Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 61.96
Liaison Briar Schoon
Submission Date June 30, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Portland Community College
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.25 / 4.00 Stephania Fregosi
Sustainability Analyst
Facilities Management Services
"---" 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:

PCC has made a specific commitment to meet LEED Silver or higher in all new buildings or additions constructed with bond dollars (PCC’s sole source of new building funding).
“As stewards of public resources, PCC embraces environmental responsibility. Every new building or addition constructed with bond dollars is on track to earn a Silver or higher LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating from the U.S. Green Building Council, recognizing the integration of highly sustainable products and practices.” (P17. Portland Community College Strategic Plan 2015-2020)

PCC is committed to strategic, environmentally sound use of resources and transparent, data driven decision making.
“PCC leads the community in sustainable innovation, efficiency, transparency, and excellence in all of its operations. PCC’s strategic, data-informed approach and open communications streamline management and operations to achieve academic excellence and provide student services in a financially and environmentally sustainable manner. PCC serves students and the community best with transparent communication, consistency, agility and responsiveness in the provision of education and services, and by taking a long-term view in the use of its resources. Sustainable practices at every level of the institution will result in a consistently high level of service to students and the community, regardless of budget fluctuations. Aligning PCC’s financial resources with its strategic priorities is essential for sustainability and will require investments in professional development, technology, ecologically smart operations, and data-informed decision making.” (P16. Portland Community College Strategic Plan 2015-2020)

PCC commits to the following strategic intentions:
“6-1 PCC is a learning organization, investing in its employees and organizational systems and structures to build a culture of excellence that fosters innovation, leadership, responsiveness, efficiency, transparency and accountability at all levels.
6-2 PCC ensures the sustainability of its infrastructure and maximizes the efficiency of its operations through innovative management of energy, waste, land use, purchases and consumables in alignment with PCC’s sustainability objectives.
6-3 PCC builds strategic partnerships, cultivates entrepreneurial opportunities, and develops strong, diversified revenue streams to provide optimal resources to support the mission of the college. PCC provides stewardship of its resources to ensure financial and environmental sustainability through proactive planning, data-informed decision making, application of best practices, and strategic investments.
6-4 PCC provides a technological foundation and rapid integration of technology improvements that are responsive to the future, enhance the educational experience, automate and modernize business processes, and support operations through data-informed decision making.
6-5 PCC promotes the good health and well-being of its students, faculty, staff and guests.
6-6 In promoting a culture of environmental literacy, PCC engages the community to be advocates for environmental issues both on- and off-campus.”
(P17. Portland Community College Strategic Plan 2015-2020)


A copy of the strategic plan:
The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
No

A copy of the sustainability plan:
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The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
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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):

Facilities Sustainability 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:

2030 Objective: Increase sustainability throughout academic curricular and co-curricular programming at PCC in collaboration with the PCC Curriculum Office, the Learning Assessment Council (LAC) and other PCC entities
2016 Action Items
• Implement the Sustainability Practices and Academic Resources for Curriculum (SPARC) Council’s “7 Green Outcomes” into current and newly develop- ment courses at PCC;
• Design and implement a search capability through Courseleaf to easily identify courses with green content;
• Continue development of distinguishing “focused” courses and and “related” courses parallel with AASHE STARS reporting;
• Provide continued support to faculty in curriculum development to ensure the creation of new or revised sustainability courses at PCC;
• Award the Sustainability Focus Award to students who have completed coursework with a sustainability focus;
• Support professional development and capacity building related to sustainability curriculum for faculty;
• Build sustainability into student, faculty and staff orientations to support curriculum initiatives at the college;
• Design a sustainability curriculum packet to include in materials for various faculty orientations;
• Collaborate with the LAC in assessment strategies and examples through the addition of the “7 Green Outcomes” to CCOGs; and
• Through PCC’s Core Outcome #2,create collaborations with the Internationalization Committee, the Diversity Council, the Service-Learning program and community partners to address global environmental awareness, environmental justice, social equity, and food security in sustainability curriculum

2030 Objective: Increase focused educational programs and options to meet green workforce needs
2016 Action Items:
• Explore the development of an academic Sustainable Agriculture Program;
• Explore offering LEED certification education and establish partners with businesses working in this field; and
• Explore new opportunities to create focused educational programs in coordination with the State of Oregon 40-40-20 Initiative and the US Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) movement


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

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

Not applicable - 2 year institution.


