Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 68.95
Liaison Daryl Pierson
Submission Date June 30, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Portland State University
EN-4: Outreach Materials and Publications

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Molly Bressers
Program & Outreach Coordinator
Campus Sustainability Office
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution produce the following outreach materials and/or publications that foster sustainability learning and knowledge? :
Yes or No
A central sustainability website that consolidates information about the institution’s sustainability efforts Yes
A sustainability newsletter Yes
Social media platforms that focus specifically on campus sustainability Yes
A vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability Yes
Building signage that highlights green building features Yes
Food service area signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems Yes
Signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies employed Yes
A sustainability walking map or tour Yes
A guide for commuters about how to use alternative methods of transportation Yes
Navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians Yes
A guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience Yes
Regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper, either through a regular column or a reporter assigned to the sustainability beat Yes
Other sustainability publications or outreach materials not covered above Yes

A brief description of the central sustainability website:

pdx.edu/sustainability includes information about current sustainability news, projects, research and operations, and displays 3 main categories: "research", "education" and "action", as well as upper level tabs with more information.

The site includes the Solutions Blog, current news items, and links out to all the related sustainability offices on campus. People can also sign up for the e-newsletter, or connect via social media from this main site.


The website URL for the central sustainability website:
A brief description of the sustainability newsletter:

The Institute For Sustainable Solutions publishes monthly e-newsletters that go out to over 5,000 recipients. When signing up, individuals can opt to receive the student, staff and faculty, or community-focused newsletter. The newsletter features sustainability news, internship opportunities, events, and a "Green Campus Spotlight" column from the Campus Sustainability Office that highlights sustainable operations efforts, as well as a “Green tip of the month” that highlights a sustainability action everyone can take to help make our campus more environmentally friendly.
Most content is culled from
http://www.pdx.edu/sustainability/news
http://www.pdx.edu/sustainability/events
http://www.pdx.edu/sustainability/current-opportunities
and the Solutions blog.


The website URL for the sustainability newsletter:
A brief description of the social media platforms that focus specifically on campus sustainability:

Our Sustainability at Portland State Facebook page shares news and events from around campus related to sustainability. It covers topics from research, student projects, events, operations, and others. Additionally, we maintain a twitter handle, @sustainablepdx, which has more than 4,750 followers, and tweets updates and content similar to that of our Facebook feed, but to a much broader and more national audience. Sustainability at PSU also maintains a LinkedIn group, aimed at alumni, which has 383 members.


The website URL of the primary social media platform that focuses on sustainability:
A brief description of the vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability:

- Student research projects are showcased on the pdx.edu/sustainability website.

- Students are encouraged to apply for travel grants through the Institute for Sustainable Solutions to present research at conferences.

- Students may present at PSU's Annual Campus Sustainability Celebration, Undergraduate Research Conference, Student Leadership Conference, and Urban Ecological Research Symposium. Students are also encouraged to submit presentations to the annual AASHE conference and bi-annual Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference.

Students are encouraged to submit ideas for campus sustainability research projects through the PSU Living Lab program.
Research opportunities and internships are posted to the Current Opportunities page and publicized to students via social media and the email newsletter.


The website URL for the vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability:
A brief description of building signage that highlights green building features :

Here are some of the sustainability areas with signage.

Engineering Building
Epler Hall
One of the goals of Epler was to make stormwater management interesting and engaging for the public. As a result, the system was designed to be visible and interactive. The "show" starts when it begins to rain. Rain falling on the roof is directed to several river-rock "splash boxes" in the public plaza. From there, water travels through channels between the brick pavers in the plaza to several planter boxes. The water is filtered as it passes through the planters before entering a large underground storage tank. The water from this tank is then treated with UV light before returning to the surface for use in the public toilets and irrigation. Epler's stormwater harvesting system was awarded a $15,000 Emerging Technology Grant from the City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development's G/Rated Program. It reduces the building's need for municipally-treated potable water by approximately 110,000 gallons annually, saving PSU roughly $1,000 each year.

