Plan, and again in a 2016 update/guide.

2009 Plan: https://fa.oregonstate.edu/sustainability/planning-policy-assessment/institutional-carbon-neutrality/2009-climate-plan

2016 Update: https://fa.oregonstate.edu/sites/fa.oregonstate.edu/files/sustainability/docs/2016carbon_action_planning_guide.pdf


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:

OSU has specified a target date of 2025 for net carbon neutrality. The 2009 Climate Plan also speaks to using buildings as teaching tools, and using the campus as a living laboratory.


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:

Goals for reducing electricity use and on site combustion of natural gas (stationary sources) were included in OSU's 2009 Carbon Plan. For example, the stationary source goal was to reduce net emissions to no more than 45,000 t CO2e per year.


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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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:

The Master Plan uses a sector-based approach that limits within each sector the amount of development that can occur, and has provisions for where growth occurs that require a dense, walkable campus. One primary measurable outcome is the protection of green and open space in each sector. Master Plan Policy 2.7.1 establishes that a minimum of 50 percent of open space shall be maintained on campus. Chapter 4 of the Master Plan specifies maximum building square footage within each sector: https://fa.oregonstate.edu/sites/fa.oregonstate.edu/files/cpd/land-use/g_chapter04_january2005.pdf

Annual monitoring reports provided to the City of Corvallis ensure the development area is measured and enforced: https://fa.oregonstate.edu/university-land-use-planning/campus-master-plan/cmp-annual-monitoring-reports


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

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

The Climate Plan goal was by 2012 to reduce emissions from ground transportation to no more than 11,500 t CO2e. Transportation planning efforts also emphasize reliance on transportation modes other than the single occupancy vehicle. Additionally, in 2017 and 2018, OSU launched its first ever comprehensive Transportation Plan that includes specific targets for transportation improvements that will better support alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle.


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:

The Climate Plan goal was by 2012 to reduce emissions from solid waste to no more than 300 t CO2e.


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

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

Some examples of measurable objectives in the diversity strategic plan include:
-Increase by 20 percent the number of presentations at disciplinary conferences delivered by students from underrepresented communities.
-Develop and implement a 5-year plan to ensure all employees participate in innovative and transformative diversity, equity and inclusion learning experiences.
-Increase by 20 percent the number of students from underrepresented communities winning national scholarships and awards.

This diversity strategic plan recognizes that creating inclusive excellence and advancing the university's mission and values go hand in hand. As a land grant institution, Oregon State's mission is teaching, research, outreach and engagement. The university seeks to promote economic, social, cultural and environmental progress for the people of Oregon, the nation and the world. OSU holds as core values the advancement of accountability, diversity, integrity, respect and social responsibility. Advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice at Oregon State is embedded in its mission and values.


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

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

The OSU Strategic Plan includes an objective to "Develop more comprehensive work-life balance initiatives for all employees." Since the plan was launched, the OSU Work-Life program has created a website and more comprehensive, clear communication methods to help employees understand OSU programs that support employee health and wellness. More information is available at https://hr.oregonstate.edu/work-life.


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)? :
No

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 No
The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) No
ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter 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) ---

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:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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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.