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:

2030 Objective: Increase awareness of PCC’s sustainability programs and initiatives internally

2016 Action Items:
• Work with other PSC subcommittees to identify specific communication needs, and advise and facilitate the promotion and awareness of their sustainability activities and accomplishments to the PCC community, if staffing and budget permits;
• Provide engaging forums for the PCC community to share ideas, resources and news about sustainability at PCC; and
• Develop a plan to publicize PCC’s sustainability efforts with College Advancement


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:

2030 Objective: Increase awareness of PCC’s sustainability programs and initiatives externally

2016 Action Items:
• Develop an annual marketing plan and budget proposal for promoting PCC’s sustainability programs, events, courses and achievements;
• Provide educational resources to support community members who are incorporating sustainability into their daily practices; and
• Encourage changes in personal behavior and organizational culture by initiating college-wide excitement for PCC sustainability initiatives, highlighting leaders who are paving the way, and sharing personal success stories within the community


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:

PCC has committed to the following GHG reduction goals:
Reduce GHG emissions 10% below 2006 levels by 2012;
Reduce GHG emissions 40% below 2006 levels by 2030; and
Reduce GHG emissions 80% below 2006 levels by 2050


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:

PCC is committed to LEED Silver certification for all new construction, while striving for LEED Gold.

Climate Action Plan pg. 22, link:https://www.pcc.edu/about/sustainability/commitment/documents/climate-action-plan/climate-action-plan.pdf

2030 Objective: Utilize state of the art control systems district-wide to maximize energy efficiency.
2016 Action Items:
• Retro-commission DDC control systems to achieve tighter control parameters, resulting in a decrease in energy use.
• Hire an Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Technician to assist with district-wide utility efficiency upgrades.
• Upgrade all remaining pneumatic control systems to DDC controls to more tightly control systems, thereby driving down energy use.
• Require a minimum of LEED Silver standards for all new (Bond) construction


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:

2030 Objective: Utilize state of the art control systems district-wide to maximize energy efficiency

2016 Action Items:
• Retro-commission DDC control systems to achieve tighter control parameters, resulting in a decrease in energy use
• Hire an Environmental Management Systems(EMS) Technician to assist with district-wide utility efficiency upgrades
• Upgrade all remaining pneumatic control systems to DDC controls to more tightly control systems, thereby driving down energy use
• Require a minimum of LEED Silver standards for all new (Bond) construction

2030 Objective: Reduce our energy consumption 50% per square feet below 2006 levels

2016 Action Items:
• Reduce electrical use by upgrading lighting to energy efficient types suited for the application
• Install light sensors and motion sensors district-wide.
• Replace failed equipment with energy efficient equipment
• Engage an outside consultant to gauge building energy usage, in real time
• Build increased awareness and outreach of energy use by engaging PCC staff and faculty to decrease energy consumption
2030 Objective: Produce 20% of our own energy onsite using renewable energy technology
2016 Action Items:
• Initiate a district-wide task force to develop a strategic plan around building energy usage with the assistance of outside consultants


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:

2030 Objective: Increase sustainable food options district- wide by 10% above 2011 baseline

2016 ActIon Items:
• Incorporate more cost-effective, sustainable and local food option offerings in PCC cafeterias, by working with current vendors;
• Purchase 35% of all food from local vendors (within 250 miles), with 3% sourced from the Portland-metro area, if it’s not cost-prohibitive for the consumer;
• Explore partnerships with local food providers and/ or local growers throughout the Portland-metro area to achieve our purchasing goal;
• Implement Meatless Mondays; and
• Develop a labeling system for vegan and vegetarian options.


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:

Climate Action Plan pg. 26, link:https://www.pcc.edu/about/sustainability/commitment/documents/climate-action-plan/climate-action-plan.pdf

2030 Objective: Develop a water conservation plan for all campuses.
2016 Action Items:
• Incorporate stormwater plan development into the Master Planning process for each campus; and
• Continue to require LEED water standards and efficiencies in all new Bond construction.