Shattuck Hall
PSU Project Manager: Jennifer Sharp, Facilities and Planning
Design: SRG Partnership
Construction Management/General Contractor: Howard S. Wright Construction Company
Funding: $13.7 million in State Authorized Deferred Maintenance Funding

The renovation and upgrade of seismic, heating and cooling, electrical, plumbing and communications systems in Shattuck Hall have been completed and the 95 year old building that originally served as an elementary school is now home to ten general classrooms, the Department of Architecture, a computer lab, wood and metal shops, a fine-art foundry, and the Campus Public Safety Office (CPSO). The very successful deferred maintenance project is an inspiration for future PSU and State of Oregon projects, especially with its potential for achieving Gold LEED Certification from the US Green Building Council. Fitting features for Shattuck Hall, also the home of PSU’s Department of Architecture, include spaces where the inner-workings of building systems are visible by design giving students actual working examples of innovative construction elements and remodeled components.

Campus Loop
PSU Project Manager: Mark Fujii, Facilities and Planning
Design: Winzler and Kelly
Construction Management/General Contractor: Fortis Construction
Funding: $17.5 million in State Economic Stimulus Funds

Building upon the work completed in Phase I, Phase II of the Campus Steam & Chilled Water Loop will further expand and connect partially networked and stand-alone heating and cooling systems into centralized plants and add emergency power backup for essential operations. The project is scheduled for completion by end of August 2010.
- Science 2 to Millar Library and Millar Library to the East and to the West Heating Plants: replacement of and addition of new runs to connecting the campus buildings to the network of steam, condensate return and chilled water piping.
- Science 2 to Cramer Hall: installation of chilled water piping to connect the two central cooling plants housed in Science 2 and Cramer Hall.
- Peter W. Stott Center to Shattuck Hall: construction of a new tunnel completing the steam and chilled water loop that connects the core buildings surrounding the South Park Blocks. The construction of this tunnel will also serve as a future distribution point the inclusion of campus buildings on the eastside of SW Broadway Avenue.
- Science 2: installation of a new chiller and cooling tower that will add capacity to allow for future planned buildings and expansions.
- Cramer Hall and University Service Building: installation of backup generators in each building to provide emergency power to the campus buildings where uninterrupted service is essential.

Each of these installation areas also has an educational sign to show the location of campus loop infrastructure, its cost, and what the end results of upgrades will be.

Science Research and Teaching Center (SRTC)
PSU Project Manager: Mark Fujii, Facilities and Planning
Design: IDC Architects (Division of CH2M Hill)
Construction Management/General Contractor: Hoffman Construction
Funding: $26.3 million in State Deferred Maintenance Funds and $19 million in State General Funds, Bonds, Federal Funds, and Economic Stimulus Funds.

This project is a combination of SRTC building infrastructure upgrades and the expansion and modernization of labs and teaching space resulting in the Science and Research Teaching Center. Included in the infrastructure improvements are seismic and code upgrades, electrical, plumbing and HVAC upgrades. Included in the modernization improvements are expansions and remodeling of labs and teaching space, and the addition of a new hazardous waste handling facility. Completion of the project is targeted for May of 2011.

There are multiple locations for finding green building features information. We are working to consolidate this information so it is more accessible to students, staff, faculty, and the community.

http://www.pdx.edu/recreation/sustainability-0
http://www.pdx.edu/sustainability/greening-our-campus
http://www.fap.pdx.edu/AECS/index.php
http://www.pdx.edu/sites/www.pdx.edu.recreation/files/media_assets/PSU%20asrc%202009.10.05.Brochure.pdf


The website URL for building signage that highlights green building features :
A brief description of food service area signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems:

The Viking Court in our student union features signage that indicates whether items are organically or conventionally grown. Local products are listed as such, and we feature brands that are well known for their sustainability efforts. Those efforts are also highlighted on signage. All utensils, napkins, plates and coffee cups offered through Dining Services are compostable and labeled. Although we still have a long way to go in the Food Court with offering sustainable foods, progress is being made. A large poster in the cafeteria seating area shows the state of Oregon with icons depicting geographical locations of food purchased within the state. A centrally-located bulletin board also includes information about sustainable food purchases and states Dining Service's commitment to sustainable practices. Examples of highlighted practices include 100% cage free eggs, Country Natural Beef, a reusable mug discount, and the Green Threads program which offers a reusable to go container option for dining guests.

