| Overall Rating | Bronze - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 40.54 |
| Liaison | Rebecca Quesnell |
| Submission Date | Dec. 18, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Roosevelt University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Michael
Bryson Professor & Director of Sustainability Studes College of Arts & Sciences |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
None
Does the institution have current and formal plans to advance sustainability in the following areas? Do the plans include measurable objectives?:
| Current and Formal Plans (Yes or No) | Measurable Objectives (Yes or No) | |
| Curriculum | Yes | Yes |
| Research (or other scholarship) | Yes | Yes |
| Campus Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| Public Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| Air and Climate | Yes | Yes |
| Buildings | Yes | Yes |
| Dining Services/Food | Yes | Yes |
| Energy | Yes | Yes |
| Grounds | Yes | Yes |
| Purchasing | Yes | Yes |
| Transportation | Yes | Yes |
| Waste | Yes | Yes |
| Water | Yes | Yes |
| Diversity and Affordability | Yes | Yes |
| Health, Wellbeing and Work | Yes | Yes |
| Investment | Yes | Yes |
| Other | Yes | Yes |
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
Roosevelt's Strategic Sustainability Plan (2015) articulates a comprehensive and detailed set of goals, strategies, and timelines for all sustainability-related initiatives, including curriculum (pp. 9, 14-15). Curriculum is also addressed in RU's Institutional Strategic Plan (2013), pp. 1 and 4.
Strategic Sustainability Plan (2015) available at:
http://www.roosevelt.edu/GreenCampus/StrategicSustainPlan.aspx
Institutional Strategic Plan (2013) available at:
http://www.roosevelt.edu/About/StrategicPlan.aspx
SSF Goal: Establish Roosevelt University as a leader in sustainability education among urban universities by investing in sustainability-related academic programs.
ISP Goals: Ensure that students have ample opportunities to learn about and experience social justice and civic engagement (p. 1); offer more continuing and professional education programs (p. 4).
Date Revised: Jan. 13, 2016
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
(1) Inventory sustainability-related courses across university (Spring 2015, done).
(2) Expand Sustainability Studies undergraduate program and strengthen ties to other departments (2015-17).
(3) Create an academic center for sustainability that connects faculty and students across disciplines and fosters curricular innovation, research, educational outreach, and service/experiential learning initiatives (Roosevelt Urban Sustainability Lab created, Fall 2015).
(4) Expand sustainability pedagogy and learning outcomes throughout the university curriculum (2015-2020).
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
Michael Bryson, Director and Professor of Sustainability Studies; and Environmental Sustainability Committee Education and Outreach action group
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
Roosevelt's Strategic Sustainability Plan (2015) articulates a comprehensive and detailed set of goals, strategies, and timelines for all sustainability-related initiatives, including research and scholarship (pp. 9, 14-15). Research is also addressed in RU's Institutional Strategic Plan (2013), p. 1.
SSP Goal: Encourage and support research on sustainability, science, and policy that supports RU mission and fosters sustainable urban development and environmental justice.
Date Revised: Jan. 13, 2016
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):
(1) Connect faculty (and student) research interests and projects to needs of local communities through service learning courses, applied research, and grant-writing in collaboration with various RU partners: Policy Research Collaborative, Mansfield Institute, Loundy project, etc. (2015-20).
(2) Inventory sustainability-related faculty research across university (Fall 2015, done).
(3) Develop a mechanism for faculty and students to conduct research on significant community problems (Policy Research Collaborative created Fall 2014; Roosevelt Urban Sustainability Laboratory launched Fall 2015).
Date Revised: Jan. 13, 2016
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
Michael Bryson, Director and Professor of Sustainability Studies; and Environmental Sustainability Committee Education and Outreach action group
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
Roosevelt's Strategic Sustainability Plan (2015) articulates a comprehensive and detailed set of goals, strategies, and timelines for all sustainability-related initiatives, including campus engagement (pp. 9, 14-15).
SSP Goal: Create a sustainability-minded culture and conservation ethic among students, staff, and faculty.
Date Revised: Jan. 13, 2016
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
(1) Develop co-curricular sustainability-themed activities for students, including basic sustainability literacy for orientation (2015-17).
(2) Educate staff on energy conservation, recycling, and other green initiatives (2015-2020).
(3) Expand and update the Roosevelt University Green Campus website (http://www.roosevelt.edu/greencampus), which educates the RU community and visitors on sustainable practices and provides links to tools to measure carbon footprints and a venue for sustainability news though its blog.
Date Revised: Jan. 13, 2016
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
Michael Bryson, Director and Professor of Sustainability Studies; and Environmental Sustainability Committee Education and Outreach action group
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
Roosevelt's Strategic Sustainability Plan (2015) articulates a comprehensive and detailed set of goals, strategies, and timelines for all sustainability-related initiatives, including public engagement (pp. 9, 14-15).
