Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 50.18
Liaison Aysha Bodenhamer
Submission Date May 21, 2019
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Radford University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.25 / 4.00 Josh Nease
Sustainability Manager
Academic Programs
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Published Plans That Address Sustainability 

Strategic Plan

Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
No

A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
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A copy of the strategic plan:
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The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
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Sustainability Plan 

Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the sustainability plan:
CAP report 4_19_13.pdf

The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
https://www.radford.edu/content/sustainability/home/initiatives/ClimateActionPlan.html

Climate Action Plan 

Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
No

A copy of the climate action plan:
CAP report 4_19_13.pdf

The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
https://www.radford.edu/content/sustainability/home/initiatives/ClimateActionPlan.html

Other Published Plans 

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):
School of Communication: Diversity Plan https://www.radford.edu/content/dam/colleges/chbs/comm/PolicyManual/Diversity_Plan-May2018.pdf

Measurable Sustainability Objectives 

Curriculum

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:
- Integrate sustainability concepts into coursework in each college and eventually each department. - Establish sustainability as required topic in freshmen orientation classes. - Provide the opportunity for any interested student to study issues of climate change and sustainability through the core curriculum. - Offer at least one immersive, sustainability-focused educational study program one week or more in length, that concentrates on environmental, social, and economic sustainability AND examines an issue or topic using sustainability as a lens. Published in Climate Action Plan (comprehensive sustainability plan) https://www.radford.edu/content/sustainability/home/initiatives/ClimateActionPlan.html

Research 

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:
- Campus as a living laboratory: Use campus infrastructure and operations for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research. Include class projects, thesis projects, papers, ect. - Develop faculty‐faculty and faculty‐student research relationships across colleges centered on land issues in the region. Study macro‐level land use in the NRV to determine best practices that are sustainable and that contribute to efforts to buy and eat locally. Pursue internal and external grants to facilitate this work. - Develop Sustainability Research Consortium with faculty, community members, government agencies, businesses, and other universities. Published in Climate Action Plan (comprehensive sustainability plan) https://www.radford.edu/content/sustainability/home/initiatives/ClimateActionPlan.html

Campus Engagement 

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:
- Peer to peer sustainability education: Collaborate with Housing & Residence Life on Eco-Reps. - Educate students about sustainability efforts and provide leadership opportunities for a maximum number of students. Mid-Term: 5 – 30; Long-Term: 30+ - Dedicate one residence hall, approximately 30 students, to a sustainability themed living, learning community Published in Climate Action Plan (comprehensive sustainability plan) https://www.radford.edu/content/sustainability/home/initiatives/ClimateActionPlan.html

Public Engagement 

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:
- Environmental Studies Alternative Spring Break Service Trips: provide 10 trips per year with environmental issues as a central theme. - Establish service-learning partnerships with public agencies and NGOs: Establish formal relationships with ten agencies or organizations. Published in Climate Action Plan (comprehensive sustainability plan) https://www.radford.edu/content/sustainability/home/initiatives/ClimateActionPlan.html

Air & Climate 

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:
- 15% Renewable Energy Target by 2025: Procure or produce at least 15% or electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025. - Offset 25% of total emissions by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits and/or carbon offsets by 2025. - ACUPCC signatory with a net carbon neutrality goal for 2040. Published in Climate Action Plan (comprehensive sustainability plan) https://www.radford.edu/content/sustainability/home/initiatives/ClimateActionPlan.html

Buildings 

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:
- Retro-commissioning and continuous commissioning: Perform RCx on buildings with existing DDC controls. Expect 10% heating and cooling savings due to RCx. - Invest in CCx in order to maintain efficiency gains. - Monitor new construction standards (ASHRAE 90.1 2007) & continue to evaluate ability to exceed minimum requirements: Exceed minimum sustainability standards on buildings – LEED silver minimum or equivalent. Published in Climate Action Plan (comprehensive sustainability plan) https://www.radford.edu/content/sustainability/home/initiatives/ClimateActionPlan.html

Energy 

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:
- Lighting – Buildings: Short Term & Mid-Term: Install vacancy/occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting systems where appropriate and phase out any remaining T12 and incandescent lamps in favor of T8 or T5s and CFLs in existing buildings. - Design strategy for all new construction and major renovations should maximize daylighting and use low level ambient lighting with supplemental task lighting. - Long-Term: All new construction projects and major renovations should utilize LEDs in conjunction with previously noted design and control strategies. - Lighting – Parking Lots: Identify and implement pilot projects to achieve 50% reduction; Long-Term: Achieve 75%electricity reduction using more efficient technologies. Published in Climate Action Plan (comprehensive sustainability plan) https://www.radford.edu/content/sustainability/home/initiatives/ClimateActionPlan.html

Food & Dining 

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:
- Mid-Term: Create waste awareness program on campus with goal of decreasing waste to landfills by 25% by 2017. - Long-Term: Create waste awareness program on campus with goal of decreasing waste to landfills by 35% by 2027. - Temporary Food Event Policy: Develop and implement a campus‐wide event policy. Policy will address temporary vendors/events that occur on campus throughout the year requiring vendors to comply with campus waste and recycling procedures Published in Climate Action Plan (comprehensive sustainability plan) https://www.radford.edu/content/sustainability/home/initiatives/ClimateActionPlan.html