Victors at Ondine is Campus Dining Services' first zero-waste lunch option for students. The Court features trayless dining and plates that encourage smaller portions as well as a compost drop off for residents who have signed a composting contract. Victors purchases a variety of sustainably-produced foods that include Portland Roasting Company. Victors displays a large poster of Oregon with icons depicting local producers at the entrance of the cafe. Other posters show bike delivery by Portland Roasting and images of fair trade coffee production.


The website URL for food service area signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems:
A brief description of signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies:

We have limited signage about sustainable grounds-keeping except for in our garden areas. Our general landscaping areas (ex: the Park Blocks) do not have signage yet.

We have installed signage at a variety of bioswales, at the Community Garden, at our newly-installed Oak Savanna student project south of the Science Research and Teaching Center, and in our student-run Grazing Garden. Signage about permaculture and student initiatives has also been installed in the heart of campus at the Montgomery Permaculture Garden.


The website URL for signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies:
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A brief description of the sustainability walking map or tour:

PSU re-designed our sustainability walking tour in 2011. The map includes campus stops such as the PSU BikeHub, water bottle refilling stations, permaculture gardens, LEED certified buildings, stormwater mitigation features, and Electric Avenue. Sustainability offices and the Student Ambassador programs also offer regular guided sustainability tours by request.

Here is a short video about PSU’s Green Campus tour created by a PSU student ambassador:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUTF7MJdnmI


The website URL of the sustainability walking map or tour:
A brief description of the guide for commuters about how to use alternative methods of transportation:

Information packets are part of new student & employee orientation process. Contains university specific information, Kit includes: where to find bike parking, buying transit passes, bike/transit map of city, how to take bike on transit, neighborhood specific maps, streetcar, information about PSU bike hub. Generally available at orientation.

Information is provided at new student orientation, on all campus tours, and through campus outreach through Transportation and Parking Services. Every year, PSU hosts the Bike to PSU Challenge in May to encourage alternative transportation.


The website URL for the guide for commuters about how to use alternative methods of transportation:
A brief description of the navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians:

Transportation & Parking Services (TAPS) gives out the most up-to-date maps and reference materials (from TriMet, the City of Portland and some that they have created in office) to pedestrians/cyclist that are specifically for pedestrians/cyclist education and navigation purposes. Last year, TAPS put together an email that went out to all new students with a concise list of handy Transportation Options links and references.

Additionally, a lot of information is available to everyone online.


The website URL for navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians:
A brief description of the guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:

The PSU EcoReps program uses Community Based Social Marketing to promote sustainable living and offer learning experiences/handouts throughout the year at events, in person, and door-to-door.

A green living guide was designed and distributed by students to each building floor in 2012. This guide is being migrated to a new, in progress sustainability website on the main housing website.


The website URL for the guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:
A brief description of regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper, either through a regular column or a reporter assigned to the sustainability beat:

PSU’s student newspaper features regular articles about sustainability. These are not through a specific column, but the topic is covered at least once per week. The Vanguard publishes a special Earth Days issue each April.


The website URL for regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper, either through a regular column or a reporter assigned to the sustainability beat:
A brief description of another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above (1st material):

PSU Sustainability offers the Graduation Sustainability Pledge for all graduates of PSU. Starting on August 15th, 2009, all graduates have been given the opportunity to take a sustainability pledge stating:

"I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work.”

They received a green ribbon for their graduation gowns. The ribbons made a distinct impact on the look and feel of graduation.


The website URL for this material (1st material):
Does the institution produce another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above? (2nd material):
Yes

A brief description of this material (2nd material):

The Sustainability Communications Team provides a sustainability at PSU Bookmark for New Employee Orientation, given through the HR department. This covers how to connect to sustainability efforts on campus, as well as individual actions new employees can take to lessen the University's impact. Additionally, sustainability staff present about sustainability during each employee orientation.


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Does the institution produce another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above? (3rd material):
No

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Does the institution produce another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above? (4th material):
No

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Does the institution produce another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above? (5th material):
No

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Does the institution produce another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above? (6th material):
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Does the institution produce another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above? (7th material):
No

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Does the institution produce another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above? (8th material):
No

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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.