SSP Goal: Develop strong partnerships with local organizations to advance sustainable urban development, sustainability literacy, and environmental/social justice.
Date Revised: Jan. 13, 2016
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
(1) Collaborate with environmental organizations, public/educational institutions, and local communities to expand experiential/service-learning opportunities for students (2015-20).
(2) Foster collaboration among RU entities such as Mansfield Institute, Policy Research Collaborative, SENCER science education courses, Joseph Loundy Project, and the proposed Center for Sustainability (2015-16).
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
Michael Bryson, Director and Professor of Sustainability Studies; and Environmental Sustainability Committee Education and Outreach action group
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:
Roosevelt's Strategic Sustainability Plan (2015) articulates a comprehensive and detailed set of goals, strategies, and timelines for all sustainability-related initiatives, including improving air quality and mitigating climate change (pp. 8 and 13).
SSP Goal: Use AASHE STARS or similar evaluation system to assess indoor air quality and descrease GHG emissions.
Date Revised: Jan. 13, 2016
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
(1) Continue membership in the USEPA Green Power Partnership Program thru purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs).
(2) Maintain AASHE STARS or similar evaluation program for 5 years.
(3) Complete a Climate Action Plan by 2019.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):
Paul J. Matthews, Assistant Vice President of Planning and Operations; and Environmental Sustainability Committee Climate and Energy action group
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:
Roosevelt's Strategic Sustainability Plan (2015) articulates a comprehensive and detailed set of goals, strategies, and timelines for all sustainability-related initiatives, including improving the operations and efficiency of our buildings (pp. 8 and 13).
SSP Goal: Use USGBC (LEED) and SERF assessment systems as basis for evaluating building processes.
Date Revised: Jan. 13, 2016
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
(1) Chicago Campus to be SERF Certified in 5 years.
(2) Continue the “Greening” of the Schaumburg Campus over the next 5 years.
(3) Maintain Green Campus Princeton Review Recognition annually.
(4) Maintain memberships in USGBC and SERF. Roosevelt has committed to building or remodeling to USGBC LEED standards and supports SERF certification for all buildings by 2018. Installation of Phase 1, automated control of HVAC equipment, completed in December, 2014. Upon completion in 2018, automation will save to 87,000 kWh energy annually, reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by 60 metric tons. Upgrades to automation systems at the Auditorium Theatre and Building will also save energy. Installation of lighting motion sensors in all offices and classrooms is in progress, as well as adding smart power strips for computers. Upon completion in 2016, 12,900 kWh energy will be saved annually, reducing GHGs by another 8.9 metric tons. The replacement of LEDs in all exit and safety signs will reduce electricity use by 50%, and more with LED parking lighting upgrades.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):
Paul J. Matthews, Assistant Vice President of Planning and Operations; and Environmental Sustainability Committee Climate and Energy action group
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
Roosevelt's Strategic Sustainability Plan (2015) articulates a comprehensive and detailed set of goals, strategies, and timelines for all sustainability-related initiatives, including improving the operations and sustainability of our Food Systems and Dining Services (pp. 10 and 16).
SSP Goal: Start (a) sustainable, local food business(es) at RU which supports hands-on education and social justice mission by 2016.
Date Revised: Jan. 13, 2016
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
(1) Research local food opportunities and identify two approaches which provide a return on investment in 2015-16, create a plan to raise funds and implement in 2016-17.
(2) Continue expanding RU's community garden (Schaumburg Campus) and rooftop gardent (Chicago Campus) to increase student/staff participation and food production for dining center (2015-17).
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Maria Cancilla (SUST student) and Sarah Tag (SUST alumni), Action Group Leaders; and Environmental Sustainability Committee Waste and Natural Resources action group
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:
Roosevelt's Strategic Sustainability Plan (2015) articulates a comprehensive and detailed set of goals, strategies, and timelines for all sustainability-related initiatives, including energy conservation (pp. 8 and 13).
SSP Goal: Reduce energy usage by 10% in 5 years.
Date Revised: Jan. 13, 2016
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
(1) Retro commissioning of the AUD/WB Building complex and Schaumburg Campus thru funding provided based on prescriptive and custom Energy Utility Programs; equipment replacement or upgrades will be decided on rates of return (payback) for implementation.
(2) Continue the Retrofit Chicago Program for the Auditorium Building for 5 years. Capture energy usage with USEPA Energy Management Portfolio.
