Pace University
PAE-4: Sustainability Plan

Pace's sustainability plan is not formally adopted. However, our formal sustainability committee (GreenPace) meets regularly throughout the academic year and reports to the Provost on accomplishments, goals (short term and long term) and next steps. GreenPace was commissioned by the Provost of the university in 2008. Our members span the campuses, and include faculty, staff, administrators, students, and alumni. The report is developed with the input of the sustainability committee. [See PAE-1 for more details on Sustainability Coordination.]

In a memo dated March 29, 2010 to the Provost the following goals were outlined on behalf of the GreenPace committee. (Note that during the 2010-2011 academic year, the GreenPace committee has concentrated on completing the STARS report. The STARS report will serve as that year’s report. Targets and goals for Pace University will be formalized this fall (2011) by GreenPace after thorough analysis of completed STARS report). Short-Term Projects [within 1 year] Recommendation #1: Adopt A University-wide Overall Sustainability Policy (see page 3 of this memo). The Law School has already formally adopted this policy. [Policy has been drafted and is in the hands of senior administrators. Not yet formally adopted.] Recommendation #2: Adopt and Facilitate A University-wide Environmentally-Preferred Purchasing Policy [completed] Recommendation #3: Certain facility upgrades, including those which have been submitted for funding as “shovel ready”(roof/window replacements; added insulation; boiler/HVAC replacements; solar window film; electric buses; renewable energy – solar, wind; community awareness programs; campus outreach programs), lighting upgrades which have been approved. [Some funding awarded through Federal grant. Solar installations and energy efficiency measures are being implemented on buildings in need – particularly the E-House on the Law School Campus] Recommendation #4: Incorporate Pace University’s 3-minute Anti-Idling Policy into Parking Regulations [Policy has been drafted and is in the hands of the senior administrator in charge of final approval.] Recommendation #5: Conduct A University-wide Waste and Recycling Bin Audit in Conjunction with A Recycling Awareness Campaign [completed] Recommendation #6: Certain new recycling programs and initiatives (including instituting a double-sided printing default setting for University computers, E-media recycling program) [ITS to implement double-sided printing policy; comprehensive search for sustainable e-waste hauler conducted, including site visits and interviews before contractor chosen.] Recommendation #7: Improve Communications about Sustainability Throughout the University Community and Beyond [In progress. GreenPace’s Campus Culture and Academics subcommittee is continually working on improving communication and last academic year had regular articles featured in student newspapers.] Recommendation #8: Instituting the Graduation Pledge for 2009 Commencement [completed and ongoing – has been offered each year since 2009] Recommendation #9: Begin to incorporate Sustainability into the Undergraduate Curriculum (i.e., Common Reading) [completed and ongoing.] Medium-Range Projects [within 2-3 years] Recommendation #10: Certain ongoing audits and facility upgrades for energy and water conservation [University commitment to funding for these upgrades needed] Recommendation #11: Convert the Existing Bus Fleet to Biodiesel [Transportation and Energy Manager to explore feasibility study; University to find funding] Recommendation #12: Certain recycling programs and initiatives (including program for Residence Halls Move-In cardboard collection program and Move-Out “trash” recycling program; composting programs; improving faculty book order timing to increase student buy-backs; increasing electronic submission capabilities) [Move In/Move Out program is underway for residence halls in Pleasantville; review of administrative processes is being done to find ways to reduce paperwork and offer online submission.] Recommendation #13: Incorporating sustainability programs into the curriculum University-wide Recommendation #14: Create a Full-time University Sustainability Coordinator Position (ca. 200 US colleges/universities have FT Sustainability Coordinators) Long-Range Projects [within 2-5 years or beyond] Recommendation #15: Complete implementation of the purchasing policy (this can be a short- to medium-term project, but some measures may require larger institutional changes such as changing vendors if necessary.) Recommendation #16: Mayoral Challenge planning and geothermal projects [underway and ongoing] Recommendation #17: All New Construction and Existing Building Renovations Should Strive for LEED Certification [Master Plan for Pleasantville campus has incorporated new buildings to follow LEED criteria and aim for certification where feasible.] Recommendation #18: Obtaining hybrid, electric and/or hydrogen powered buses [University to help find funding for hybrid/electric vehicle; hydrogen powered buses is not realistic]

Progress for the plan's goals is measured through regular meetings of the GreenPace committee, and regular reporting to the Provost on the committee's progress.