2030 Objective: Reduce solid waste generated by 50% by improving recycling, reuse and composting strategies.
2016 Action Items:
• Continue pre-consumer composting at all campuses and expand post-consumer composting at all campuses;


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:

2030 Objective: Reduce the amount of GHG emissions associated with Scope III supply chain purchases

2016 ActIon Items:
• Reduce college resource utilization by imple- menting PCC’s sustainable purchasing policy at all campuses; and
• Develop methods to track and analyze utility usage associated with food services


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:

2030 Objective: Reduce the number of students traveling to PCC campuses in Single Occupancy Vehicles (SOVs) by 28% compared to base number (in 2011), resulting in an overall reduction of student SOVs by 72%

2016 Action Items:
• Increasestudentshuttleridershipto8.5%
• Increasestudentpublictransportationridershipto24%
• Increasestudentbikecommutersto6%
• Increase student carpool/ridesharing to 12%
• Increase technology use for student services commuting to 8%

2030 Objective: Reduce the number of employees traveling to PCC campuses in SOVs by 22% compared to base number (in 2010), resulting in an overall reduction of staff SOVs by 50%

2016 Action Items:
• Increaseemployeeshuttleridershipto4.5%
• Increaseemployeepublictransportationridershipto13%
• Increase employee bike commuters to 6%;
• Increase employee carpool/ridesharingto6.5%
• Increase number of employees using flex hours and telecommuting to 6 5%

2030 Objective: Reduce the number of people traveling to campus and between campuses in SOVs

2016 Action Items:
• Increase use of telecommuting, wikis and video chat for cross campus meetings;
• Increase shuttle ridership of people between campuses;
• Schedule Transportation Demand Management (TDM) promotions, education and outreach efforts leveraging PCC, Tri-Met, Metro and Westside Transportation Alliance resources;
• Generate interest in and visibility of commuting options within the PCC community by developing creative collateral and promotions; and
• Conduct a district bike parking inventory to ensure there is adequate capacity to accommodate bike commuters


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:

2030 Objective: Reduce solid waste generated by 50% by improving recycling, reuse and composting strategies

2016 Action Items:
• Continue pre-consumer composting at all campuses and expand post-consumer composting at all campuses;
• Increase the recycling and composting awareness campaign and outreach efforts at all campuses in coordination with ASPCC;
• Develop and implement a campaign to reduce demand for paper consumption;
• Develop methods to track and reduce the amount of waste produced in Dining Services’ back of house and its current landfill-bound waste that is trans- ported to landfill;
• Increase recovery rate of waste materials by a minimum of 50% from the baseline year (2006) of 7 45% By 2030, the Scope IIIb sub-committee is charged with accomplishing a minimum district diversion rate of 75%; and
• Reduce demand and need for waste disposal by decreasing per capita (FTE) waste generation from the baseline year (2006) by 25%


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:

2030 Objective: Develop a water conservation plan for all campuses

2016 ActIon Items:
• Incorporate storm water plan development into the Master Planning process for each campus; and
• Continue to require LEED water standards and efficiencies in all new Bond construction


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:

From the college's strategic plan:

Think Proud: Create a Nationally Renowned Culture for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
PCC takes intentional action that creates a climate of learning where people from all backgrounds and abilities enjoy equal access to the opportunity to teach, learn, work, and serve the community and the world. PCC promotes the success, dignity, and worth of each individual by providing a safe environment where the examination of divergent ideas, experiences and systems of inequality adds depth to the learning experience.
5-1 PCC gathers and uses empirical evidence to analyze and improve access, advancement, climate, education, training, recruitment, contracting, hiring and retention of historically under-served populations of students, faculty and staff.
5-2 PCC applies racially conscious systems of analysis, including Critical Race Theory, to examine and dismantle systems of inequality at the college.
5-3 PCC’s approach to internationalizing its curriculum expands opportunities to create globally aware and culturally intelligent students, staff and faculty.
5-4 PCC strives to provide opportunity to all students and the appropriate level of support services to ensure the highest level of success.


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:

This will be addressed in the college's Sustainability Plan, currently in development.


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:

This will be addressed in the college's Sustainability Plan, currently in development.


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)? :
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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) No

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.