(3) Create an Energy Management Plan.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):
Paul J. Matthews, Assistant Vice President of Planning and Operations; and Environmental Sustainability Committee Climate and Energy action group
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:
Roosevelt's Strategic Sustainability Plan (2015) articulates a comprehensive and detailed set of goals, strategies, and timelines for all sustainability-related initiatives, including the maintenance and ecological restoration of campus grounds (pp. 10 and 16).
SSP Goals: (1) Expand community and rooftop gardening opportunities at the Chicago Campus Wabash Building by 2015-16 (in progress). (2) Continue prairie restoration and landscape redevelopment process at the Schaumburg Campus (2015-2020).
Date Revised: Jan. 14, 2016
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):
(1.) Continue to expand prairie and native plant restoration efforts at the Schaumburg Campus.
(2.) Continue to engage in certifications and national green recognition through landscape redevelopment plans at the Schaumburg Campus, e.g., Tree Campus USA, Arboretum, Certified Wildlife Habitat (2015-2020).
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):
Paul J. Matthews, Assistant Vice President of Planning and Operations; and Environmental Sustainability Committee Climate and Energy action group
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
Roosevelt's Strategic Sustainability Plan (2015) articulates a comprehensive and detailed set of goals, strategies, and timelines for all sustainability-related initiatives, including purchasing practices (pp. 11 and 17).
SSP Goal: Formalize a University Green Purchasing policy within 3 years.
Date Revised: Jan. 14, 2016
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
(1) Review all current and potential university vendors with future Office of Sustainability and Purchasing Office on green practices.
(2) Create green vendor commitment and review program (2015-2018 timeframe).
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
Graham Pickren, Assistant Professor of Sustainability Studies; and Environmental Sustainability Committee Economics and Governance action group
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:
Roosevelt's Strategic Sustainability Plan (2015) articulates a comprehensive and detailed set of goals, strategies, and timelines for all sustainability-related initiatives, including transportation (pp. 8 and 13).
SSP Goals: Implement DIVVY Bike and Alternate Fuels Vehicle Programs
Date Revised: Jan. 14, 2016
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
(1) University discount to annual DIVVY Bike membership program commencing 2015.
(2) As vehicles reach end of life cycle, purchase alternative fuel vehicles and install refueling stations if and when needed to encourage community implementation, added funding by IL DCEO.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):
Paul J. Matthews, Assistant Vice President of Planning and Operations; and Environmental Sustainability Committee Climate and Energy action group
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:
Roosevelt's Strategic Sustainability Plan (2015) articulates a comprehensive and detailed set of goals, strategies, and timelines for all sustainability-related initiatives, including waste reduction and recycling (pp. 10 and 16).
SSP Goal: Advance recycling and composting efforts University-wide to achieve 50% overall diversion rate by the end of 2015.
Date Revised: Jan. 14, 2016
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
(1) Engage a student-led recycling team for a gap analysis, recommendations and promotion to improve recycling and upcycling at Wabash and also to connect RU with outside recycling sources that offer return on investment.
(2) Engage student-led recycling team to research and recommend an on-site composting solution for both Wabash and Schaumburg campuses.
Note: Achieved 46% paper waste diversion at Chicago Campus and 28% at Schaumburg in 2014. 100% of e-waste is recycled currently. 80% of food waste at Wabash Dining Center is composted. Baseline statistics on recycling/diversion rates allow us to track progress annually.
Date Revised: Jan. 14, 2016
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):
Rebecca Quesnell, Sustainable Operations Coordinator, Dept of Physical Resources; and Environmental Sustainability Committee Waste and Natural Resources action group
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:
Roosevelt's Strategic Sustainability Plan (2015) articulates a comprehensive and detailed set of goals, strategies, and timelines for all sustainability-related initiatives, including water usage and conservation (pp. 10 and 16).
SSP Goal: Raise awareness of water conservation to students, faculty and staff on campus and implement an on-going promotional program in 2015-16 and beyond
(1) Create a water awareness marketing campaign to promote feature water-saving technology and promote a change of habits.
(2) Research opportunities to capture rainwater and use for irrigation at Schaumburg Campus.
Date Revised: Jan. 14, 2016
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
Roosevelt University tracks all energy and water use data via the EPA Energy Star Portfolio Manager System. In 2014, the City of Chicago mandated use of this tool to compare resource use of comparable buildings and promote efficiency. Results will be made public. Currently, the Auditorium and Wabash buildings are showcased for their effective water conservation practices.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):
Rebecca Quesnell, Sustainable Operations Coordinator, Dept of Physical Resources; and Environmental Sustainability Committee Waste and Natural Resources action group
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
Roosevelt's Strategic Sustainability Plan (2015) articulates a comprehensive and detailed set of goals, strategies, and timelines for all sustainability-related initiatives, including those impacting diversity and affordability (pp. 9, 14-15). Diversity is also addressed in RU's Institutional Strategic Plan (2013), pp. 2-3.