Grounds 

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:
- Integrated Pest Management Policy: Use IPM on campus as a main method for pest management - Sustainable Landscape Policy: Short Term: Develop & implement campus policy to reduce fertilizer emissions by 10%. Mid-Term: Maintain policy & revise as needed to reduce fertilizer emissions by 50% . Long-Term: Maintain policy & revise as needed to use only organic fertilizers. Published in Climate Action Plan (comprehensive sustainability plan) https://www.radford.edu/content/sustainability/home/initiatives/ClimateActionPlan.html

Purchasing 

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:
Develop and implement a campus‐wide sustainable procurement policy. Mandate policy to new or existing contracts as they are renewed. Published in Climate Action Plan (comprehensive sustainability plan) https://www.radford.edu/content/sustainability/home/initiatives/ClimateActionPlan.html

Transportation 

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:
- Institute car, ride and bicycling sharing programs. - Install bike racks at all buildings on campus. - Expand connectivity of bus system: Short Term: Reduce overall transportation emissions by 2%. Mid-Term: Reduce overall transportation emissions by 4% by 2017. Long-Term: Reduce overall transportation emissions by 6% by 2027. - Research and implement strategies to reduce student single occupancy vehicle (SOV) commuting. Strategies may include increasing the cost of parking permits in relation to distance from campus, eliminate freshman parking passes, or developing new, alternative transportation options. Short Term: Reduce student SOV commuters by 10%. Mid-Term: Reduce student SOV commuters by 20%. Long-Term: Reduce student SOV commuters by 40%. Create a vehicle replacement plan for campus. - Replace vehicles with higher efficient vehicles (miles per gallon). Evaluate standards & technologies to include hybrid, electric, or other alternative fuel vehicles. Mid-Term: Increase fleet MPG by 10% Long-Term: Increase fleet MPG by 15%. Published in Climate Action Plan (comprehensive sustainability plan) https://www.radford.edu/content/sustainability/home/initiatives/ClimateActionPlan.html

Waste 

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:
- Begin program to only purchase paper made with recycled content. Develop a policy, if appropriate. Short Term: Achieve 50% of all paper used on campus has 50% recycled content. Mid-Term: Achieve 75% of all paper used on campus is 75% recycled content. Long-Term: Achieve 90% of all paper used on campus is 100% recycled content. - Increase Overall Campus Recycling Rates: Short: Enhance campus recycling policy with defined target and goal percentages. - Create waste generation and recycling reports for campus. Short Term: Achieve and maintain recycling rate over 50% for campus. Mid-Term: All campus dining and events to be net‐zero waste programs. - Increase recycling rate for campus to 60%. Long-Term: Increase recycling rate for campus to 75% by 2027. Published in Climate Action Plan (comprehensive sustainability plan) https://www.radford.edu/content/sustainability/home/initiatives/ClimateActionPlan.html

Water 

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:
Continue to implement water conservation strategies throughout campus (e.g. low‐flow faucets, toilets, fixtures, etc.) Review past and current water usage data and consider setting targets. Mid-Term: Set targets as appropriate. Published in Climate Action Plan (comprehensive sustainability plan) https://www.radford.edu/content/sustainability/home/initiatives/ClimateActionPlan.html

Diversity & Affordability 

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

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

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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Wellbeing & Work 

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:
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Other Impact Areas 

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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Optional Fields 

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:
From the new Radford University Strategic Plan 2018 – 2023: Sustainability is one of the University's seven Core Values. Core Value: Sustainability We are committed to integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of our operations and engaging students across the curriculum to learn, discover, and contribute to positive current and future environmental solutions. The University's Mission Statement concludes with a classic definition of sustainability when it says, "We provide an educational environment and the tools to address the social, economic, and environmental issues confronting our region, nation, and the world". A designated "Overarching Theme" of the Strategic Plan is "Campus Environment", where the focus is on continued improvement to increase efficiencies, reduce costs, and provide a more sustainable campus environment. Mission, Vision, and Core Values: https://www.radford.edu/content/radfordcore/home/about/mission.html 2018 - 2023 Strategic Plan: https://www.radford.edu/content/strategic-planning/home.html

The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
The Radford University Sustainability Steering Committee (SSC), formed in 2008 at President Kyle’s direction, developed the following sustainability mission statement that was subsequently approved by the Board of Visitors in 2009. "Radford University is committed to being a model for sustainable campus practices and policies and recognized for our stewardship of economic, social, and environmental resources and for our academic commitment to sustainability."

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) Yes
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:
In 2009, President Kyle signed the ACUPCC, committing Radford University to pursuing net carbon neutrality by 2040 and to providing students with the knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
https://www.radford.edu/content/sustainability/home/initiatives/ClimateActionPlan.html

Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The Radford University Climate Action Plan also serves as the University's Sustainability Plan. It outlines targets and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and includes targets and strategies related to Academics, Engagement, Planning, and Administration. As such, the individual document is uploaded for both questions. Published in Climate Action Plan (comprehensive sustainability plan) https://www.radford.edu/content/sustainability/home/initiatives/ClimateActionPlan.html Radford University Strategic Plan with Sustainability as a Core Value: https://www.radford.edu/content/strategic-planning/home.html

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.