SSF Goal: Sustain RU's historic legacy of opportunity and access for diverse students.
ISP Goals: Renew a commitment to adult degree completion and transfer students throughout our communities. Increase representation by women and minorities in faculty and administration.
Date Revised: Jan. 14, 2016
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
(1) Expand social justice / transformational service learning opportunities across the curriculum for all students (2015-17).
(2) Recruit a diverse student body, especially from minority and low-income groups, for sustainability, environmental, science, and policy majors.
(3) Increase scholarship and financial aid support for low-income students.
(4) Improve quality of life for faculty and staff by enhancing professional development, creating competitive compensation and benefits programs, and strengthening recognition programs.
Date Revised: Jan. 14, 2016
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
Offices of Admission and Financial Aid
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:
Roosevelt's Strategic Sustainability Plan (2015) articulates a comprehensive and detailed set of goals, strategies, and timelines for all sustainability-related initiatives, including those focused on health and wellbeing (pp. 11 and 17).
SSP Goals: Coordinate health and well-being programs with HR and Student life:
(1) Promote health and well-being through HR, consolidating programs together in an easy format and offering incentives to faculty, staff, and students to participate and track progress.
(2) Increase stairwell, fitness center, nature walk and alternate transit use by all members of the community.
Date Revised: Jan. 14, 2016
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
Work with HR Office to assess health of student body and workforce. Develop evaluation systems for signage, health educational programs, and student/staff levels of usage of healthy activities (2016-20).
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
Human Resources Office.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
Roosevelt's Strategic Sustainability Plan (2015) articulates a comprehensive and detailed set of goals, strategies, and timelines for all sustainability-related initiatives, including those focused on investment (pp. 11 and 17).
SSP Goal: Create a single funding account for sustainable activities at Roosevelt University within 5 years.
Date Revised: Jan. 14, 2016
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
Over the next five years: (1) Explore and secure funding sources for the Office of Sustainability, incentive programs, and other sustainability projects.
(2) Maintain existing memberships and secure new memberships with organizations providing access to grants or rebates relating to sustainability and energy efficiency.
Date Revised: Jan. 14, 2016
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
Paul J. Matthews, Assistant Vice President of Planning and Operations; and Environmental Sustainability Committee Economics and Governance action group
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
Governance: Roosevelt's Strategic Sustainability Plan (2015) articulates a comprehensive and detailed set of goals, strategies, and timelines for all sustainability-related initiatives, including those focused on governance (pp. 11 and 17).
SSP Goals:
(1) Explore and secure funding sources for the Office of Sustainability, incentive programs, and other sustainability projects.
(2) Maintain existing memberships and secure new memberships with organizations providing access to grants or rebates relating to sustainability and energy efficiency.
Date Revised: Jan. 14, 2016
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
Office of Sustainability is created, staff, and legitimized within the administrative structure of the university by 2017.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
Paul J. Matthews, Assistant Vice President of Planning and Operations; and Environmental Sustainability Committee Economics and Governance action group
None
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
Sustainability is a paradigmatic 21st century issue, one that not only addresses issues of global importance -- climate change, biodiversity, food production, environmental justice -- but also impacts our everyday lives as citizens. Consequently, sustainability perfectly aligns with Roosevelt University’s historic educational identity and social justice
mission. What could be more worthy of a goal of our University than to make our community more environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable, starting with ourselves?
The “Three Es” of sustainability -- Environment, Economy, and Equity -- is a widely held conceptual framework for understanding the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability.
The model recognizes the complex interplay among environmental impacts, economic development, and social justice as we strive to create a more sustainable relationship with the natural world. It mandates a new way of understanding the processes of “progress” and “development,” whether at the local, national, or global level: sustainable
economic development must entail the conservation (rather than mere consumption) of natural resources and the enhancement (rather than degradation) of humans’ quality of life both now and for future generations.
As declared in 1987 by the United Nations' Brundtland Commission: "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It contains within it two key concepts: the concept of 'needs,' in particular the essential needs of the world's poor, to which overriding priority should be given, and the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment's ability to meet present and future needs."
None
Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
Yes
None
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
Roosevelt University completed a Sustainability Strategic Plan in Spring 2015 that addresses short and long-term sustainability initiatives targeting 1) education and outreach, 2) waste and natural resources, 3) economics and governance, and 4) climate and energy. This plan is fully congruent with the latest Institutional Strategic Plan (ISP) adopted by Roosevelt in 2013.
http://www.roosevelt.edu/About/StrategicPlan.aspx
None
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
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.